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Helen Roycroft
January 29 '08
Russell Vinegar
January 29 '08
Rebecca Weissman
January 29 '08
I enjoyed it very much. I learned more about Nepali culture, particularly by living with Rajesh and Bandana. I would recommend this experience to others. I think my experience was enhanced by staying with a family that spoke English well.
Sue Bissell
February 17, 2007 |
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Nepal is a place where you will definitely learn something threw some amazing adventures with CDN Nepal can help with and if on your own adventures you get in trouble Rajesh will look after you.
Kenzie Kettenbach
April 3, 2007
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Volunteering in Nepal allowed me to realize that I would be learning a lot more from others through the experience than I would do in giving and teaching . I appreciated the kind and generous people who helped me and although the teaching was a difficult aspect, the programme was well-organised. I felt integrated and accepted into the Nepalese culture. A wonderful experience!
Robyn Shields
April 3, 2007
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I can honestly say that going on the Volunteer!
Nepal program is the best thing I've ever done for myself as a person. The program is fantastic, allowing volunteers to get to grips with the culture and religions, get involved with the community and make a difference, while having the ceaseless support of Rajesh and his family. The activities are well run, with the orientation program providing a great opportunity to learn some of the lingo and visit the places of significance, while building a network with other volunteers and acquaintances. By living with a family, you get to experience the culture first-hand before becoming engrossed in school life.
It sounds such a cliché, but my volunteer placement was the most challenging but rewarding part of the experience. By becoming immersed in the local community, I was able to experience things I never would have done as a tourist, and to form meaningful relationships with everyone from the kids to the school kitchen staff. For each lesson I taught I learnt several knew things not only about the country I was living in, but also about myself.
Amelia Bate
April 3, 2007
http://ameliabate.blogspot.com/
http://www.hereorthere.com/members/amelia
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I would like to say that the experience I had at Cultural Destination Nepal not only met but totally exceeded my expectations. It can really be nerve wracking to go halfway around the world and not be sure what you are going to encounter on the other side. From the moment of my arrival Rajesh was very welcoming and kind to me, and throughout the experience he was always accessible to me and everyone else on the program. Don't let his serious demeanor in his photo fool you, once you meet him he never stops laughing and is certainly someone you can go to for anything, big or small. The program was really well organized; I felt that everything I learned and got the opportunity to participate in was well worth the program fees. Rajesh and everyone else I met in Nepal went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. Not only did I immensely enjoy the program, Nepal is certainly one of the most breathtaking and awe inspiring places I have ever been. I believe that there are few places like it on earth. Plan to stay longer then the time you volunteer so you can really see it There can be so many challenges when traveling but by going through Cultural Destination Nepal, I feel a lot of those challenges were addressed and minimized. I would recommend it to anyone! Please feel free to visit my blog on my experiences with CDN at www.travelpod.com/members/jeschill.
Ms. Julie Schiller
April 3, 2007
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I was very impressed with the Volunteer Work Nepal Program. I thought the introduction phase to the program was very effective in preparing me for the challenges I was going to face throughout the volunteering phase. The combination of lectures, field trips, hands on activities and basic language training allowed me to immerse myself in the experience. As for the actual volunteering phase of the program, I found this to be the most rewarding part of my experience. This was not only because of the sense of fulfillment I received personally from doing what I was doing but also because of what I was learning not only about the Nepali culture but also about myself personally. Though at many times during this phase I was faced with many challenges and difficulties upon completion and reflection on this, I found that this made the experience that much more rewarding in the end. The personal highlight of this phase was spending time with my family, particularly my host brother, and interacting with the surrounding community. The final phase of the program, the recreation phase, was also a nice conclusion to the program. It allowed me to see a different part of the country and to see the diversity of the environment, the people and the culture, though obviously not at such a personal level as in Thimi (my volunteer location).
Mr. Zachary Lager
June 5, 2007
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It's quite hard to give my impression on the Program in a few lines. I have had so many impressions and experiences that a few lines would not cover them all. In general I found the Program great. It provided me warm welcome to Nepal, a proper introduction to the culture and language and an excellent service during my stay.
Because of these features the Program made sure I didn't feel like a tourist who only knows the country from the outside, but like an explorer who gets to learn about the country from the inside as well. This is knowledge I will keep with me during my whole life, rather than only the photos in a photo album. The Program provided a good balance between working and leisure (activities like rafting, and hiking).
