Volunteer & Teach English in Nepal: Community Help, Disaster Relief & More

From its sweeping views of the Himalayas to its charming villages and golden temples, Nepal gets your attention at every glance — and entices you to stay. If you want to go and help out this great country, you can do your part by volunteering. Here’s all you need to know to volunteer in Nepal:

Things to Know Before You Volunteer in Nepal

Sandwiched between China and India, Nepal is a landlocked nation known for Mount Everest. Mount Everest is known as Sagarmatha to most Nepalis and Chomolungma to Tibetans.

The country’s welcoming people, gorgeous nature and abundance of historical and cultural sites make it a prime destination for travelers and volunteers alike. This is also where Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born (in the gardens of Lumbini).

Never colonized, Nepal is a fiercely proud country with a culture that’s distinctly it’s own. Come ready to experience it.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

From the cities to the countryside and mountainous areas, there are many places to volunteer in Nepal. Here are five:

1. Teach English in Nepal

Being able to speak English opens up great career opportunities for young people in Nepal, like jobs in tourism, which plays a major role in the economy. Unfortunately, many schools don’t have the resources to properly educate students in the language. Fill that gap as an English teaching volunteer. You can even teach monks English at a monastery.

Featured Program: Plan My Gap Year

Plan My Gap Year (PMGY) hosts an excellent English teaching program in Nepal. You live with a host family in Kathmandu or Chitwan, and teach English at a local community education center during mornings and afternoons. Teaching and playing games with children is truly a ton of fun.

Founded in 2011, PMGY is an award-winning volunteer organization known for its affordable volunteer projects. This specific program lasts between two and 12 weeks, with fees starting at just $624.

2. Community Development in Nepal

Poverty is still widespread in Nepal, especially in rural communities. Such areas require more resources to take action and solve big problems. You can be a part of the answer when you volunteer in Nepal in a community development program. From building health clinics and schools to establishing strategies for sustainable development and greater economic opportunity, you can help communities across Nepal get on the path to a brighter future.

Featured Program: International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ)

IVHQ’s construction and renovation program focus on assistance in the health care and education sectors. Held in and around numerous areas, including Chitlang, Pokhara, and Chitwan, this is a great program for those looking to get their hands dirty and see something great materialize from their hard work.

Since 2007, IVHQ has focused on sustainable, responsible volunteer projects. This specific program lasts one to 12 weeks, with prices starting at $250.

3. Disaster Relief in Nepal

In April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. It killed nearly 9,000 people, injured 22,000 and left roughly 3 million requiring assistance. Though much progress has been made, more work remains. Ensure those impacted by this disaster can secure a better future by participating in a disaster relief project.

Featured Program: Projects Abroad

If you’re looking for a tangible way to make a difference, Projects Abroad’s building program in Nepal is for you! You’ll help rebuild schools damaged or destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. Your work will help create a safe space for children to learn, providing them with a firm foundation for their education.

You don’t need previous skills to join, and you’ll work closely with local builders who will teach you everything you need to know to do the work. Projects Abroad has an in-country staff that is available 24/7 to support and guide you. Prices start from $2,070 for one week. Learn more here.

4. Health Care Services in Nepal

The poorest areas in Nepal suffer from a lack of medical resources to adequately treat people. Geographic and infrastructure challenges only worsen the issue. Supply medical assistance to those who need it most by being a medical volunteer in Nepal.

Featured Program: Love Volunteers

Live in a volunteer house near the town of Bhaktapur in Kathmandu as you work closely with Nepalese doctors and nurses at health camps, providing health care services to the country’s most vulnerable communities. This program offered by Love Volunteers is great for anyone, especially pre-med students.

Founded in 2009, Love Volunteers stays true to its commitment to cost-effective, sustainable volunteering. This specific program lasts from one to 12 weeks, with fees starting at just $329.

5. Environmental Conservation in Nepal

Nepal’s dramatic landscape and ancient traditions create quite a visual experience. The country is home to amazing and endangered wildlife, including the red panda, Bengal tiger, and snow leopard. Support efforts to preserve the wonderful environment and wildlife when you volunteer in Nepal.

Featured Program: Frontier

Frontier operates environmental conservation projects across Nepal, including areas like the Godavari, Chitwan, and Pokhara. The goal is to raise local environmental awareness, build community green spaces and implement initiatives to conserve surrounding nature.

Frontier runs over 400 projects worldwide. If you want to explore local culture as you volunteer in Nepal, their programs are a great choice, and even offer you time to study the language. This specific program costs $695 and lasts two weeks (you can add on more weeks if desired).

Have an Awesome Experience as a Volunteer in Nepal

You have many ways to apply your skills and knowledge as a volunteer in Nepal, whether it’s working with children or assisting at an animal rescue center. As long as you take some time to search, you can find a dream program that suits your budget and passion. And you’ll be on your way to Nepal!