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Child Care, Sports & Teaching - Nepal - Volunteer reviews
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Jessica - 2012
"Thank you again, and everyone at PoD, for all your help and for the most amazing experience."
"I started my project at 10 o'clock each day at the Street Kids Centre. During the mornings I ran lessons such as Math, English and spelling, setting work for the children who were all at different standards. At 1 o'clock I'd go and meet another volunteer for lunch and prepare for the afternoon. We both went back to the Street Children in the afternoon where we would have lots of fun doing crafts, face painting, balloon modelling, bubbles, clay modelling, teaching new songs and games, playing lots of football and UNO. At night we tended to eat out most of the time as it was very cheap and good value for money. What I found most rewarding was when the children improved at their work and became more confident. There was one boy who hadn't yet started school and gradually he started to do work like the other children.
Everyone at PoD was very helpful both before the placement and all the help Philippa gave during my time in Nepal.
I would just like to say a big thank you for all your help. It was great to have someone to give me lots of advice and prepare me for my time in Nepal. I have had the best three weeks, and it feels very strange to be home now. PoD really is a great charity and will be sure to tell others about you. I loved it so much I'm already trying to plan my next trip, so hopefully will be booking with you again soon."
Nishma - 2011
"I loved that the children were welcoming and wanted you in their class, no matter what placement I was on the children would make so much effort to speak with you and they loved it when you spent time playing games, singing, dancing or whatever it is you can do. To see them smile and be happy that you are there with them was the best feeling!
I think people should volunteer abroad as it’s the most rewarding and unforgettable experience ever, it’s the best way to travel a country and live there too. You get to become a part of the community and locals, and meet people you wouldn't normally meet. It’s about living out of your comfort zone and putting yourself up to the challenge.
Whilst I was in Nepal I volunteered at Shree Krishna School for two months. Initially I found it was hard to settle in because of the lack of structure the school has, teachers tended to disappear and the Headmaster was hardly around! However I gave it time and remained positive about the placement, soon enough I really started enjoying it. The teachers are lovely once you get to know them even though it is hard to converse with them, the children make you feel welcome and at home. I gave it my all and did what I could to help the different classes. Eventually I started teaching my own classes that proved be an experience in itself, one to remember! All in all volunteering at Shree Krishna was definitely challenging but that is what made my experience unforgettable.
Alongside this I volunteered at the Street Children’s Centre and Asha Foundation Orphanage weekly. This was really fun as I got to bring out my creativity and enthusiasm working with the children. They are sensible smart kids and really enjoyed my time with them. Lastly towards the end of my two months I began teaching Bollywood dance to the Bahini SOS girls. The girls brought so much energy and enthusiasm that at times I could not keep up but they loved it and I enjoyed every minute teaching and dancing with them. They are all so talented, as a group and individually, I felt truly privileged to teach them.
Overall it has been a valuable experience, all the other volunteers were great, and living at Bindu’s was awesome it really felt like being at home! Philippa is great and want to thank her for her support during my time on the placement – I will definitely be volunteering with PoD again in the future."
If I was to give advice to others I would say just give it time and try your best. If teachers leave you behind follow them to find out what’s going on, do not shy away! Be confident and enjoy it!!"
Why did you choose PoD?
"It was really good value for money and the fact that it was a non-profit organisation."
Liz - 2011
"I really enjoyed my time in Nepal and particularly enjoyed volunteering with PoD. I found it was the perfect balance for me in terms of level of support and independent travel experience. It was great to be with a family but have the flexibility to spend time away from the home. It was extremely refreshing to be able to focus on teaching children away from the UK education system. The children and staff at the school were so responsive and enthusiastic. I loved it and would highly recommend it.
At my school we arrived at 10am following an interesting and varied bus journey from Lakeside. The children take part in a morning drill and then lessons begin around 10.15am. (All timings are quite flexible in Nepal!) We taught 4 different classes English and had taught all of the children in the school by 1.30pm. We then headed back on the bus. There was then time to get involved in some of the other projects and prepare lessons and resources for the following day.
Others should volunteer overseas because you gain perspective, meet some fantastic people and get to see amazing places. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture."
Abby - 2011
"I was lucky to be one of the first volunteers to go to Shree Divya Jyoti school. The whole placement was very rewarding. It's a lovely school. The children were keen to learn and embraced the new resources and teaching methods enthusiastically. It was great to see their reaction to the reading books we took to the school.
Don't be put off by the journey (it takes at least an hour to get there from Pokhara) because it's a very enjoyable and rewarding placement. The children are great and the English teacher is keen to work with and learn from volunteers who are teachers. I wish I could have spent more time there and would happily go back.
The bus journeys are never dull and actually quite a good way to see more of Pokhara, but it's good if there are 2 volunteers at the project together so you have a travel companion. It's a very small school (between 3 and 7 pupils per class) and lessons last around 45 minutes (in theory) so by lunchtime it's possible to have taught 4 classes and to have spent some time with the nursery children. Dev Laxmi, the English teacher, is very friendly and keen to learn new teaching methods from volunteers. As we were the first volunteers at this school she sat in on our lessons and took notes. The other teachers don't seem to speak much English but they are welcoming and friendly. The level of English comprehension amongst the children is quite low but they are keen and generally well behaved and with such small classes they are easy to manage. After school we spent time planning lessons and making resources for the next day.
I'd add that it's good to move away from the English text book that the school uses (which they seemed happy for me to do) and to focus on developing the children's skills (listening and speaking as well as reading and writing) by using other resources. The children responded really well when we did this. Also, if you want to get the most out of your placement check out the dates of the many holidays and festivals when the school is likely to be closed and be prepared to teach on Sundays so you can get the most out of your time. Be realistic about how much (or little) you can achieve if you are volunteering for a short period of time.
I chose PoD because unlike many of the other volunteering organisations I looked into, you are a not for profit company and I was looking for an organisation which took a responsible approach to volunteering in poor and developing countries. After reading up on your website and talking to Gemma I just had a good feeling about PoD. I would recommend PoD to others.
Just to mention that both Gemma in the UK and Philippa in Pokhara were great in terms of giving support and information. Thanks!"
