FAQ

Is Patron Nepal a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and does Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" accept charitable donations?

The answer to both questions is an emphatic, “Yes.” Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" is indeed an NGO and we most certainly do accept charitable donations. Unlike other volunteer program organizations which may on the surface offer similar volunteer abroad programs, Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" is a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) and definitely accepts charitable donations. As an NGO, Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" not only returns and invests 100% of all of our program fees to the local Nepal economy but we also maintain a strong local social commitment and are required by law to operate transparently. We take great pride in being able to provide our program volunteers with high quality, culturally significant, community service opportunities abroad at competitive rates with respect to other volunteer service organizations which may or may not be recognised by their respective local governments with respect to having non-profit tax status.

It is possible for me to do an internship abroad with Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience"?

In consideration of the highly flexible nature of our custom-tailored Volunteer Program experiences, there are a significant number of Patron Nepal program volunteers who join our International Scholarship Programs. The benefit of the International Scholarship Program is that students gain highly valuable hands-on experience in a cross-cultural setting which will support their personal, as well as, professional developmental goals. Whether you seek an internship program abroad which includes both structured and supported reflective components, we sincerely recommend that you look into the scholarship program opportunities available to you through Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience". Medical & Health Care Internship

What is necessary for me to volunteer abroad with Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience"?

The Patron Nepal Volunteer Program Candidate Application process is designed to be straight-forward and after the time that you select the Volunteer Program in which you would like to participate, you will then be requested to submit the desired program duration including the dates of your program volunteer service. When you have been approved for volunteer service, you will then be able to complete a Volunteer Program Application Form for the specific dates for which you would like to volunteer with us. Upon receiving Patron Nepal confirmation of the dates which you have submitted, you will also receive an invitation to confirm your dates of Program Volunteer service by submitting payment of the Registration Fee to guarantee your position in your program. Please see our Volunteer Program Fee Schedule for the applicable amount required to be submitted.

How far in advanced of my desired dates of Volunteer Program service should I apply?

We strongly recommend that program volunteer candidates apply as soon as they have an idea as to when they would like to volunteer and include the particular Volunteer Program in which they wish to participate. In this way, Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" can ensure that you will be able to secure your position and dates of service in the Volunteer Program in which you desire to participate. This will most advantageous to you as certain Volunteer Programs can be completely booked up many months in advance. It is important to note that should you need to change or revise the application form once it is submitted, you will be able to change the dates of service accordingly on your Volunteer Program Application Form should your travel plans change. If you wish, you can begin filling out your Volunteer Program Candidate Application Form now by clicking here.

What can I expect after I apply?

After you apply for Volunteer Program service with Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience", it will then be possible for you to access to your MyPatronNepal account and you will be then be connected with a Patron Nepal Program Manager who will be able to assist you with respect to preparing for your volunteer experience. Upon the receipt by Patron Nepal of your Registration Fee, your position in Volunteer Program of your choice you will then receive confirmation and you will then be allowed access to your MyPatronNepal account which will include an in-depth Volunteer Program Guide, as well as, our interactive training modules and tips on how to prepare for the interview which is part of the formal application process. The Patron Nepal Program Manager will be available to answer questions which you may have and will then be able to start processing the information required from you up to the time of your flight departure. Also, the local team will then be introduced to you and will send you an email welcoming you to the Volunteer Program. For the purposes of avoiding any scheduling conflicts or encountering programs which are fully booked up, we strongly suggest that you submit your Volunteer Program Candidate Application Form as early as possible in the interest of securing your desired dates of service. For information on how to prepare for your interview, please click here for MyInterview.

Is it possible to make any changes to my application should my plans change?

Absolutely, simply log in to your MyPatronNepal account to make changes to your online application after payment of your Registration Fee is confirmed by Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience". In the event that you wish to make a change to your Volunteer Program Candidate Application Form after registering, please make the respective changes on the Volunteer Candidate Application Form accordingly and please send an email to your Patron Nepal Program Manager to coordinate such. Please note that you can make your first change to your Volunteer Program Candidate Application Form only after submitting your Registration Fee.

How can I apply for multiple programs?

