Give Back To The Nepalese Communities
in Need

How Much Does It Cost To Volunteer in Nepal?

Find Answers To Your Questions On The Costs Of Volunteering in Nepal Here Get some insight into why most volunteer in Nepal programs charge a fee. Learn why we are known as being excellent program providers with affordable fees. Tips on the factors which can affect the costs involved in volunteering in Nepal. Get to know what Nepal volunteer program fees cover and what additional expenses a volunteer must pay for. Guaranteed lowest program fees in the US – starting from $100 - $200 per week. Awesome country, 10 projects and thousands of happy volunteers since 1999.

The idea of volunteering in Nepal can be very attractive, and now, more and more people are choosing to take time off to help others in a foreign land. The experience you'll have is one you'll never forget – you will meet lifelong friends and get to see the world. But this experience does not come for free. Volunteering in Nepal does cost money, and it's best if you become familiar with all of the volunteer in Nepal expenses before you pick an organization. If you've been researching different volunteer in Nepal organizations, you may have noticed that, generally, there is an application (or registration) fee, and a program fee. Extra fees may apply if you participate in an optional orientation or a very specialized program.

You should also be aware that what you're paying to the volunteer organization only applies to costs associated with your organization and program, therefore you need to cover any additional costs that apply only to you, such as airfare, etc. Volunteering in Nepal expenses are covered in more detail in the questions below.

The amount you'll be paying depends on many factors – the organization you're using, the country you're visiting, the program you're taking part in, the length of your stay, and much more. For instance, volunteering in Nepal with HHFN will be a bit cheaper than other organizations. Volunteering in an orphanage is cheaper than doing a medical program, which usually has additional charges for supplies, etc. The cost of a volunteering in Nepal program can range anywhere from $300 to $600 for 2 weeks. It's important to carefully compare programs to make sure you're paying a reasonable price.

What Do Fees Cover?

Although this varies depending on the organization and program, in general your application (registration) fee covers the organization's administration costs, including advertising, utilities, rent, employee salaries, and other business expenses. Your program fee, on the other hand, will generally cover in-country costs, such as room and board, local office expenses, and a project donation. Sometimes HHFN will have you pay your host families and your project donations directly to the local individuals, so you know that the local community is benefitting from your money.

What Other Costs Should I Be Aware Of?

The volunteer in Nepal expenses you pay to HHFN will not cover everything you need for volunteering in Nepal. Some of the main things that you will be paying for on your own are: airfare, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, and any other personal expenses. If you are participating in a more specialized project, such as a medical/healthcare project, you may need to pay additional costs for things like medical supplies. Also, HHFN offer orientation programs that include intensive Nepali language training and other valuable things. This is usually optional, and will be at an additional cost to the volunteer.

Where Does The Money Go?

As described above, your volunteer in Nepal costs will be divided in certain ways. Money for room and board will be going to your host family or volunteer housing. HHFN insist that the volunteer pay their host families directly, so that they know for sure the money is going to people who need it, rather than for the profit of the HHFN. This is the same for your project donation. HHFN will ask you to pay this directly to the project coordinators. The rest of the fees will go to your HHFN needs, such as salaries for its workers, promotional materials,and advertising – things that keep the organization running.

Do My Host Family And Volunteer Project Get Money? How Much?

Your host family and local volunteer project will receive money as part of your volunteer Nepal costs. The amount depends on the project. Your host family receives 60-80% of your monthly program fees, while your project receives 10-20%. As mentioned above, HHFN will have you pay this directly to the host family or project.

Will There Be Any Grant, Discount Or Deals From HHFN?

HHFN do not usually offer grants or discounts to volunteers because their fees are dependent on the number of volunteers they have. HHFN is a non-governmental, so they don't receive any government funding and are dependent on volunteer money. In some special cases, however, there may be project discounts available if it is a low season or if volunteers are desperately needed.

Is There Any Way To Reduce The Cost?

The first thing you want to do to reduce costs as much as possible is choose a well respected and reasonably priced HHFN. Research and compare volunteer organizations online and talk to friends and family that have volunteered in Nepal. Ask how much they spent and if they have any tips on how to reduce costs or which programs are the best.

Once you pick an organization, their application and program fees are generally not negotiable, so make sure you pick an organization whose prices make you feel comfortable. The next thing you can do is plan ahead to reduce the cost of things that you as a volunteer will have to incur, such as flights, vaccinations, visa, travel insurance, and more.

As soon as you know when you want to go, start researching the cost of flights. Set up travel alerts at different airfare websites, and do research on which companies offer the best prices and at what time of the year. Sometimes traveling during off-peak months leads to cheaper tickets. For vaccinations, check if things can be covered under health insurance, or if there is a community clinic that offers free or low price medical services. Visa prices generally don't fluctuate, but be sure to plan ahead to see if you need to buy your visa before your trip, or once you arrive to Nepal. Many times, buying beforehand is cheaper.

As for travel insurance, there are many different agencies available. Research and read reviews to find out what is the most reasonably priced for what is offered. Talk to friends that have bought travel insurance and see what they recommend.

Do I Need Extra Money? Why? How Much?

It is a good idea to bring extra spending money with you when you volunteer in Nepal. HHFN will generally provide housing and at least 2 meals a day for you, but you may need money for extra food, souvenirs, travel, transportation, and nights out. The amount you need depends on what you plan to do during your time in Nepal. If you want to travel a lot, go out to local restaurants, and buy souvenirs, you will need money to do all of that. Create a budget for yourself and make sure to check the Nepal currency exchange rate to determine how much you might need to bring.

Is There A Deadline To Pay Fees?

Most programs run on a rolling basis, so there is no specific deadline. Other programs, such as teaching programs, are seasonal, so you may need to apply and pay by a certain date. You need to check these details with your volunteer organization to ensure you pay everything in time.