Marilyn - 2011
“Nepal is a very scenic and diverse country and the Nepalese are very friendly and welcoming. I always felt safe within the country and the people are genuinely interested in you and where you come from and pleased that you are coming to volunteer. They are generous of spirit and very happy people despite their obvious poverty. The children are well behaved, if noisy, as they are used to learning by rote and actively encouraged to shout out the answers. (A little different from the UK and the concept of putting your hand up or being asked to answer individually is very foreign to them!) I felt well supported by POD and by especially by Philippa and I have made some good friends among the other volunteers. The mix of ages and experience was a positive advantage (this was the one thing I was worried about, being an older volunteer - I needn't have worried!) and Bindu's was lovely (Western style loo's were not mentioned in the booklet, but are also an advantage!) There is loads to do in Pokhara and I had a wonderful time. I would like to think that I have helped the children in some way, but I suspect that the experience has changed me more than them!
I was teaching Grades 6, 7 and 8 (there is a mix of ages in a class so ages 11 to 17). In the morning I helped the English teacher, reading the stories in English so that the children could get the right pronunciation. Their written and reading abilities are quite good, but verbally they have problems, because that is not assessed at the end of the year. I then taught Science in the afternoon, team teaching with the Science teacher. I felt my role there was to introduce different ways of teaching, as there is no practical equipment and Science was just taught from the book. Some days after school we would visit Asha or Street Kids in order to do Crafts with them.
It might have been useful to know the details of holidays beforehand ( not always easy as they seem to change with little notice!)
I think volunteering abroad gives you an understanding of the people country and problems faced which cannot easily be put on paper. I also feel that your job as a volunteer doesn't end when you finish the placement - In a way that is just the start! Be prepared to be flexible and enjoy it!”
Reta - 2011
“I am 58 years old and have worked or looked after my children from the age of 15 but have recently retired. I was looking for something fulfilling and challenging to do. I was keen to work with young children in a caring capacity. I don't have any formal childcare training but have worked in a voluntary position in Canada with children of abused mothers. Nepal is a place that sounded interesting to me so I applied at fairly short notice and was accepted. From the first contact with POD through to booking, traveling and arriving in Nepal everything went very smoothly. Philippa, POD co-ordinator in Nepal, was there to greet me from the bus in Pokhara and to settle me into my accommodation with a welcome dinner to meet other volunteers. I enjoyed my assignment working in Ward 6 very much. The lack of hygiene is an initial shock. There seems to be no understanding of cross contamination from toilet to kitchen to mouth. The children are not in clean clothing and they pee anywhere and quite often don't wear underwear. All this said, they are an absolute joy to be with! The teacher and carers are amazing and three of them plus a volunteer handle a mixed age group of children quite often up to 36 children at a time who seem to arrive at odd times through the school day. You realise how much work volunteers do in Nepal and without them the people would be much worse off. Be prepared for a lack of continuity, preparation, sometimes haphazard tuition. Also be prepared to have the best fun and fulfilling experience ever.
Most days start at 10am and the children are in the playground until about 1045. In for maybe a singsong in English and Nepalise popular rhymes. ABC's, counting and reading. Lunch is served to all the kids. They sit on the floor at long benches. Some of the children can't eat on their own so volunteers jump in to help here, you may need to feed two or three at a time. The lunch is served piping hot in tin bowls which are very hot to touch and it takes a while to cool down so be prepared for some burning their mouths and taking much longer to eat than others. Each child when they have finished their meal will take their bowl to the sink which is on the floor ready to be washed up. I helped to stack these and rinsed them off and wash the childrens hands again and wiped the dhall off their faces and clothes. The children then return to the main room to sleep on mats on the floor. They sleep for about an hour until 2 pm when they are collected by family, friends or volunteers. Most of the children sleep half naked so don't be surprised at this.
Getting to know the children and gaining their trust enough to have fun with them with most rewarding. It is lovely to walk into the school playground in the morning to have them run to you to say hi.
You have so much to offer, they need to learn English to increase their job opportunities, you only need a few word in Nepalise to get by. They can learn basic hygiene from you by watching what you do, e.g. washing your hands before eating and involving them in this procedure. Pokhara is a great place to be, lots to see and do. The food is amazing, I never had one bad meal in a month. The wine is usually dodgy so don't waste your money! The beer is served in huge bottles enough for two or three people from one bottle and very good. Try the fresh lemon tea or fresh ginger, excellent. Lots of lovely shopping opportunities and very reasonably priced.
I chose POD because the web site information was so clear. The staff are extremely helpful in the UK office and on site in Pokhara. I would recommend POD to others.”
Brogan - 2011
"My time in Nepal was amazing. The country is so beautiful and the locals are the friendliest people I've ever met. Philippa and Phil were so helpful and did everything they could to make you feel welcomed and at home. If you had any problems or issues they would always be there to help you out and the weekly meetings held by Philippa meant you could address any problems you had about settling in or with your placement and the whole team of volunteers would be there to help you.
I volunteered at Ward 6 and the staff there were so friendly. If you felt you could, they would give you complete freedom to teach or play with the children and introduce any new ideas you had. If, however, you preferred to integrate into their daily routine, they would include you in that and make you feel at home. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, the children are fantastic, completely enthusiastic and welcoming of new faces. The best thing about volunteering was the flexibility to visit other schools or orphanages as well as your regular placement. That way, I felt I had a more varied experience of life for the children in Nepal and got to spend more time with these amazing children. The whole volunteering team got together at least twice a week to visit a particular project which I thought was great fun! I really did have the most amazing experience in Nepal and met the most inspirational people, I couldn't have asked for a better experience and I would definitely recommend going with POD, they were there every step of the way to make sure all the volunteers felt comfortable and safe and made sure you were making the most of your time.
Volunteering gave me the opportunity to travel on my own and meet new people in a way I never have before. Volunteering really forces you to be confident and to have lots of fun and gives you a glimpse into a completely different lifestyle. The country is beautiful and the people you meet there will be friends forever.
I would definitely recommend POD to future volunteers. We met so many people in Nepal who went out with other charities to just be dumped and forgotten about. The POD team were there to help me out all the time and if I had any issues they would sort them out straight away. I choose POD because their projects seemed really worthwhile and I'm so glad I did.
Thank you to everyone who made my time in Nepal so special, I would definitely go again and hope to soon!"
Cian - 2011
"PoD are a no nonsense volunteer organisation looking to change lives, a lot of volunteer organisations out there are poorly regulated and spread out over hundreds of placements just to try and attract more people. PoD has a lot less placements but consequently is able to regulate them all excellently and put a lot more effort into each one.
