• Reg N0: 155700/073/074      

    S.W.C No: 44381

    questions and answers

    Questions And Answers

    What Makes a Good Volunteer?

    HORAC Nepal does not ask for any formal qualifications from our volunteers. All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to help people and are committed to seeing the Program through. A positive and flexible attitude will also help you to get the most out of your stay in Nepal.

    When should I arrive?

    We are very flexible for any time you arrive.

    How do I get from the airport to the orphanage home?

    You will meet outside the airport terminal by HORAC Nepal representative holding a placard with your name on it who will then take you to the orphanage home.

    Please provide us your flight information as soon as possible so that a punctual pick-up can be assured.

    How can I pay for the program fees?

    The program fees are due and you need to pay it as you arrive here. Currently we do not accept traveller’s cheques or credit cards. We prefer payment in Euros, but can accept Nepalese Rupees as well. If you wish to extend your volunteering program you must discuss this with HORAC and pay the fee accordingly.

    Do the fees have any insurance incorporated in it? Do I have to provide my own, if so what do I need to have covered?

    There is no insurance and so we recommend that you get your own travel medical insurance to protect yourself in case of illness or lost or damaged property.

    What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is completed?

    Once the volunteer pay the fee and receive a receipt, HORAC does not refund programme fees.

    Where will I stay during the volunteering period?

    You will be staying at the apartment rented by HORAC Nepal which is 5-7 minute in walk from the orphanage home.

    How can my family contact me during my placement?

    They can contact you via e-mail as you will be provided with internet access at your flexible time. They can also come in contact with you through our e-mail address or our telephone. We will do our best to get a message to the individual as quickly as possible.

    What sort of Health Care Facilities is available?

    In Kathmandu, health care is relatively good – and also very inexpensive.

    Is electricity available in the placements, and is it worth bringing my laptop?

    Yes. You can always bring a laptop.

    Is it worth while bringing a digital camera and/or video camera?

    Digital Cameras and video cameras are a good idea. You can also buy these quite affordably in Kathmandu. Nepali children all love being filmed and having their picture taken. It is a good idea to make sure you have a large memory card and extra batteries, or ones that can take ‘AA’ batteries.

    What is the weather like in Nepal?

    The width of Nepal is only about 200 km on average, but within this short distance the altitude of the land rises from lowly 60m to all the way up to above 8000m. Hence, the weather depends upon the altitude of the place in Nepal. However, in general Nepal has four climatic seasons: Summer, Monsoon, autumn and winter.

    Summer is from March to May. The temperature of this season fluctuates between 20 °C to 30 °C (68 °F to 86°F). Monsoon lasts from June to August. These are also the pre-monsoon months with occasional evening-thunderstorms and hot temperature. Autumn starts from September and ends by November. During this period, the climate is dry and mild with temperature fluctuating between 20 °C to 30 °C (68 °F to 86 °F). Winter starts from December to February. The morning and evening are very cold while the afternoon is pretty sunny. The temperature during these months rises from 15 °C to 20 °C (59 °F to 68 °F).

    How much money should I bring with me?

    It’s difficult to give an exact amount of money that you should bring. Costs will vary according to how much time you spend traveling on your own, whether or not you go trekking/traveling, if you drink beer (!), how often you phone home / use the internet etc.

    What is the best way for me to access money once there?

    There are ATM’s in Kathmandu. You can also exchange your money into rupees at a number of locations in Thamel, or cash traveler’s checks at a bank. There are Western Union facilities in both Kathmandu and major cities in Nepal. There is NO credit/debit card system here.

    Is there anything I can bring with me that would be useful to your organization?

    We would be very grateful for educational books (grammar, TEFL, science, health, etc.,) illustrated books, English novels and children’s books. Also very much appreciated are donations of clothes, art supplies, and stationery.

    What Should I bring for myself?

    Sleeping Bag
    Hiking boots
    Tevas/ flip flops
    Fleece jacket (during winter months)
    Light-weight cotton clothing
    Waterproof jacket (a fold-away windcheater is fine)
    Mosquito repellent
    Sun cream
    Water purification tablets and/or good quality water purifier
    First aid kit
    Flashlight (torch)
    Penknife
    Books about your country
    Souvenirs for your family and staff from your country
    A few examples of your local currency
    Books on teaching English/English Grammar for your reference


    What types of sanitary items are available in Nepal? What do I need to bring from home?

    Most things are available here – shampoos, soaps, shaving products, toothpastes. It is recommended, however, that women bring tampons (if they wear them), as you cannot get those in Nepal. Hand sanitizer/ wipes should also be brought from home, as well as any name-brand/prescription medicine. Since rice is eaten with every meal here, some people may have constipation problems – volunteers should thus consider bringing fiber vitamins!

    If you have any other queries please feel free to contact us through email.
    Thank you

    PAYPAL DONATIONS