Should you desire to volunteer with more than one Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" program, all that is required on your part is to complete an the Volunteer Program Application Form for one of the volunteer programs and then you will be redirected to your MyPatronNepal account where you will be able to apply for additional volunteer programs. When you are in MyPatronNepal, please click on “My Applications” and then select the “New Application” from the drop-down menu to enter the necessary information such as program name and the respective dates of service pertaining to the other Volunteer Program(s) which you desire.

What are the benefits associated with paying to volunteer abroad?

As a Patron Nepal Program Volunteer, you will obviously be donating your valuable time and skills to assist those abroad who are in great need. One concept which many people initially have difficulty understanding is to why they should also have to pay a fee to volunteer. The payment of Volunteer Program Registration Fees not only confirms your place in your desired Patron Nepal Volunteer Program but the Registration Fee also serves as a processing fee which our organisation receives and further contributes significantly towards your Volunteer Program experience. Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" is able to provide a wide variety of value-added services based on program fees which combine to ensure that your Volunteer Program experience will not only be uniquely fulfilling but will also be a most positively memorable one. As a program volunteer, you can rest assured that 100% of all fees paid by you relating to your volunteer program experience will remain within your host country and will directly benefit the people whom you are serving. The Registration Fee, as well as the Airport Pickup Fee associated with your program participation enables us to provide you with a wide variety of services beyond your airport pickup. Services such as transportation to the host location where you will both live and work, the Orientation & Safety Briefing, local logistical support, hotel or host family accommodations, meals, as well as, local staff support all combine to make your unique volunteer experience as memorable as possible. For specific details and all applicable Volunteer Programme fees rates, please look to our Program Fees page.

How can Patron Nepal's fees remain so competitive with respect to other volunteer service organizations?

Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" has always endeavoured to provide each and every one of our program volunteer participants with a unique and highly rewarding Volunteer Program service and travel experience of the highest calibre while also being able to ensure that the services and efforts which each volunteer provides the Volunteer Program remain both vital and well-balanced with respect to the needs of the local community members. The Patron Nepal Registration Fee and Volunteer Program Fees have always enabled us to maintain our Volunteer Programs at the highest standards while at the same time eliminating the need for unnecessary costs or fees which our volunteers could face including charges associated with any middle-men or third party expenditures which would only serve to unnecessarily inflate our volunteer charges and costs and degrade the overall program volunteer experience. The Registration Fee and Volunteer Program Fees paid by our service volunteers not only support the Patron Nepal local team but; most importantly, 100% of these funds remain within the host country and directly benefit the members of the local host community whom you as a Program Volunteer will be serving. The services with which Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" provides you related to your pre-departure support are also based entirely in Nepal. As a Patron Nepal program volunteer, you can rest assured that since we are a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), we will never compromise the quality or the integrity of our Volunteer Programs for the sake of financial gain. Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" will always maintain the highly transparent, non-profit basis on which we continue to operate. The volunteer programs which Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" offers are not only cost-effective but they are highly sustainable, as well. The volunteer program service experience which we offer is highly competitive but as Patron Nepal Volunteer Program participants, each of our volunteers will experience the peace of mind and deep sense of personal fulfilment which is to be expected with any group of dedicated, like-minded international volunteers who all live, work, socialize and travel with one another.

Is there a discount available for previous Patron Nepal volunteers or for those who over the years have registered for multiple Patron Nepal volunteer programs?

Any Patron Nepal program volunteers who have previously completed their Volunteer Program experience will remain enrolled with us for a period of five (5) years beginning on the first day of their initial program volunteer date of service. With this in mind, should you currently be serving as a Program Volunteer and you desire to extend the duration of your volunteer experience either within the same program or wish to enrol in another volunteer program upon completion of your current service, you will be able to do so quite easily and not be financially responsible for an additional Registration Fee. In addition, previous program volunteers who have already completed their initial Volunteer Program experience and desire to enrol in another program within the five (5) year period commencing on the initial date of the first program volunteer participation where the Registration Fee was paid can do so without having to pay an additional Registration Fee. In the event that returning previous program volunteers wish to enrol in another one of our Volunteer Programs and the five (5) year period from the start date of the initial program service date has elapsed we would most certainly be appreciative of their further Volunteer Program service participation. Please note that in such circumstances where the initial five (5) year period of service has been concluded, that an additional Program Registration Fee would be then applicable.

