FACE Nepal > Frequently Asked Questions

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

FACE Nepal was developed specifically to combat the negative aspects of other volunteer aid organizations 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.
If requested it provides an overview of the cost accounting practices to each volunteer
FACE Nepal asks for no upfront payments until the commencement of your volunteer program in Nepal (exclusions only when major administration activities are involved).
FACE Nepal encourages sponsors to communicate directly with their funding recipients (children, schools, communities, etc).
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 (e.g. the Chairman and Advisory Group are selected and dismissed upon the feedback of the community).
Learn more about FACE Nepal

Where will I live?

From the time our volunteers arrive in Nepal until they complete their training they will live with a host family. Volunteers will be located in a rural or urban area subject to their program. In the house they will live as part of the family. They will have a private bedroom, but all other facilities will be shared. Also provided are two traditional Nepali meals each day and tea (chiya) twice daily.

How much do your volunteer programs cost?

Our volunteer program costs are very affordable. You can find them on our registration page.

How long can I volunteer for?

For a minimum of 2 weeks and maximum of 5 months. A volunteer's stay can be extended depending on the time of year they arrive - the maximum amount of time a visa for Nepal is given is for 5 months in a year so one can extend a program if arriving at the end of one year and staying into the next. 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 volunteer 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. Please also see the note above about visas. After your first period the cost of continuation is US$75 per 2 weeks.

Can I take a break to go trekking or sightseeing?

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

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 teach a group of students 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 in Kathmandu?

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 for FACE Nepal other than at the point of registration in Nepal.

Will someone in my placement speak English?

Yes, although 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. Our volunteers will always have a private bedroom and an internal power supply. In Nepal, the very rural locations have very fickle power and often weather dependent, so bring a flashlight. 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 advisable in Nepal in general to dress modestly with 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 often 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?

At least 2 weeks is desirable for volunteer programs and one month for project work. If you are already in Nepal and wish to spontaneously volunteer, please contact FACE Nepal directly to see what can be arranged. Please note that in the busy trekking season hotels in Kathmandu get booked up so more notice is required to ensure that rooms are available.

How do I get a visa for Nepal?

A visa can be obtained when you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu. 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. If you want to avoid queues at the airport you can apply for your visa in your home country.

PLEASE NOTE: ATM's do not always work at the airport so you must bring enough cash with you for the visa. American $ and sterling are accepted.

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 also the most native and cultural group to work with, you will find it easy to adapt and live as they do.

What should I bring?

You can buy most things in Kathmandu very cheaply. The astrix * below represents things you can buy here. 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. Our FACE Nepal representative who meets you at the airport will help you to buy any items you need.

* Sleeping Bag (and liner)	* Clothes	*Personal medical needs
* Mosquito Net	* Torch	* Hygiene products
* Sandals	Sleeping attire (recommended)	*English books (available for purchase only in tourist areas)
Ear plugs (to assist sleeping in noisy areas)	Any desired fitness or sporting equipment	Water purification tablets (boiling water or buying mineral water is an alternative option)
Information on your home country (if teaching)	A small gift for your host family (it is a cultural gesture of goodwill)

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 can 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 that you contact your local medical specialist before traveling.

What work will I do during my time as a volunteer with FACE Nepal?

That depends on the program you have decided to register with. There are educational options (Teaching Eglish,IT,etc), environmental work, orphanages, construction and development, health, as well as our full cooperation if you feel you have something to offer in a custom designed program.

What have been the experiences of past volunteers working with you?

Check out the testimonials page to read about the experiences of our past volunteers.

For more information please view our Brochure.