Having read the selection Tip Sheet, how do I know that FACE Nepal is honest?

FACE Nepal was developed specifically to combat the negative items outlined in the Tip Sheet. FACE Nepal :

•  Has an independent Voluntary Board of Directors scrutinizing the activities of the organization.

•  Has a mixed gender and caste Voluntary Advisory Board that develops all Annual Community Development Plans, approves project investments and audits funding recipients.

•  Provides an overview of the cost accounting practices to each volunteer as part of their orientation training.

•  FACE Nepal asks for no upfront payments until the commencement of your course (exclusions only when major administration activities are involved).

•  FACE Nepal encourages sponsors to communicate directly with their funding recipients.

•  FACE Nepal has a reputable outsourced accounting practice auditing all cost and reporting practices.

•  FACE Nepal encourages volunteer feedback to all levels of the organization.

•  FACE Nepal is directly accountable to the community i.e. the Chairman and Advisory Group are selected and dismissed upon the feedback of the community.

Where will I live?

From the time you arrive until you complete your training you will live in a host family and during placement you will live with a host family. You will be located in a rural or urban area subject to your program. In the house you will live as part of the family. You will have your own private bedroom but all other facilities will be shared. You will have Nepali food.

How much does it cost?

Link to costs

How long can I volunteer for?

For a volunteer program the minimum plan is 2 weeks, which enables a training allowment within your stay. You may stay as long as you wish. If you wish to volunteer for less than two weeks you may contact FACE Nepal to see if there are any appropriate locations where you can offer support without any prior training. 

Can I stay longer, if so how much will it cost?

While you are in the placement you may decide to extend your stay. If you do so you must notify FACE Nepal at least one week before departure so that they can ensure your accommodation and your program may be extended. After your first period the cost of continuation is US$75 per month.

Can I take a break to go trekking or sightseeing?

Yes. It is advisable to give FACE Nepal 2 weeks notice of any desired leave so that any necessary placements cover can be arranged in your absence. Alternatively we will gladly incorporate anything into your program at the application phase.

How will I teach without knowing Nepali?

During the training period you will be taught a basic level of Nepali language including classroom directions. In a school you will be accompanied by a teacher until you are fully confident to take a group alone. In a community group or special project someone will be on hand to assist you with translation if you feel it necessary.

Will someone collect me from the airport?

Yes. Please advise FACE Nepal of your arrival details and they will meet you at the airport with a placard. Feel free to ask for identification. No money is ever given to FACE Nepal until your formal registration in the office. Your transportation to the Guest House will be paid for so no cash is required other than at the point of registration.

Will someone in my placement speak English?

Yes, though the English capability may be 'intermediate' level only. If you are concerned by the lack of potential English conversation please specify this in your application and we will ensure you are placed with a high level English speaker or another volunteer.

What will my living conditions be like and what access to facilities will I have?

The living conditions vary by placement. You will always have a private bedroom and an internal power supply. In the very rural locations the power is fickle and often weather dependent, so bring a torch. In the urban areas or care centers your standard of living will include bathroom facilities with access to toilets and showers but rural host stays have squat toilets and pump washing facilities. Clothes washing will be by hand. If your rural host family does not have a phone one will be in an adjacent village. Internet access will be available at the nearest regional centre.

The standard of your living conditions will be determined based on your specified preference and capability.

As a woman, what issues can I expect?

Most host families will treat you as an equal (as you are granted the same level of respect as the men being a volunteer). In most cases you will have no issues but it is advised to dress modestly, no shoulders or legs exposed until you get to know the attitudes of your host family. You will need to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. In some instances you may find you are served your meal after the father has eaten and you may notice that the mother usually eats last.

Can I volunteer with my friend/spouse and will we live together?

Yes, but you will need to advise us in advance so that we can arrange for appropriate host facilities. It is quite appropriate for you to stay with your spouse and many host families will feel more comfortable accepting you in this capacity.

How much warning do I need to give FACE Nepal before wanting to start?

2 weeks is desirable for volunteer programs and one month for project work. If you are already in Nepal and wish to start immediately please contact FACE Nepal directly to see what can be done.

How do I get a visa for Nepal ?

A visa can be obtained at the arrival airport. You will need to bring a passport photo and some cash to pay the fees. You will also need to bring the details of your volunteer organization, including the name and address, to specify on your documentation.

What is the caste system and how will it affect me?

Nepal operates under a caste structure which in simple terms means that by birth-right each family is assigned a caste, or social category. The societal respect given to a person is generally subject to the status of each caste. In your placement you will be living with a " Brahmin " family, which is the highest caste. This is necessary to ensure you are considered with sufficient respect to carry weight in a classroom. In our volunteer program we endeavor to eliminate caste references but in the rural areas we still must work within the system. If you are placed in a ' Tharu' village, which is a lower caste, but in fact the most native and cultural group to work with, you will simply live as they do.

What should I bring?

You can buy most things in Kathmandu very cheap. The astrix * below represents things you can buy here. As part of your induction women will need to buy some local attire. Due to the poverty levels over here it is best to leave your expensive valuables such as jewelry at home. Theft is not high but it happens occasionally. More common is personal resentment to large displays of wealth.

What should I wear?

Men can wear almost anything but in traditional areas shorts are not recommended and singlets are not worn. Unless laboring, the men usually wear t-shirts even in the high heat.

Women can wear anything in the cities (but singlets and shorts/mini skirts are not common). In the traditional areas women wear a koota or sari and a lunge for washing, which you will get made upon arrival (costs approx. US$8.00). In traditional areas women cover themselves from neck to ankle. Your host family will advise you what is appropriate in their area.

What medication/vaccinations should I take?

We recommend you to contact your local medical specialist before traveling.