I want to thank you for making this time in Nepal fantastic. During my stay I have learnt a lot and enjoyed even more, every minute of it. I am thankful for all your cares and warmth. Together with your family I felt "at home" in Nepal, which made this journey a great experience! I will never forget to keep up my "strong Will"!
Ms. Richtje Stempher
June 5, 2007
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It gave an excellent experience through the combination of typically Nepali hospitality and guidance. Rajesh is an excellent and sincere host in all regards, bringing me into his family and providing all the contacts and everything I needed to make the most of the teaching, and village experience. To anyone who visits this program I would definitely recommend volunteering in the rural areas, and make the most of the language training, it's the best tool to experience Nepal.
Mr. James Hazelton
August 28, 2007
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"It is only now I'm leaving Nepal that I'm beginning to realise what an unforgettable experience the last two months has been. The volunteering phase has been challenging, amusing, exciting, sometimes frustrating but overall extremely enjoyable. With the help and guidance of theVolunteer Nepal programme I feel I have really learnt a great deal about this amazing country, its diverse peoples, its religions and its fascinating culture. I highly recommend the programme to anyone who is interested and thank Rajesh and his family for making me feel so welcome."
Mr. Jerry Lyons, Freelance Journalist, London, England.
August 28, 2007
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I really enjoyed my time in Nepal. I thank that to this volunteering program! Nepal is a beautiful country and the people are all very nice! I really enjoyed the volunteering phase too. Not because I am a good teacher, some classes gave me hard times, but because of the warmth and openness from the children, I felt home at school en started enjoying my time there.
I think the whole program is pretty good. It's very important to have a good orientation before you start working as a volunteer! I enjoyed learning a bit about the Nepali languages and the culture. It appeared to be very useful to know something about the culture where you'll be living in for over two months.
The volunteering phase was really great.
Everything was taken care of; the accommodation was good and the food to. The last phase was definitely a good one. When I was teaching, I felt very responsible, not only in school time, but also after school when I was with the girls for hostel. In Chitwan the only one I had to look after, was me. It was really relaxing!
The program in general is very good; I want to thank you for letting me be a part of it!
Ms. Judith van Dommele
October 30, 2007
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Living everyday life with a Nepali family is a wonderful way to really learn about the country and culture. The program did a great job preparing me to easily fit in with my host family and community and begin to learn and practice the language. The background training was well presented, very informative. Also a lot of fun to actually visit the historic sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Even though my stay was during a rather tense time politically, Rajesh made sure I was still able to safely enjoy the highlights of the Nepal and I had experiences and met some extraordinary people I will never forget. It isn't every day that one gets the opportunity to sit on the clay floor of a kitchen sharing rice pudding with a villager you just met on the path or to help a farmer plow his field behind two oxen with the Annapurna Range as a backdrop. This program has the right mix of adventure, education and volunteering to make you feel like you have been a part of people's lives and not just a tourist. I came away richly rewarded from the experience.
Debora H. Cutler
January 24, 2006
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For me it was a great chance to discover both - the daily life of a Nepali family and the daily life of a Nepali teacher. It was interesting to compare the two - so different - cultures in general and in details, in theory and practice.
It was easy to jump into the big ocean. Nepal having a group of international volunteers and an always helpful partner like Rajesh with you.
Michael Fischer
Oct 4, 2005 |
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"I loved my experience in Nepal, and would highly recommend
the program to anyone. I grew as an individual, faced the challenges that
came my way, and most of all, had a great time. Hearing a new culture
and language was very exciting for me. I met many wonderful people in
Nepal who I will miss dearly.
Also, Rajesh, you take such great care of your volunteers and I want to
thank you for that." Ms. Jenny Hillman
April 2004 program participant.
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"This program is absolutely awesome, it is everything
it promises to be and more. But it is as much up to you as anything, the
teaching is what you make of it, if you're prepared to endure a few challenging
times then it is one of the most rewarding and wonderful things you can
do. My host family is like a second real family to me, I will miss them
and my kids so much." Mr. Alex Vail
April 2004 program participant.