I had an unforgettable time in Lakeside, Pokhara. The accommodation was spacious and comfortable, the family who run the hotel are all really lovely and friendly. Local support is excellent with Philippa and Phil both very easy to get hold of and both very nice, helpful people. The choice of placements is good and I very much enjoyed my time teaching the children at the centre for street children. Lakeside is awesome, the people are all friendly and there are loads of shops and restaurants to pass the time when you aren't on placement. The local extreme sports are all great fun and excellent value if you have the time/money, I went paragliding once and rafting twice. All three were incredible experiences.
Forget your inhibitions and just dive in! I was nervous about engaging in my role as teacher and figure of authority for a couple of days and I didn't really connect with the children until I did.
The part I found most rewarding was watching as the children progressed and being a part of it. One child was struggling with basic multiplication for a week until my final day when we cracked it, it was mint!"
Prayagha - 2011
“I volunteered in Nepal for three weeks, teaching at a primary school. It really was an amazing few weeks. The children are really appreciative and adorable. Nepal is a beautiful country, full of culture and filled with things to do. The placement was a life changing experience and I would recommend it to anyone looking to do a volunteer placement. PoD is an excellent organisation and the coordinators in Nepal take very good care of you and are always in touch with you while you are there.
I woke up around 8.30am and made my way to school at half nine. I would teach up until one and then meet the other volunteers for lunch. We'd then usually go shopping/sight seeing/relax in the hotel or go over to the street kids centre to play with them or help them out with their work. we'd then go out again for dinner as the food in Nepal is great and also very cheap.
By the end of my stay I'd managed to teach the kids how to do four digit subtraction with borrowing. I felt so proud and it was such a rewarding task.
When I first started the language barrier was difficult but after learning a few phrases and having other volunteers helping it made things a bit easier.
I would recommend anyone thinking about it to definitely give it a go. If you're going to do this placement make sure you love being around children.
I would definitely recommend PoD, they are well worth your money and are a very trusted organisation.”
Rebecca - 2011
“For me one of the great benefits on the Nepal placement was the variety that it offered. On my arrival there were six different projects that PoD had ties with and that required volunteers, this meant that I could choose those that suited my skills best and then devise a weekly schedule of visits. Due to this variety I was able to meet people of all ages, religions and backgrounds and was never for a second bored! Furthermore the support provided once I arrived was fantastic, the accommodation was a mixture between a hotel and a home-stay and Bindu’s family were so incredibly welcoming (and make the best Daal Bhat). Aside from the family, PoD also provide a Volunteer Coordinator, Philippa, and a Placement Coordinator, Phil, and between the two of them your every question/need/problem can be resolved!
I particularly think that value for money was excellent, so many organisations I looked at were charging almost double what I paid at PoD (and many were companies rather than non-profit organisations) so it was great to know that you can choose the less expensive, ethical option and still have excellent service and a great experience. Also I think the accommodation in Pokhara should be highlighted as a definate pro, the Dahal family were so welcoming and it was nice to have the mixture between a hotel and a home-stay.
My day varied throughout the week as I visited a different combination of placements each day however an average day would go thus... After having a lovely breakfast at Bindu’s I would head to the Child Care Centre for just before 10am (just a 5 minute walk from Bindu’s) on arrival we would play outside for the first hour with the children and then slowly start going (“bitra!”) inside. Indoors we would then do a mixture of songs (both English and Nepali) and games until it was time for lunch at about 1pm. After the children had gone to sleep I would head to Lakeside to catch a quick bite for lunch before walking up to visit the houses of Anju and Esther who are part of SCIAN (Spinal-cord Injury Association Nepal). I would spend about one to two hours with Anju and Esther, doing games and small language tasks and usually drinking a lot of tea! In the evenings I would usually eat with Bindu’s family though there were also plenty of lovely places in Lakeside.
I found visiting Anju and Esther most rewarding of all, it was such a nice contrast to go from 3year old children to meeting adults in their own homes and in a very non-tourist community. I found this part was most rewarding but equally the most challenging. The SCIAN home visits do put you out of your comfort zone slightly as you are in their home and with very little guidance from anyone else to follow. However in this situation I found it really rewarding to build up a relationship with them and spend time just doing small activities. The key was to not stress over the language and culture barriers and just go with the flow and as I learnt, learn when to say that you are going home or else you will never leave!
I would recommend that volunteers prepare, prepare, prepare! When you arrive you'll have a mental blank at activities to do (well I did anyway!) so make a note of songs, games, craft ideas anything you could do.
Everyone should volunteer abroad at least once, if for anything to gain a more accurate view of a culture and a society that you could never do as a tourist visiting for a few weeks. More than anything though to test yourself, I think its vital that people push themselves from their comfort zones and what better way than to volunteer.
I chose PoD because I wanted an organisation that had an ethical outlook whilst providing good support and experiences for their volunteers. I found that they did live up to those expectations and I am glad I chose them over other, more expensive, companies and I would definitely recommend them. I particularly felt it important that the projects they work with are not directly controlled by PoD but are instead locally founded projects which instead just gain PoD support. This gives PoD the unique balance of being a western organisation with transparency and responsibilities to its volunteers (which aids trust) whilst being, on the ground, locally driven.”
Tara - 2011
"I had a really, truly, wonderful time. The POD team was supportive throughout and I never felt scared or alone, Phil and Philippa in Nepal were amazing. Pokhara is a beautiful place and working with the kids was extremely rewarding. I chose PoD because they are a non profit organisation. I would definitely recommend PoD to others!
I was greeted by many warm smiles at the school, we would usually begin with some maths with a quick break before moving on to English, splitting the class between the volunteers in terms of level. The kids were always happy to see us although occasionally not so happy to see their textbooks. Lessons would end with some educational games. Sometimes the kids would end up teaching us things on their breaks- such as that time I was taught the dance to Resham Phiriri! Seeing the pupils really happy about being able to do a certain sum or learn a new word was the best!
I would recommend other volunteers to pack light! Eat lots of momos and don't be afraid to practice your Nepali with people- most of them appreciate the effort!