Will I require a Visa for the purposes of volunteering in Nepal?

Please check with the Nepali Embassy/ Consulate of the respective country where your Passport was issued where you now reside with respect to any Visa or travel requirements which may be applicable to you.

How can I obtain the necessary Criminal Backrground Check?

In order for anyone who is interested to participate as a Patron Nepal program volunteer, it will be necessary for them to provide our local team; upon arrival at time of their Program Orientation & Safety Briefing, with the original document (no photocopies, please) obtained with concerning the required Criminal Background Check which was conducted by their government. Since the process for obtaining the document resulting from a Criminal Background Check will vary depending on respective volunteer’s country where their Passport was issued, there is no standardised procedure for obtaining this document. We suggest that a program volunteer candidate check the internet or contact the local Passport Office in the volunteer’s respective country of residence as to what the process may be to obtain this document. In the interest of ensuring that the Criminal Background Check fully complies with Patron Nepal requirements, please refer to our website or contact your Patron Nepal Program Manager before requesting that your government provide you with this document. For further information, please refer to the Patron Nepal Criminal Background Check webpage.

Will Travel Insurance be include in the Registration Fee or Volunteer Program Fees?

Travel insurance is mandatory for someone who desires to participate in a Patron Nepal Volunteer Program. For the purposes of making our Volunteer Program Fee Schedule simple and straightforward for the purposes of our prospective Volunteer Program Candidates to evaluate, Patron Nepal does not include the cost associated with Travel Insurance in our quoted fees. While Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" continues to do our utmost to ensure that each and every Volunteer Program participant has a deeply rich, memorable experience, it is the responsibility of each Volunteer Program candidate to demonstrate that they possess adequate Travel insurance in the event that they become ill, their baggage may be misdirected or lost while travelling or should any personal possessions of value be stolen. Should any of our Volunteer Program Candidates desire our assistance with respect to obtaining Travel Insurance, Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" will be able to provide them with the names and website addresses of companies which offer these services. Companies such as: World Nomads which offers Travel Insurance at rates which are highly regarded in the travel industry and have a reputation for providing insurance which is ideally suited to the needs of the volunteer traveller in mind. This company provides coverage at highly competitive rates; including coverage against medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost or stolen personal property, as well as, personal liability. Further, World Nomads allows travellers to be able to initiate claims while they are abroad and in the event that the duration of the trip needs to be extended for some reason, the travel insurance coverage can be correspondingly extended. For more information, please visit our Travel Insurance to find more information including instructions on how you may obtain a free, no obligation, quotation for travel insurance.

What vaccinations, if any, will I require?

Any vaccinations which you may require will depend solely on which vaccinations you have previously received and the country to which you are travelling. For a confirmation of any vaccinations which may be required, please refer to the Patron Nepal Program Guide listing which you will be able to access once via MyPatronNepal account receipt of your Registration Fee is confirmed. While it is always recommended that the program volunteer candidate consult their Primary Care physician, it is noteworthy that the malaria prophylaxy in tablets is the minimum requirement for Patron Nepal Volunteer Program participants.

Will I need to be able to speak any of the local language?

With respect to language requirements, Patron Nepal volunteer program participants will be required to possess at least a mid-level degree of English language competency. With respect to program volunteers who wish to teach English, either a language proficiency accreditation in form of a University of Cambridge Certificate for English Language Teaching for Adults (CELTA); a Teacher’s of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate; or a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification for English language instruction for non-native speakers will be required. In the event that you may be a native English speaker but do not possess such any of these certificates, it will be necessary for you to obtain either a CELTA, TEFL or TESOL certificate by contacting any of the respective schools in your local area and completing a course which may be as short as a weekend in duration. Please note that these certificates are lifetime certifications. While the only requirement for program participation is the requirement for our program participants to speak English; with respect to the native Nepali language, program volunteers will receive a basic familiarisation with the language during their Orientation & Safety Briefing. Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" recommends that our program volunteers take advantage of additional Nepali language learning opportunities as they become available in their local Nepali community. Program volunteers will quickly realise that as their Nepali language skills increase, they will correspondingly be better able to converse the more deeply with the local community members and they will be able to immerse themselves more completely within the local culture. With this in mind, their Volunteer Program experience will ultimately be that much more deeply enriched and fulfilling.