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"This program has been a great opportunity for a unique
cultural experience. I have enjoyed every moment, the time has gone much
too quickly. The Nepali/cultural classes at the Nature club was a great
introduction to the country, and good to make friends for the duration
of the time here. The extra activities of trekking, rafting and Chitwan,
as well as touring Kathmandu allowed and experience of much more than
the average tourist would. And the teaching was so well organised, it
was 2 months and will never forget and always cherish." Mr. Alex
Koch
April 2004 program participant.
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"Great! Loved it sooooo much. It was definetely an
experience that will stay with me for a long time. The support from Rajesh
has been great throughout the program, and all 4 of us really appreciated
it. As for teaching, it was definetly at times challenging especially
at the short, but as time went on I discovered new more effective teaching
methods which really helped. I definetely struggled with the younger classes
who had great difficulty understanding some of the things I said but at
the some time recognise the difficulties of an 18 year teacher teaching
high school students. So on the whole, my placement was very well orgainsed
- I also loved the school, the area of Bode, and the experiences altogether."
Mr. Cameron Higgins
April 2004 program participant.
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"The volunteer program has been excellent. The program
combines a good mix of learning about he cultures, customs, language and
life of Nepal, along with a chance to see many parts of Nepals natural
beauty, in Chitwan and around Kathmandu, and see places of culture, like
the temples and stupas around Kathmandu. Also the teaching is a good chance
to put the language training and lessons in the 2 weeks initiation into
practice. The program is well run and carried out and I am very glad I
saw Nepal as part of the program." Mr. Jono Tyler
April 2004 program participant.
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"I really had a great time in Nepal and appreciated
the CDN Nepal program very much! Met wonderful people, saw wonderful spots
and went to places, I probably wouldn't have gone without CDN Nepal -
e.g. village trekking. Rajesh, thank you very much for everything."
Ms. Barbara Knoor
August 2004 program participant.
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"Volunteering through CDN Nepal is a wonderful experience
in a wonderful country! All the people I have come to know, all the places
I have been, and all the experiences I have lived in Nepal have enriched
my life beyond words; and for each lesson I have taught I have learnt
a hundred new things." Ms. Agata Wierzbowski
August 2004 program participant.
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"The programme was fantastic, it was a real amazing eye opener and cultural experience to live with a local family. Teaching was great it certainly had its challenges, especially with the language barrier in the younger classes but the older classes were great. I think the thing that changed most was the children learnt to be creative, that they could actually think on their own and could enjoy themselves at school. The other teachers and principle were very supportive and always willing to help. My confidence improved a lot and my teaching styles changes as I learnt from my successes and failures. Probably the biggest challenge was the lack of privacy but that comes part in parcel with the culture. The locals were lovely and I got to know them well and create many fun memories. The school was very basic and small but pretty much had everything that I needed. I brought a resh teaching approach rather than the straight recital teaching and the other teachers were very interested. In terms of actual volunteer work for me it was a great experience that I loved but I don't know how much the school needed a volunteer, the valley is quite rich and I think village schools outside of the valley would both need and benefit a lot more from volunteer teachers..although they would probably also need the volunteers to speak a higher level of nepali.
David Chilton
September 2004 program participant.
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“The Volunteer Nepal! program is great! Combining service, culture
and adventure, the volunteers can truly taste most, if not all, of what
Nepal has to offer. Moreover, it’s a great introduction to realizing
your own interests and passions. Whenever you desire to pursue service
or mountain climbing, this program provides avenues and opportunities.
Personally, I found it at first difficult to balance community service
and personal adventure. But as the moths revealed to me, they are often
times one and the same.
Mr. Sumit Khandhar
February 2003 program participant
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“It was my second time coming to Nepal, but through
this program I got a hundred times better understanding of Nepalese culture
and people compared to my first visit to Nepal. The orientation was well
organized, and the volunteering phase was very rewarding. Volunteer Nepal!
had truly been one of the best experience in my life.” Ms. Izumi
Tsurumi
June 2003 program participant
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“Volunteer Nepal is a very exciting programme. It
gives you both depth and breadth of experience. The excursions are excellent
and the cultural orientation thorough and professional. The programme
as a whole is exceptionally well organised and efficient and the Director
Rajesh is always concerned for your welfare. The teaching practice gives
a fascinating insight into the daily life and concerns of the Nepalese.
I strongly / thoughroughly recommend this programme to anyone interested."