Why do you think others should volunteer abroad? Aside from doing good for a community, you learn a lot about yourself. Perhaps the greatest thing I learned is that just going for it and not doubting myself so much does really pay off. I don't think I came out of my placement a stronger person, or anything like that. I came out of it having realised how strong I could be and that I was capable of doing things by myself. My time in Nepal has really changed the way I see myself and I think that volunteering abroad is a positive experience for everyone in terms of learning about themselves."
Alice - 2011
"I really enjoyed my time in Nepal and am so glad that I did it through POD as they were extremely helpful and supportive the whole way. Nepal is such a beautiful and relaxed country and it was a pleasure to be able to volunteer there. I loved visiting the Street Children's Centre every morning to teach them whilst they were on their summer holidays and was amazed by their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, especially in their free time! I would definitely recommend Pokhara and POD to anyone considering volunteering.
I found all aspects of POD in Nepal very helpful, especially the help and support from Philippa whilst there.
Monday to Thursday mornings I would go out for breakfast with the other volunteers (usually for pancakes!) then walk up to the Street Children's Centre for 10 am. During my time in Nepal the Children were on their summer holidays so I would spend the morning teaching the children different subjects, usually a mixture or English, Maths and Science so that those behind in their classes could catch up before the next term of school started. I would also involve fun activities such as games or colouring to keep them entertained!
It was rewarding being able to teach the children one on one as they are unable to get this help in their big classrooms. This allowed me to teach the children a different method of approaching a difficult subject that allowed them to understand the problem better.
I would definitely encourage anyone to do this placement. It is so worthwhile and fulfilling! Seeing other volunteers starting at different times and entering different groups I would advice future volunteers to just give it their all and say yes to every opportunity whilst in Nepal!
I choose POD because they gave reasonable prices and provided a lot of information about the project and were very helpful in helping me decide whether volunteering was suitable for me. I would recommend POD to anyone considering volunteering."
Caroline - 2011
"I taught at Shree Krishna, a middle school in Nepal. The children there were fabulous, and clearly enjoyed having a volunteer at their school. The teachers I worked alongside were friendly and helpful. I also volunteered two evenings per week at the street Childrens' centre. That was really good fun - definitely make this a part of your volunteer teaching experience if you can. It's only 10 minutes up the road from where you'll be staying. The kids really enjoy your visits, and look forward to the next one. Taking along a game of some sort is a good idea, as they'll enjoy playing with you. It can be as simple as a skipping rope!
The accommodation was really comfortable. Having my own room and bathroom was a luxury! Bindu and her family are lovely, and it was both good value for money, and culturally, to eat dinner with them most evenings. Although the food in Pokhara itself is cheap, you sometimes can't beat a home cooked meal! With regards to taking resources with you, you can probably get most of what you need in the city centre. There's no need to bring paper, etc. Perhaps some stickers would be good, but I think you can get these in Pokhara, too! Just be prepared to get stuck in and enjoy your time in Nepal and volunteering. I managed to fit a few other things in while I was there. I did paragliding (great fun!), a five day trek, and factored in time at the end of my trip to really explore Kathmandu. There is always something to see at the weekends around Pokhara, if you enjoy looking at caves, temples, etc. Otherwise, chill out with a coffee by the lake! All in all, a great experience. Plus you get to see the Himalayas! They never failed to take my breath away on my walk to school when the clouds had cleared. Stunning!
It's cliché, I know, but there's no way you can experience a country culturally unless you really spend a good amount of time in one place. Working somewhere too allows you to get to know local people, visit them in their homes and really get an idea about what a place is like. It's a step up from just a holiday, that's for sure.
I chose PoD because there is more a feeling of independence. I didn't want to stay in a family, and staying at a hotel was ideal. There was a family there to interact with, but also a sense of independence, and as I'm a bit older than the average gap year person, this is what won me over. The price was also reasonable compared to other voluntary organisations."
Kerra - 2011
"My time in Nepal was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Nepal is a beautiful country with friendly people and lots of things to do. Pokhara is a great place to stay, there is lots to do during your free time and the lake and mountains are beautiful. Bindu and her family are welcoming and the accommodation is very comfortable. There are lots of resources and ideas for lessons etc in the volunteer common area and it is worthwhile to take time to look through what is there and use them in school. I volunteered at Annapurna primary school and at SCIAN where I taught English to two girls with spinal injuries. I really enjoyed my time in both placements and it was a great opportunity to get to know the local community and learn some Nepali! There were challenges in both placements but every day was rewarding and there was never a day when the children didn't make me laugh or smile. For the teaching placement it is useful to have had some experience teaching or at least being in a classroom as I was expected to lead most English lessons with limited input from the teachers. The children are all enthusiastic and love meeting new people.
The support that I got from PoD was great. Before I went the UK team ensured that I was fully prepared and were always there if I needed any questions answering. In Nepal Philippa is always available to offer advice and support and the induction is very thorough and informative. All in all it was a fantastic experience and I would do it again. I would recommend PoD and Nepal to anyone who is considering volunteering."
Natasha - 2010
"It felt as though I was on a high for every single aspect of the trip; it’s difficult to point out what I enjoyed the most. The school that I worked in, Tender Hearts Infant School, was so much fun. The children were very mischievous but wonderful; after being there for quite a while they warmed to me more and treated me like the other teachers. I really enjoyed teaching them some new nursery rhymes and simple arts and crafts that they had not yet come across before. I really got along with the other PoD volunteers that were living in the same guest house as me. It was good to bond further with them by going on excursions, meals, chilling in the common room etc. I actually went trekking with one of the other volunteers and we had the most challenging yet amazing time; neither of us knew we had so much stamina! PoD were amazing and I honestly believe that my experience would not have been so good if it were not for them. They are a really supportive organisation and they made me feel extremely safe and secure despite my unfamiliar surroundings. They made sure that I was well integrated into the existing group of volunteers that was already in Nepal and were free to help and advise me on any issues.
I cannot think of anything bad to say; the service from PoD was faultless!
