Nepal Training

Training takes place during the first 8 days of the volunteers' arrival in Nepal. It will be divided into two phases, two days for the first phase and six days for the second phase which is held at a local village. For very short-term volunteers, training will take place over a few days.

Phase One: The first two days will be spent with other volunteers in accommodation in Kathmandu area. During this time volunteers will be provided with six hours of training per day. The training will include:

• Introduction to VSN programs
• Discussion about current placements available
• Introduction to VSN's Code of Conduct, program rules and volunteer responsibilities
• Language tuition
• An introduction to Nepali culture
• An overview of Nepal's political situation
• Tips on personal health and safety
• Morning tea and lunch

Phase Two - This is an orientation into Nepali village life to prepare volunteers for the period of their village placement. The volunteer group will move to a local village where they will be divided into pairs. While continuing their Nepali language classes, volunteers will live with local families, eating traditional Nepalese food, observing the village culture and getting a general feel for the village lifestyle. During this time volunteers will practice teaching in the school and prepare for their community placement.

The training time is prepared for individual requirements to suit the period of time you will be volunteering. Upon completion of both phases of training, and once you have been given and settled into your placement, volunteers have to option of having a break. During this time volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of Nepal's natural beauty by going trekking, rafting, visiting wildlife parks etc. There are no strict rules when it comes to breaks in the volunteer program, if volunteers wish to take time away from their placement at any stage, this can be arranged.

When volunteers return from their break they will be sent to their placement.