Mr. Andrew Singer
July 2003 program participant
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“The Volunteer Nepal! program was so
well organized and prepares you so well to be part of the Nepali culture.
I had an incredible experience and highly recommend the program."
Ms. Susanna Stodden
August 2003 program participant.
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"Having spent four months with CDN Nepal here in Nepal
has been absolutely amazing. It has been a great and intense way to experience
a country from within and get familiar with its culture and extremely
friendly and smiling people who have made me feel so welcome that I for
sure will have to come back again not just once but several times. So
pheri bhetaulaa and thank you for having given me the best time of my
life!" Ms. Malaika Malmos
August 2003 program participant.
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"The program introduced me to the Nepalese way of living
in such a way that I felt part of a family. However, Rajesh and Bandana
recognised that although we wanted to experience the culture and life
in Nepal we also need people who understand the homes of their volunteers.
The environment has been relaxed and allowed me the freedom to explore
at my will. This has been an amazing experience for me and CDN Nepal gave
me the chance to see more of Nepal than coming as a "Tourist"
would have." Mr. Michael Best
August 2003 program participant.
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"This has been the experience of a lifetime. After
only a week in Nepal I felt I had been here a month - I had seen and experienced
so much. Staying with a family opened windows into a culture I could not
have understood had I just visited the tourist sights + stayed in hotels.
Rajesh and his family look out for you every step of the way and are always
there when you need a helping hand. As a woman travelling alone, the CDN
Nepal programme offered me both independence and security." Katie
Grue
October 2003 program participant.
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" I had a very good and interesting time in Nepal, and
I can highly recommend Cultural Destination Nepal. However my advice is
to plan to spend some extra time travelling (trekking; Tibet ….) in addition
to the recreational phase of the program. The mountains are just too beautiful!
You can do that before the program starts, after the introduction phase
or after the volunteering phase. Just talk to Rajesh.
With English not being my first language, I was a bit worried about the
teaching, but I think as long as you are able to speak fluently in everyday
situations, you should be okay, even if English is a foreign language
for you.
It is possible to do volunteer teaching here in Nepal without any organization.
But I'm not sure whether that's a wise thing to do. With Cultural Destination
Nepal you get a good introduction phase, Rajesh knows the schools he sends
his volunteers to, in case there are any problems, there is always somebody
to help you, and you are not by yourself, but normally with other people
who are on the same program. If you decide to go with an organization,
I can highly recommend Cultural Destination Nepal. I haven't met a volunteer
who paid less, but quite a few who paid more and got less.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at mail@spst.net
"
Stefan Spreng (Germany)
April 2002 program participant |
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"You hear the catch phrase 'cultural immersion', well this was 'cultural
submersion' .... underneath, above and all around you."
Matthew J. Curran
February 2002 program participant |
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"A great way to experience Nepal and it's rich culture first-hand a
lot more than just "teaching abroad"..........."
Jennie Butterworth
February 2002 program participant |
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"From day 1 I was thrown into 'real' Nepali culture ....... and given
the knowledge to understand and enjoy it fully. There were personal challenges
to meet, but help was always available when I needed it."
Kate Thron
April 2002 program participant |
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"This was an amazing experience that enabled me to learn a lot about
Nepal and Nepalese culture which would have been impossible by just travelling
to the country. It is a unique opportunity to have a cultural exchange
in a great and fascinating country."
Paul Wells (UK)
October 2001 program participant |
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The most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I will never forget what I've learned about myself and the people and the country. I am forever grateful to Rajesh, his family, and everyone involved with CDN Nepal.
Jonna Eggerer (Canada)
May 2001 Program participant
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Rajesh and CDN Nepal have given me the gift of satisfaction to a degree that nobody could've thought possible. Rajesh is the most unconditionally patient, supportive, and professional man I have met, plus his inside connections open pathways for experience that an outsider could never know about; take for example the 7 day hike through his countryside birthplace. I had the opportunity to live with the Pradhans, who I came to love as my own family
within the five months I stayed in Kathmandu, and in my experience the homestay element of the program is where you find the real reason for travelling. The teaching was intimidating at first, as I'd never worked with children or thought much of my own English speaking, but the kids are super-respectful and in most cases the schools are thrilled to have native speakers help out. Another huge bonus is the group of people I got to learn with, the other CDN Nepal applicants, most of whom I bonded with immediately and keep in touch with today. The memories and the stories I collected while in Nepal are the kind that are so good you can't tell them to anyone who wasn't there to share it with you, and I'll always be in Rajesh's debt for working as tirelessly as he does to make this program everything it is.