Daily Routine: 7.30 -9.00: Get ready/breakfast and then make sure I catch the bus by 9.00 so that I can make it to school by 10.00. 10.00:-10.30: School assembly (prayers, nursery rhymes, children drink their morning milk) 10.30 – 11.00: Playtime, a good chance to play with the children and have fun with them 11.00 – 1.00: After playtime children are split up into upper kindergarten and lower kindergarten. I normally helped the upper kindergarten children. Class time would involve teaching them the English ABC’S/ numbers or the Nepalese alphabet/ numbers. 1.00-2.00: Children’s lunch time 2.00-3.00: Nap time for the children; it’s quite a task getting them to go to sleep but once they are out they are out. The duration that the children are asleep comprises the teachers lunchtime. This is a good chance to bond with the teachers. I also help them to prepare children’s’ homework and marking their homework. 3.00 – 4.00: Children wake up and drink their milk; then it’s time to teach them some creative skills such as arts and crafts. At 4.00 the children’s parents come and then it is home time for both me and the children. Catch the bus and reach the guesthouse at around 5; get washed and catch up with the other volunteers. 7.00 – onwards: Dinner with the other volunteers and maybe go for an evening drink afterwards!
It is a scary yet amazing experience and anybody who has the chance to do it should do it. PoD are a very supportive organisation making you feel comfortable and at home in an unfamiliar environment. You should make the most of the experience when you are there!! try to do as much as possible......
I would definitely travel with PoD again and would recommend them highly."
Carl - 2010
"The project was an amazing experience which provided the perfect opportunity to change lives and to embrace a new culture. PoD provided great support both in the UK and in Nepal and catered for all of my questions before and during my placement. I always felt i had the support of the people around me which helped to embrace the new culture and the work at street kids project i volunteed at. The children at the placement were so keen to learn and had tremondous respect for all volunteers. The whole placement was everything i expected and more and i am now able to use the new skills i have learned back in the UK.
I would wake up at approx 6:30am and go into Lakeside for breakfast so that i could take in the views of pokhara which are best early in the morning. I would volunteer from 8 until approx 12:30 in which i would then have a few hours to have lunch and to do various activities in Pokhara. I would then return back to street kids at 4pm until approx 6:30pm after this i would then have dinner and chill in one of the many bars in Pokhara in which you could enjoy live music.
The Children were so eager to learn and it was a pleasure to teach them and help them with any struggles they had. The level of poverty takes some getting used to, it was hard knowing that these children aged 4-10 had been kicked onto the streets at such a young age which isn't something we are used to back in the UK.
Everything was perfect with plenty of support, even when i was stuck in Kathmandu for 4 days PoD provided great support from both Gemma and Phillipa who were in touch every day. A big boulder blocked the main highway which meant I couldnt get to Pokhara for 4 days, there wasnt much PoD could do to predict that! However it was Nepal and its best to expect the unexpected!
What advice would you give others considering doing this placement?
To prepare for poverty and a culture very different to at home. Everyone suffers from culture shock, even worse when you return home so be prepared that your time in Nepal wont be like anything you could do back in the UK.
It broadens peoples horizons and allows people to grow in confidence. It provides a perfect opportunity for people to travel, meet new people and to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves in high poverty areas.
I choose PoD because of the level of support and amount of information i received when i was thinking of applying for the placement, i hadnt spent any money but PoD provided me with so much help.
I would recommend PoD to anyone as they are so professional, all the staff are so friendly and answer any questions so fast and PoD provide support before your placement, during your placement and after your placement, and genuienly have an interest in how you do throughout the whole process.
Thank you to everyone at PoD in making this the perfect experience."
Victoria - 2010
“I suddenly found that I have a whole summer free and very much liked to fulfil a desire to travel and work with those whose need is greater than mine. I just had the most fantastic time and can't really fault any part of it!
Before going I was quite nervous, but the information I had been given prepared me well for what might be expected. Whilst I was there I felt so well supported by the PoD coordinators who became good friends.
Working in the school was quite tough at first but this type of trip is all about facing situations that can be quite daunting and learning from how well you cope. Now that I'm back people have plenty of questions for me and I can't help but answer each one with a smile on my face as I remember the time I had in Nepal. I miss everyone in Pokhara greatly, and am already thinking about when I can go back..!
We would arrive at school ready for lessons to start at 10am. We would then be responsible for the children (sometimes one class, sometimes doubled up classes, but never more than about 30 children at a time) for the rest of the day, apart from a one hour lunch break where we would have dal bhat at a local restaurant. The children mostly behaved well, were very polite and were happy to complete a range of tasks including reading, writing and drawing. They were a little more shy when speaking aloud! After lunch we would read from some English picture books and this was a great opportunity to practise saying new words. At the end of the day, some children were collected by their parents whereas others would walk home. Sometimes we'd walk home holding hands with a huge number of children!
On the last day when the children thanked us and covered our faces with tikka powder!
Volunteering abroad can at times push you way beyond your comfort zone. Because you are miles away from home and others are relying on you, you have no option but to just go ahead and deal with it! And you will be able to - you'll be amazed at the calm, resourceful and even cheerful person that's inside you, just waiting to burst out!
POD just happened to come top of the list of websites when I googled 'volunteer abroad' and it looked reputable and trustworthy on the website. Gemma and the rest of the team helped to confirm this with the efficient way that they dealt with my (many) queries! I would have no hesitation in recommending POD to others. I'll be back next year!”
William - 2010
“Working in Nepal was amazing. The country itself was stunning from the minute you can see it from the aeroplane. From there the whole experience is like one I've never had before. The best thing about this placement is that it's not all work work work. In fact even when you're working it doesn't feel like work. The students get something brilliant from it; the chance to speak English, with a better future, and as a volunteer, you get to do something very few people get to do and change many peoples lives and when you realise that, if your anything like me, you take on more projects simultaneously.
A typical day involved getting up for breakfast downstairs in the hotel or on Lakeside. Getting to school for 10am, they perform an assembly. The lessons involve the volunteers help with pronunciation, spelling, grammar etc. after school, the world was your oyster and I decided to visit the street children's organisation just down the road.
I came across POD looking for volunteer placements and found them in the NUS extras booklet. I would 100% recommend it to anyone considering volunteering.”
Deborah - 2010
“This was my first trip abroad alone, and I was pretty terrified (and excited of course). But as soon as I got to Pokhara, where Philippa met me, showed me round and introduced me to the other volunteers, all those fears of being lonely dissipated straight away. I was only in Nepal for three weeks, but I've come away feeling like I really understand the place. Although volunteering was tiring at times, and the humidity saps your strength, I came home feeling refreshed - the relaxed pace of Nepalese life was a real change and just what I needed. The experience was a brilliant one - from helping people in real need to making fantastic new friends and immersing yourself in a new culture.
