Volunteer Name: Nicholas Hunsaker
Project Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Volunteered at: Disabled School and Orphanage
Volunteer Nepal
How were the local Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
The in-country support provided was more than sufficient. I always felt that I could go to my Local Coordinator with any questions or concerns. I never felt lost or unsupported throughout my experience in Nepal.
What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?
Teaching at the disabled school as the main teacher (as opposed to an assistant teacher) surprised me. I expected to be helping with teaching, not actually teaching on my own.
What was most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?
Teaching at the disabled school was the most difficult thing I experienced in Nepal but it was also a great experience.
Volunteering in Nepal
Any tips for future volunteers….. (clothing, travel information, packing, sightseeing, donations)
As far as donations go, it seems to me that bringing money would be better than bringing supplies. I think that if volunteers bring money and then carefully choose where/who to donate it to, then that would be the best option. Also doing the language immersion program would have made things on more smoothly at the school.
Other things volunteers should know:
Stick with local cuisine unless you are in a very touristy area like Thamel. I had many horrific attempts at western food in local restaurants.
Personal Paragraph ( Volunteer Program Testimonial):
Overall my experience in Nepal was an eye-opening one. Everything is different here, from food, to culture, to means of transportation, to entertainment. I think my experience made me more mature in many ways. I will always remember my experience in Nepal as one of the great adventures of my life.
How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?
The accommodation was great, better than some hotels that we stayed in. Although it was a bit hot, so I ended up buying a Fan for my room. The meals were delicious and filling (especially dinner). I felt very secure throughout my stay.
What was your favorite memory of this trip?
My favorite memory of this trip would probably be taking all of the kids at the orphanage to the arcade. I loved going to arcades as a kid, so it felt great to share part of my childhood experience with the children.
How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? ( emails, website, support) Was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?
Would be nice to know about the daily temperatures in the area prior to landing there.
ABV: volunteers need to make there own research about basic information of the country
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?
Yes, but I’m not great at staying in touch so people might get extremely delayed responses.