Home stays and cultural exchange programs are a fantastic way to get more out of a trip to Nepal and can be arranged in most areas of Nepal with our 30 host families. Participants will be placed with a Nepali family in a small rural village for the duration of their stay. This provides the volunteers with an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the depth of all aspects of Nepali culture, lifestyle, language, food and people. Volunteers should remember that this is a cultural exchange and that an effort to offer some knowledge of their own home culture and customs to the family with whom they stay is appreciated. The best time to come is between August and December, the time when most large local festivals take place resulting in an overall more exciting experience.

During their stay, volunteers will attend 2 hours of language lessons in the morning and in the afternoon. They will also have the opportunity to visit and help out at the local school. Home stay programs are best organized from August to December which is the time when most large local festivals take place. This makes for an overall more exciting experience for the volunteer. Nepali culture is distinctively friendly and open and participants are made to feel as though they are part of the family. VCD Nepal local co-coordinator will be on hand to help volunteers.

Requirements: No specific Requirements needed.

Program Dates: Are very flexible, the minimum time for the program is 1 week and the maximum length of stay is 5 months.

Suggestions: Since it is a cultural exchange volunteers can bring along things relevant to their culture, and pictures of their family and where they live.

Meals: Breakfast occurs at 6:30 am and consists of a cup of tea and biscuits or pop corn. Lunch is served at 9:30 am and is usually dal/bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables). Dinner is at 6:30 to 7:00 pm and is once more Dal/Bhat. The food is very simple but also extremely tasty and filling. Additional food such as cookies can be bought at the local shop if you should still be hungry.

Accommodation: simple room with beds.

Locations: Kathmandu, Chitwan, Dhulikhel, Godawari, Pokhara (If needed we can arrange placement all over Nepal).