Why join us in Nepal…..
Mountain views, festivals and culture
IMPACTFUL – Meaningful projects in Nepal, with a positive impact in the local community & your personal development
IMMERSIVE – Don’t be a tourist, immerse yourself in the culture of the Nepali people
INDEPENDENT – We have our own Nepal representative, and never rely on 3rd party companies
AV LEGACY – Operating gap year programs since 1993
SUPPORT – We are with you every step of the way
Our next program in Nepal departs in:
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Gap Year Nepal: Program Summary
Accommodation: Self catered AV houses with other volunteers; shop in the markets, cook your own food – this is your chance to be independent!
Dates: Join a scheduled group departure. Projects start and end in Kathmandu..
Project work: Working with children, Art, Music, Drama, Sport, Community Work, Village celebrations & festivals
Explore further: Trekking, Temples, Beaches, Wildlife, Paragliding
About the program
Briefing & Orientation
This is a chance to settle in, unwind after the hectic few days leading up to your departure and a long journey, as well as an opportunity to get to know your AV group. The orientation course is important to make sure you are fully prepared when you start your project work. In this incredibly tranquil spot we will cover:
- Nepali language
- Nepali history, religion, customs and culture
- Safety, health and security
- Advice on communicating with your students and how to structure your English sessions
After the course we will take you and your partner to your new home in Syangja. To get there involves about a 7 hour bus journey westwards from the Kathmandu Valley along the winding main road towards Pokhara and then up side roads to Syangja, with snow clad mountains on the flanks.
Once there the AV representative will leave you to settle into your new home, but remember they’re never more than a phone call away if you need them.
The Project
Each morning you will walk to the nearby school in time for the start of the day at around 9.00am – be warned that you are living in rural areas and that, in one or two cases, there is a small hill to climb to get there! If you have chosen to spend some time in the classroom helping with English then you can work alone, with your fellow AV partner or alongside a Nepali teacher. Most schools we work with are secondary schools where the English is of a basic standard but are in need of help with conversational English. You may find you would prefer to run smaller or one-to-one sessions with those children who are struggling so you can direct your help at those who need it the most. In many schools children are taught in Nepali, but you will be running your classes or sessions in English. In the ex-servicemen schools, you may be asked to help with other subjects in English too. You’ll be in demand so help wherever you can.
Outside the classroom you are also encouraged to assist with sports. There are a few sports’ pitches – the hills are too steep to carve out many football grounds – but a game of volleyball or football is usually happening somehow, somewhere. Towns have pitches for use at weekends and you will be very popular if you arrange inter-school matches. Most children return home at the end of school but you will be popular if you introduce after school activities and clubs, helping with games or music at the end of the day.
You will be looked after by the English teacher, but other members of the staff may also become your friends. They will enjoy playing cards in the staff room, a good chance to get to know them and learn Nepali.
At weekends you can stay at home or travel further afield. You may take part in school activities, organising sports or going on picnics. Alternatively you can head into town to do some shopping, check emails, catch up on news from home, or meet up with other AVs, visit their schools and travel in the local area. A popular town to visit is Pokhara where you might also get up to see the sunrise on Annapurna – a spectacular sight. Many AVs also take up the chance to go paragliding here, getting a real ‘birds eye’ view of the incredible scene.
Accommodation
We encourage independence and so you won’t have someone cooking and looking after you – it’s a chance to step up and take responsibility. You will be given a daily food allowance and will be expected to shop and cook for yourself. This is the best way of getting to know people, being involved in the community and gaining an understanding of living there – you are not a bystander watching from afar.
Your landlord will always be on hand to help, and your AV representative is never far away to assist whenever needed. They can be contacted by phone 24/7 and will visit you during your project.
Adventure Travel
Nepal is renowned for its spectacular trekking in the Himalayas but also has lots of exciting and beautiful places to explore, whilst India is right next door.
From our experience travelling is often when problems occur, from lost passports to getting ill – that’s why we offer this extra travel time to ensure that you experience as much as possible but with the continued 24/7 support from us whilst you do so.
Want to know more about our Gap Year Program in Nepal?
Dates & Costs
Join a scheduled group departure – see our Group Program Dates & Costs for full details or contact us if you’re looking for something customized.
Next group departures:
9th January 2025
Most young people join us for 12 weeks costing GB£3,585.
If you can’t do 12 weeks, get in touch for more details or if you’re looking for something customized.
What can you do in Nepal?
Paragliding or Parahawking
Soar above the clouds and see the breathtaking landscape from a different point of view.
Conquer Everest
Climb to the Mount Everest base camp on an adventure of a lifetime or trek to Annapurna.
Enjoy Festivals
Get involved in the local events including Holi festival – prepare to get messy!
Watersports
Visit Lake Phewa for amazing watersports including kayaking, rafting and paddle boarding.
AV is exactly what I wanted in my year out after school. I loved the independence that we had and making all our own decisions- a great change after 14 years of school!
Interested?
With us, it’s about more than a whistle-stop tour of the sites.
It’s about getting to know the people and their community.
#seetheworlddifferently
“Namaste from Nepal! I’ll be introducing you to the Nepalese culture and offering a warm welcome with continued support throughout your time on AV. ”
At Africa & Asia Venture (AV) we believe in a different type of gap year travel
Where there’s adventure and excitement but also where you find your second home.
Where you don’t just look at the scenery, you become part of the community.
It’s more than travel.
It’s a different way to see the world.
#seetheworlddifferently
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