I would wake up at about 7, have some breakfast and then head out to my project at about 10. When working with the street kids while the schools were on holiday, we would take in drawing materials and play with them for a couple of hours before finding some lunch and using the afternoon to wander round lakeside or mahendri pul. When working in Shree Krishna, I would shadow the English teachers Bed and Saru, helping the classes with pronunciation, writing exercises on the board and marking work. I would finish at 3:30ish, then head back to Bindu's to unwind for a while before going into Lakeside to find something to eat with the other volunteers. I was usually in bed by 10.30, but I quite enjoyed the 'early to bed early to rise' lifestyle.
It was recommended to me by a friend who went to Thailand with PoD in 2009. I would certainly recommend PoD myself.”
Zoe - 2010
“My time in Pokhara was short and sweet. I loved it; the people, the food and the way of life there, it was nice to feel like a local going to work in the morning and living there, instead of a tourist as I had been previously in Kathmandu. Bindu's hotel was basic but she's extremely welcoming and accommodating and her family are lovely. She's a Christian and this shows in everything she does, a truly good samaritan!
Phil and Philippa were really helpful too, they both took us out and showed us around and I always knew where they were if I needed them. I enjoyed the teaching aspect of the placement very much, the kids are all very eager and happy and it's great to have had the opportunity to spend time with them. I feel very strongly that they deserve a well planned lesson which actually aids learning rather than just something that has been cobbled together 5 minutes before! It's difficult to plan for them before you meet them as they are all at different levels and ages etc, but it became quite apparent that their written work is good and their reading is quite good too overall. Their comprehension however is poor and they need lots of practise speaking and listening to gain confidence in their understanding and ability. If you go to Nepal and haven't taught before it really is a good idea to have a read of a couple of TEFL books maybe....or seek help from someone who has actually taught children, just to get an idea of how to deliver an interesting engaging lesson.
If you work during term time then you will probably be used as a teaching assistant, this is really useful too as I think they like to hear western pronunciation....so you won't really need to lead a lesson. Whatever the case, I think the pupils just love the attention and are happy to have a go at things.
There's no point going to Nepal if you are not prepared to go out of your comfort zone and are not prepared to be flexible in your approach to the whole experience. The people are wonderful the place is incredible and you have to fit in with that if you are to make it worthwhile for yourself and the kids. I would like to spend more time there next time if I can. Thank you to all the staff involved in making my time there happy, I will stay in touch with the school and the orphanage and hope to see everyone again soon.”
Rachel - 2010
“Firstly, thank you so much for one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far. I really fell in love with Nepal, and can't wait to go back, so thank you again to POD for making it all possible!
Arriving in Nepal, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and people were there to meet me at Kathmandu Airport, and then at the bus station in Pokhara. Rekha (our POD mum!) took me on a grand tour of Pokhara, and introduced me to Phil (Pradeep), the Nepali placement coordinator, who is really gracious, kind and patient with any queries and problems you have with the placement. Bindu and her daughters were similarly lovely, and the room I had at theirs was comfortable, clean and generally really homely.
Phil took me round the different placements, and gave me a choice of where I wanted to work - there's a lot of flexibility in what you can do, and combining the different choices. I'd also raised some money before I came to Nepal (if you can do this and send it through PoD, do, it is really worthwhile, and the people appreciate it so much!), so Phil helped me with spending the money properly every step of the way, taking time out of his days to liaise with school staff and workmen.
At school, it was pretty nerve-racking to start with, especially when you are overwhelmed by crowds of excited children wanting to drag you into their classroom. But Bed, who is really experienced and friendly, and willing to socialise outside of school, helped a lot, as did Saru, a younger female teacher. As we taught alongside them, you could do as much as you wanted to whilst building up confidence, and I was soon making flashcards, singing songs, and leading lessons. At school, and at the Street Kids Centre, and Asha Foundation Orphanage, I got really attached to all the children there, and was so sad to leave them.
Although some may doubt the worth of volunteering, I really loved it all, and felt like my presence there was appreciated and utilised.
Pokhara as a place to be is awesome - beautiful and chilled out, with lots of other Western travellers to meet in Lakeside, but it is easy to go into the centre of town and get away from them all! Apart from volunteering, I did so many great things - paragliding, kayaking, white water rafting, sightseeing, swimming at posh hotels, trekking, eating great food, and watching football and socialising in the bars in town. I can't recommend Nepal, or the volunteering with POD highly enough!
The send off that the children gave us at each of the placements nearly moved me to tears each time! At Shree Krishna, each class wrote farewell messages on the blackboards, covered us in red tikka powder, put garlands of flowers on our heads and round our necks, and sang songs and danced for us. The teachers put a farewell lunch on for us, and presented me with a certificate of thanks and a custom-made Kurta Surwal. Seeing the fans I'd paid for with donations I'd raised at home working in the classrooms, was also a great reward. The Street Kids also coated me with tikka powder, and at Asha Foundation they spent all day cooking us amazing Nepali food. Their generosity was really moving.
I chose POD after doing a lot of internet research, as they were really good value, and were so helpful and friendly when I had lots of queries, and took forever to decide on the placement. From the website and the chats I had, the placement seemed really perfect, and I liked the idea of living in a guesthouse, rather than a full blown homestay with a family, as it gave me more independence, and time to recover from a hard day's work. I would definitely recommend PoD to others, as they work so hard to get the best placements for volunteers, and really want to make a difference."
Alex – 2010
“It sounds a little clichéd to say it, but the more you put in, the more you'll get out. I found when I really started enjoying the placement properly was when I got over initial shyness for trying new ideas and just tried new things with the students. They'll appreciate the change of scene, and you'll appreciate the effects.
Because sitting in a Kathmandu cyber cafe overlooking a dust-filled, smog-clogged street at the end of my placement, I can't imagine how I could've grown to be the person I am now WITHOUT volunteering abroad. It really is a fascinating and fantastic experience, and a great opportunity to live and work in a community very different from your own.
The website was a big factor! A professional looking website really ups the credibility of PoD over a lot of its competitors, and being able to talk to personnel on the phone about the placement (and not just personnel, but even Mike himself). I would definitely recommend PoD to others.”
Daniel - 2010
“First of all I just want to say thank you to Mike, Liz, Gemma and of course the PoDfather, Robert. Everybody has been super nice and mega helpful. This was my first time travelling by myself and also my first ever trip to Asia so it could have been very easy for me to back out at any point through fear of the whole idea but everybody at PoD managed to make it a very pleasant and welcoming experience.