Luke Schneiders
February 2001 program participant
1998 program
A deeply rewarding experience, and a rare opportunity
to become intimately aquainted with a cultural and people, instead of
succumbing to the usual traveller habit of skimming through places without
appreciating what is really there.
James Dunbar
May 2001 program participant |
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"This is the perfect opportunity to come to Nepal and volunteer: the program and Rajesh are supportive, informative, and fun. I guarantee that you will have the time of your life… and in the mean time help people and learn about yourself. Doing this program is one of the best things you can do for yourself."
Margaret Mills (USA)
February 2001 program participant
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"Everyone should do this at least once in their lives."
Michelle McGibbon (USA)
April 2001 program participant
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"Enabled us to discover the rich & colorful nature of the Nepal in an economical & organized way. A welcoming & friendly organization."
Charlotte Obsorne & Lisa Pandolfi (UK & Scotland)
February 2001 program participants
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"If you are thinking about coming to Nepal come and come with Cultural Destination Nepal. I was here for 3 months and this was by no means long enough. Every day was different and provided a story that no-one at home could ever believe or imagine. CDN Nepal is a fantastic organization allowing you to experience and see as much of Nepal as possible."
Steve Ault (UK)
February 2001 program
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"CDN Nepal is a marvelous organization! I had a fantastic experience in Nepal, and I can't wait to come back. The program is incredibly well put together, and ensures that everyone has a good time. What more could you want? Rajesh, WE LOVE YOU!"
Adam Lund (UK)
February 2001 program
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"Rather than travelling through Nepal as a tourist, Volunteer Nepal allowed me to gain a better understanding and appreciation for Nepali culture. Teaching English was also a rewarding and invaluable experience."
Anand K. Gupta (USA)
February 2001 program
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"CDN Nepal not only offered me a chance to visit many areas of Nepal, but it also gave me the opportunity to meet volunteers from many countries and a home away from home. Teaching was challenging, but having finished I feel like I learned more about myself and about all of the cultures and traditions in Nepal."
Kerry Teamey (USA)
April 2001 program participant
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"I was treated like family, both by the people of Cultural Destination Nepal, and by my host family. I was very well cared for, and always felt safe. Teaching has been a fantastic experience, the children are lovely and eager to learn. People are very happy to learn English from a native speaker. Even though I knew nothing about teaching, I easily managed. I just had to remember what it was like at school, and teach my own language. Thank you for being so great & always being there."
Rosie Gibbs (UK)
February 2001 program participant
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"The Volunteer Nepal! program is fantastic! It's given me the chance to really feel a part of Nepal - whilst at the same time giving something back to the people. I only wish I could stay longer. Thank you Rajesh!"
Amanda North (UK)
April 2001 program participant
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"Volunteer Nepal! allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Nepalese
culture and make a real connection to the country and its people. For
me, it was an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable experience. I now
consider Nepal my second home, and the individuals I've met, my family.
Vanessa Flores
August 2001 program participant |
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Traveling half way around the world to spend two months in Nepal was
pretty big decision, especially since it was my first trip overseas. Rajesh
made me very comfortable right away, and through his program. I was able
to explore the culture of the Nepalese Kingdom and learn to live in this
society so different than my own.
Polly Lynn
October 2001 program participant |
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Nepal was everything I pictured, yet nothing I could have imagined.
It was an incredible, eye-opening and challenging experience - CDN Nepal
does a fabulous job at exposing participants to the real Nepal.
Denise Riebman
October 2001 program participant |
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Ahhh, where to begin? I think using Volunteer Nepal as a means of locating
& establishing a school, gaining Nepali language training, and having
a genuine and real Emerson into the Kathmandu & Nepal community, turned
out to be a good choice for me. There are hundreds of different volunteer
opportunities in Nepal, but I think very few of them allow a person to
see much outside the tourism industry. Although for much of my four months
in Nepal I felt like I was on my own separated from volunteer Nepal living
and working in school, I always knew if I needed anything, Rajesh would
be able to help me out. I also know I would not have been able to experience
parts of Nepal most other visitors do not see.
