Training programme

Upon their arrival, volunteers are provided with 3 days to a week of training in two phase (City and Village) depending on their length of program.  This is a rigorous training program to introduce you to Nepali culture, understand enough Nepali language to function in a village where few English speakers live, and prepare you for the possibility of living in a home with very basic facilities.

First Phase of training :
We will pick you up at the airport and take you to a hotel where you can meet with other volunteers and share their experiences. During these 3 to 4 days you will be participating in the following activities:

• 2 to 3 hours basic Nepali language per day
• Cultural information / safety issues
• Discussion of placement
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu
• Newari and Nepali dinners
• Shopping opportunities

The class size ranges from one to three students, so you receive a lot of personal attention.  Lunch and dinner will be organized for you by INFO. INFO will also coordinate a few sightseeing and shopping opportunities. Please note, your day will be full - if you want to do extensive sightseeing in Kathmandu we recommend that you arrive in Nepal a few days early to enable enough time to visit the area before training begins. 

Second phase training:
After few days in Kathmandu you will be taken one of our training village in Sanga or Dhulikhel, on the outskirts of the Valley.  There you will spend between 1-2 nights living with a traditional Nepali family.  You will get a chance to hike, visit the local school, help the family in their daily tasks, and eat traditional Nepali food.  You will also become accustomed to living in basic conditions (no Western toilet, no shower per se, no internet or television...), a skill you will need to have developed for your placement.

Accommodation and Food: you will receive your breakfast and lunch. Depending on availability, during training you will either have a single room, or you may share a room with a same-sex volunteer with hot water shower and western style toilets. Your meals will be Nepali style Dal Bhaat, with the Volunteer Home Family.

Upon completion of this training, volunteers may have one day in Kathmandu before they are taken to their placement villages. You may wish to take a break for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation at this time. If you wish to have a break between your training and placement, please let INFO know as soon as possible.