I’ll be honest by saying that I was very very scared at Heathrow airport waiting for my flight to Bahrain. I think I was still scared right up until the moment I reached Bindus family guest house in Pokhara (Bindu is awesome by the way). The people I met along the way though were really friendly. When we arrived at Pokhara I met up with one of Bindus daughters who were waiting for me. I must say it’s very reassuring to be met by someone who is expecting you along the way. At this point I was taken to Bindus where I had time to sit down and digest all that had happened while I waited for Phil, the main contact in Nepal, to arrive and give me the grand tour of my new home for the month, Pokhara. The tour of Pokhara was an adventure in itself. Phil showed me where all the essentials are. The supermarkets, the cash machines and good places to eat. We stopped every five shops or so to meet someone who Phil knew. He is a very popular guy. We walked to the lake where he showed me how to get up to the Peace Paghoda (a very good day out if you can get time off).
After the tour I went back to Bindus where I met Clare and Alex, two other volunteers. They gave me some tips and ideas on how to teach English and then we went for some dinner.
The next day Phil took me to see the schools I could teach at. Shree Krishna and Shree Pravat. I decided to teach at Shree Pravat despite the mammoth trek up to the school. Teaching at Shree Pravat is the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had. The kids are great! Very well behaved and very very eager to learn. Even though Puspha, the English teacher, was really good at his job I think that just hearing a western accent helped the kids a lot. The children were very bright. School days were much of the same for the whole month I was there. Lots of playing/productive learning and hilarious language barrier problems. The best, worst, happiest and saddest day was my last day. The school prepared a leaving ceremony for me which involved music, dancing, playing, and gifts. I also got smothered in red powder and I had to walk back to Bindus looking like either a very angry or very embarrassed westerner. Luckily for me Clare came too and ended up in the same state. It was the best day ever.
Time out of school was also very entertaining. I spent a lot of time with Clare and Alex. Some nights we would just play cards on the roof under the stars during a blackout. We climbed up Sarangkot and stayed at the top for the night. I also spent some time with Phil. He was becoming interested in my favourite subject, health and fitness, so we spent a lot of time talking about that. Phil is a really great guy and although I’m sure PoD pays him generously he really does exceed his pay check with kindness and friendship. He is always happy to help, answer questions and show you around. He also makes good tea. Or should I say his wife does.
Anyway all in all I can honestly say I’ve had the best month of my life so far. I’m already saving up to go on another PoD journey and also to visit the friends I made while in Pokhara. Clare and Alex.
Thanks again to the PoD team, Dan”
Katherine - 2009
“I really can't say enough good things about PoD and the placement I was on in Nepal. Going with PoD was a very last minute decision, but they were so helpful in getting me organised and on my way in no time at all!
I was a bit nervous before I went as this was my first time going away on my own. But I’m not exaggerating when I say that there was no time during my whole placement that I felt lonely. From the other volunteers, the PoD contacts in the town where I worked and all the kids at the centre I have made some truly great friends and memories to match!
Before I went I really felt PoD had a good knowledge and relationship with the people I would meet and places I would stay and their support and organisation didn’t stop until I got home.
I had so many questions before I went and PoD were so patient answering all my emails and last minute questions. In addition to this they sent emails while I was on my placement to make sure that I was happy and everything was okay – I always knew that they were just a phone call away if I had any problems!
Bindu’s hotel (which was more like a family home which they opened to PoD volunteers!) was perfect. Clean, spacious, welcoming and if you want a night off the tens of restaurants in Lakeside Bindu is a fantastic cook! Bindu and her daughters were so welcoming to all of us, it was so nice to stay in a family atmosphere – meant I didn’t ever feel homesick!!
First and foremost the Street Kids Centre does the most fantastic work for the kids and the local community; it gives the homeless children of lakeside somewhere safe, clean and caring to stay and I am so glad I got to be part of their work for a month. The children were fun, enthusiastic, kind and affectionate and made my month in Pokhara one of the best experiences. From the first day I was pretty much allowed free reign with what to do with the kids in the day, admittedly this was a little intimidating at first, but it meant that I could take the lead and challenge myself in this new environment. I truly had the most fantastic month and will take the memories of the kids and the lessons I have learnt with me forever.
The support in Lakeside was fantastic. It lived up to my expectations and more. I’ve always wanted to do some volunteering but I never thought I would have the month that I had. I’ve made some fantastic friends, been lucky enough to work with amazing children and visited one of the most welcoming and exciting countries in the world! would recommend to anybody of any age, background and experience!
I would recommend a volunteer placement with PoD to anyone. Value for money, a supportive personal company offering worthwhile placements in some of the most fantastic countries in the world! I want to do some more volunteering next year and I won’t be looking any further than PoD for a placement!!”
Sarah - 2009
“Had such a good time, and you're right about going back...we were all saying how much we want to go back again! Would have to be with the same people though, we all got on really well (with Kate and Katherine) which made it great! Thanks so much for organising an amazing time for us!
The responses I received to emails were always very quick and helpful, I felt I could email and ask anything; no matter how big or small- thanks Liz!! It was reassuring to know that if I had any queries I could email and be answered usually the same or next day.
Top tips:
1) Go prepared with games and song ideas for a variety of ages of kids, and a few resources.
2) Be prepared to feel a bit out of place when you first arrive- you'll settle in soon enough!
3) be prepared for random days off and strikes...be prepared to relax and get into the Nepali culture and chilled-out way of life!!”
Kate – 2009
“It’s been quite a year and I have had the most amazing time travelling but my first two months in Nepal are still my highlight of my year away by far. I just want to say thank you so much to PoD for everything they did to ensure my time in Nepal was as amazing as it was, I don’t know if you remember but I was the one that got ill and had to go to hospital! I know there was a mix up at the time about my parents not being informed until after I was out, but I just want to make sure that you all know that I and my family were not angry in the slightest, it was a very easy mistake and I really really hope no one felt bad about it!