As far as my volunteer experience, I have to say at times it was very
challenging, but I would not have wanted it to be other wise. This is
one of the best parts of coming to Nepal for an extended period of time
and working dealing with many different situations you other wise would
be never have to deal with. I loved my school. I lived in the student
hostel in a room w/ 8 other children.
I taught for 5-6 hours a day. I met people who I know I will be in touch
with for much of the rest of my life, and feel as though they are extended
family. Do I think Volunteer Nepal is for everyone? No. I think it is
for a person who want to experience something they could not imagine experiencing;
someone who wants a challenge culturally and emotionally; and someone
who is inspired and motivated even in trying situations. This type of
person will have one of the greatest experiences of their lives.
Catherine Carruth
August 2001 program participant |
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The CDN Nepal program really has been a fantastic opportunity to learn
about the people, language, culture and country of Nepal. All that I have
done, seen and experienced here could not have occurred if on a tour or
traveling solo. It's so very interesting, challenging, and exciting. Thanks
Rajesh!!
Sara Bushey
October 2001 program participant |
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The experience I've been fortunate enough to have living in amongst
the Nepalese culture is best described as unforgettable. I feel as if
I've learnt so much since arriving in Kathmandu about the different people,
lifestyles and traditions of Nepal. I have acquired some fascinating information
to take back to Britain. The variety of activities combined within the
programme has not only enabled me to obtain a rounded picture of Nepalese
life, but also enjoy an array of experiences. Well I suppose all good
things have to end.
Emma Gilbert
August 2001 program participant |
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Volunteering and living with a family in Nepal was a very positive
experience. I learned from a first hand experience about a new culture
as well as a little bit more about myself.
Amy Alvarez
August 2001 program participant |
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As three months of summer / autumn festivities, activities and challenges
mixed into Nepali day-to-day life comes to an end. I'm pleased to say
Volunteer Nepal has been an eye-opening, breath-taking, and at times frustrating
experience. Just the thing to push myself the extra mile. Having participated,
I feel a greater respect and appreciation for Nepali culture, my won culture
and the very excitement and wonder of cultures themselves. In Nepal there
is always so much to see, do and understand, Volunteer Nepal makes so
much of that possible. Thank you.
Jennifer Hall
August 2001 program participant |
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Volunteer Nepal has been a great experience. I've really been able
to learn and appreciate a great deal about Nepalese people & culture.
Most people I've met have been very welcoming and helpful. It was difficult
at first to adjust to such a different culture but as time passed I felt
more at ease. Overall, it's been very fun & I will definitely come back
in a few years.
Nick Almond
August 2001 program participant |
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"Can't help but be impressed and awed by Nepal and what better way
to experience it then by volunteering. Had a great time."
Judith Von Gyer
October 2001 program participant |
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"I had a great time and thoroughly recommend it as a Gap year idea."
Louise Knight
October 2001 program participant |
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"As a rookie traveller, CDN Nepal gave me the support and guidance.
I needed to go beyond myself and experience things. I otherwise wouldn't
have. For that I am eternally grateful."
Chris Murray
October 2001 program participant |
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"I am extremely impressed and satisfied with the CDN Nepal program.
You definitely get more than you money worth. The culture and language
training, homestay, village excursion, and volunteer placement all add
up to a great experience. You get see the real Nepal. I highly recommend
it."
Colleen Daly
October 2001 program participant |
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"This experience has taught me more than I would ever imagined it could
about this culture, this country, and myself. Though I am on the other
side of the world, I sincerely feel that I have found a second home. If
I have made a fraction of the impact on the people here they made on me,
then I truly have something to be proud off."
Kimberly Klemek
August 2001 program participant |
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"It is almost impossible to describe the experiences that I had the
last 5 months. I will treasure Nepal and all my friends here for the rest
of my life. Wouldn't have wanna miss it for the world!"
Björn Caljon (Belgium)
2001 October - program participant
Link: www.users.skynet.be/namaste
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"I think the five months I spent in Nepal have been the 5 best months
in my life so far. Rajesh is really the best; he gives you so many opportunities
to experience Nepal like it is."
Kathy Bernaerts (Belgium)
2001 October - program participant |
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I think it's a great program for anyone who
is interested in learning more about the Nepali culture and doing something
good at the same time. It's the right mix of volunteering and travelling
and doing all the fun activities, like the village excursion, white water
rafting, visiting the National park for elephant riding and canoeing.
Living with a Nepali family really taught me quite a bit about their culture
which I couldn't have experienced as a regular tourist on my own. The
continuos support from Rajesh and his family really made me feel at home
in a foreign country. It was a great experience for personal growth that
I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Guri Grewal
August 2000 program participant |
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Cultural Destination Nepal opened my eyes to Nepali life and culture.
Every day came with experiences so amazing that I don't even bother trying
to explain them because they truly are unbelievable. The Volunteer Nepal!
program gave me the opportunity to learn so much about myself and the
world around me; a unique opportunity most people never have.
Chris de Eyre
October 2000 program participant.
Url : http://cdnnepal.tripod.com
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"My stay in Nepal was one of the very best experiences of my life. I loved my students, who were very eager to learn, and I loved the experience of living in a totally different culture. I can never repay the people of Kathmandu for the warm welcome and generosity I enjoyed there. I got far more than I gave from the kindest, most friendly people in the world, and I am planning to return to Nepal next year to teach at my school again."
Mary Patrick (USA)
August 2000 program participant
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"The support and attention offered by CDN Nepal to the volunteers is of the highest standard. I was made to feel very at home and will look and my time in Nepal with the fondest memories."
Richard McSorley (UK)
December 1999 program participant
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"I found Rajesh's attitude to his volunteers during, before and after very obliging. His library collection was also very useful. His close involvement is definitely very important to CDN. My experience of Nepal in conclusion was very rewarding, I believe I learnt a lot partly due to the breadth of the program. Thank you."
Zoë Gray (Ireland)
December 1999 program participant
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"I like the way that Rajesh, Niraj, Bishal, Ariyana and everyone else in CDN Nepal made me feel comfortable while in Nepal. I was also extremely pleased with the way that Rajesh dealt with the host family situation in Mandikhatar. All in all, a very good program for a very reasonable prices for westerners more publicity will help CDN Nepal very much."
Evan Reider (USA)
July 1999 program participant
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"I liked my trip here, the Volunteer Nepal! program was amazing. Nepal is a nice country, people are sweet, kind, they are happy to receive us here."
Isabelle Hubert (Canada)
May 1999 program participant
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"The Volunteer Nepal! program has allowed me to make a lot of friends, and given me the opportunity to really experience the Nepali way of life from a city + village point of view. I look forward to returns."
Sarah Crowley (Australia)
September 1999 program participant
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"Volunteer Nepal! gave me the platform to take my steps in a world so similar and so different from my own."
Sean Shodahl (USA)
1998 Program participants
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This might be re-titled, 'How the Internet changed my life'. One day whilst cruising the Internet at work (during lunch, of course!), and looking at links to various sites dealing with Nepal, I came across a reference to an organization called Cultural Destination Nepal (CDN Nepal). For a programme was offered which combined an introductory 2 weeks of cultural and language training, followed by a placement of voluntary employment for a period, concluding with rafting trip and wildlife park visit.
After many visits to the country over a period of more than 20 years, predominantly for trekking, such a programme seemed to offer the opportunity to achieve a number of things:
- to improve my woeful command of the Nepali language. Foreign languages were never one of my strengths at school.
- to spend long enough within a community to get to know local people reasonably well, rather than leaving after a day or two, allowing me to have a greater understanding of Nepal and its people.
- to contribute something to a country which has given me so many good experiences in the past.
- to sample some activities which I had overlooked in the past, due to my concentration on trekking.
For me it was a great chance to discover both - the daily life of a Nepali family and the daily life of a Nepali teacher. It was interesting to compare the two - so different - cultures in general and in details, in theory and practice.
It was easy to jump into the big ocean. Nepal having a group of international volunteers and an always helpful partner like Rajesh with you.
Jeff Holmes
July 1998 |
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© 2004 Cultural Destination Nepal. All rights reserved
GPO Box 11535, Dhapasi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-1-437 7623, 437 7696 Mobile: 981034651 Fax: +977-1-437 7696
E-mail: cdnnepal@wlink.com.np
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