My main thanks to PoD really comes from when I did get ill when I was away. I have never felt so looked after and safe as I did then. Kelly made sure I was in the best possible hospital (it was more like a hotel!) and sorted out everything with the doctors. Bindu and her family were amazing as well, coming to visit me everyday - sometimes twice. The others girls from the placement were able to stay overnight with me as well and I had a constant stream of visitors so I never felt alone. It was actually quite funny because when I spoke to my sister after I got out of hospital she said she was so worried for me and couldn’t imagine how scared or lonely I would have felt being ill in a different country, but in actual fact, although I was in a foreign country I have never felt more looked after and cared for by all my new Nepal family. Is there any paperwork that you need me to fill out regarding insurance as I am still not completely sure what happened with that? Everything was all a bit chaotic at the time and I think yourself and Kelly took care of all that, which again thank you so much for :)
I still really miss everyone I met out there and myself and the other three girls from my placement Katherine, Amy and Sarah have all kept in constant contact and can’t wait for a reunion. I want to be able to go back to Nepal so much and for the past year my only plan for when I returned to Scotland was to save up again and go out, so I could see all my Nepalese friends and of course the children from the centre. I’m still hoping I might be able to get over there before the end of the year, but money is definitely tight and I’m planning on moving down to London after the new year so I probably should be saving my pennies for that! I think I still have Phil’s email address so I am going to contact him and ask about sponsoring a child at my placement which was The Street Children Protection and Rehabilitation Centre, I assume I do this separately from Pod but if you have any contact numbers for the centre that would be great, but otherwise I think talking to Phil would be my best bet. I never had a chance to fill in my feedback questionnaire or to write about my time in Pokhara for the website but I will send an email within the next week or so giving an overview of my time there - it might be abet over the top and gushing but I honestly did have the best time of my life over there!
Thank you again, and to all the staff at Pod, for everything they did to help with my trip and I will be in touch soon with a story for the website.”
Sarah - 2009
“My time in Nepal was the most amazing and awesome thing I have ever done. I was completely engrossed and absorbed in making the most of my short visit, about five weeks in all. All my expectations were swept away: the school was much less well resourced than I had imagined it would be, so that became a challenge. The non-availability of basic resources too was a shock to me: whilst paper, pens and glue sticks were easy to get hold of, paint, white glue, card and other classroom basics were simply not there. However I enjoyed the challenge of sourcing local materials and set to make some teaching aids and toys to bring some variety and enhance the children's learning. I also engaged a local carpenter to make some blocks, a play house and a storage shelf as well as two tables. I was able to do this as I had raised some sponsorship money in the months before I travelled.
The children at the primary school were absolutely adorable, loving, full of fun, naughty at times and eager to engage with us volunteers. We quickly became very attached to them and it was somewhat heartbreaking when the time came to leave. I realised quite soon on that my talents and skills would be put to best use in teacher training, so I wrote out a couple of sessions on basic child development, learning through play and teaching of English. With the aid of an interpreter we had some successful sessions with much fun and laughter. I kept the sessions as practical as possible and introduced as many play ideas as I could, making use of locally available materials. Seeing the children playing with the dolls, role play equipment and the wooden blocks was priceless.
The Nepali education system is very limited in terms of what it offers the children and they are not used to much creative and imaginative play as part of their curriculum. We sang and danced as much as we could, made collages and pictures, learned letters and numbers, shared stories and rhymes. Their enthusiasm never wavered and even though it was officially school holidays we always had a full quota of children, aged from under one to about 12 years, every day. Any mums that chose to come along were welcomed too, and they clearly enjoyed participating in whatever the children were doing.
As well as the primary school placement, I spent a short time in a very contrasting location up in a remote mountain village. Once again I had to redefine my preconceptions and adapt my view to a very very poor and harsh way of life endured by the people. Once again the children's immense enthusiasm and love for life shone through and I was humbled by their loving smiles and eagerness to talk about their hopes and dreams. They were charming hosts and I was greeted at dawn with an escort to the best spot to watch the sun come up. A priceless experience: the children are like little mountain goats and I was hard put to keep up with them. They asked for nothing and their drawings and pictures came home with me as valuable souvenirs and reminders.
I am sure everyone says this, but I really do hope to go back, soon. GO to Nepal! You will not be disappointed!!”
Catherine - 2008
"Hi, sorry for the slow reply, I've only just finished catching up on all the lost sleep and unpacking!
I had an amazing time in Nepal and was really sad to leave at the end, can't believe how fast the month went. I was working at Annapurna primary school which was really challenging but a lot of fun.
Unfortunately we had to miss four days of teaching because of the women's festival but John and I went to Chitwan national park for three days instead and had a brilliant time there!
Bindu's was a lovely place to stay, she would always stay up every night to make sure that everyone got back safely! Location was really close to lakeside and staying at Bindus was the perfect balance between a homestay and hotel as they were all really friendly. It was also great having the lounge area upstairs where we could all get together and organise lesson plans. I really liked staying in Lakeside as well and I was able to settle in very quickly. It was especially nice staying in lakeside for the first couple of weeks when there were much fewer tourists around. The monsoon didn’t really cause any problems either apart from making all my clothes wet! The volunteers that I met when I first arrived were brilliant and made it really easy to settle in, making sure we knew where everything was and all the best places to go. It was great to meet such a variety of people as well since the volunteers that arrived whilst I was out there were completely different to those at the beginning! I was very excited that Kam chose to work at Annapurna because he has a lot of teaching experience and seemed to bring a whole new element to the school which I think will make a huge difference to all the children.
Kelly and Phil were both fantastic. They were both always around if we ever needed anything and spent a long time chatting with the new volunteers who were less happy with their placements trying to arrange new placements for them. Phil was also able to book my flight and hotel for the journey home which was really helpful and Kelly was able to book our trip to Chitwan and also a trip to play golf at the Himalayan Gold course! This was all really helpful because there were so many companies advertising these services but they were able to save us the worry of having to decide on a reliable one. Also, all the staff at Paddle Nepal were fantastic and I got lots of free kayak lessons!
Overall, I absolutely loved my time in Nepal and I just want to say thank you for arranging it all and ensuring it was a successful trip! Everything went really smoothly exactly as it described in the booklet!
This placement has taught me to make the most of every opportunity in life and take positives from every situation. It has also re-iterated my love for working with children and has opened my eyes to the generosity of the Nepali people. I found being immersed in the culture fascinating, and thoroughly enjoyed learning new things about the place, people and ultimately about myself. The support I received both in the UK and in Nepal was second to none and I really felt looked after and cared for.”
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