Can Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" provide assistance regarding booking air travel?

As far as your travel arrangements are concerned, Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" will be responsible for picking you up at the airport and transporting you to your host community accommodations or Host Family residence. Aside from that, travel arrangements will be the responsibility of the individual Volunteer Program participant. Should you be a frequent traveller, then you are well aware of the wide variety of cost competitive travel services which the internet offers. For those who are less experienced with respect to air travel including those who may not have ever travelled abroad before, the internet is still the best option available and finding the lowest cost airfares and it is a simple matter of entering your travel requirements into the various such as: Qatar Airways . Just enter your desired dates of air travel into their respective websites and compare the air fares. Should you typically use a different website for booking air travel then please feel free to do so in the interest of finding the best possible rates.

As a general rule, please keep in mind that the earlier you book your flights; regardless of whether they may be arranged a travel agency or online, the better the rates you will be able to find then can lock in by purchasing your ticket. After Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" has received your Program Registration Fee, you will be able to receive confirmation of your desired dates of your Volunteer Program. This information will be made available to you via email confirmation and it will be at that point then you will able to access your Volunteer Program details via your MyPatronNepal account.

What can I expect upon arrival at my program destination?

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal, a local Patron Nepal team representative will greet you or your group members at the airport and transport you to your Volunteer Program accommodations which will be either a hotel or Home Stay host family residence. This will be your new “home away from home” for the duration of your Volunteer Program experience. Prior to beginning your new Volunteer Program responsibilities, you will attend an Orientation & Safety Briefing which will be hosted by your local team representatives. It is there that you will be introduced to the local customs and culture, receive Volunteer Program safety advice, learn about transportation options, become familiar with the rules and requirements of the program, learn more about Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" goals and what will be expected of you, as well as, learn about many exciting weekend and free time travel opportunities. Patron Nepal local team representatives make themselves available to you on a 24/ 7 basis; providing the necessary support to you for the duration of your Volunteer Program experience. Regardless if you are travelling with a group of people or you arrive in Nepal by yourself, you will be welcomed by the local team representatives and they will do their utmost to ensure that your warm welcome does not stop at the airport but will also extend through to your arrival at the local community; including the reception which you will receive when you arrive at your hotel or Home Stay residence. Almost immediately, you will have a deep sense that you are now an integral member of the local community and just how truly your invaluable services will be appreciated by your new neighbours.

What can I expect in terms of accommodations and meals?

As the types of accommodations may vary depending on whether you will be working in a town or a rural village, you can rest assured that the Patron Nepal local team members will do their utmost to make your stay as comfortable as possible. For specific information and details regarding meals and accommodations, please refer to the look to the webpage pertaining to your particular program volunteer experience package.

Is there a possibility that I will be working with other program volunteers?

With respect to the vast majority of Patron Nepal Volunteer Programs, volunteers for the most part can expect to be working as part of a team with other volunteers. As some of our programs are flexible, should you wish to do so and in the event that the local team will be able to accommodate your request, you may be able to be placed by yourself but as a general rule, program volunteers tend to live and work together as part of small groups.

Will I be able to take language lessons while in my volunteer program?

There may be the possibility for some of the program volunteers to be able to take advantage of optional language lessons which may be available from time to time which will be offered at affordable rates to program volunteer participants. When available, these lessons can be arranged directly through the Patron Nepal local team representatives and must be paid for separately while you are residing in the local community. Nepali Basic Language

Will travel and sightseeing opportunities be available at weekends during my volunteer program?

As a Patron Nepal program volunteer; aside from your weekday responsibilities, you will have unlimited weekends and other assorted free time available to explore your host country. Our local team will make every effort and take great pleasure in providing you with suggestions concerning tours and assorted trips which you could take to expand the horizons of your inter-cultural experience. The combination of these trips in conjunction with a volunteer’s daily work experience while living and working within the local Nepal community will be the ideal way for a program volunteer to appreciate all the amazing beauty and culture of this far away, exotic land. The Patron Nepal Volunteer Program experience; coupled with an ideal life-work balance, will be perfectly suited for those individuals who remain true explorers at heart and wish to maximise the countless opportunities afforded them as a Patron Nepal program volunteer as they experience the many wonders and beauty of this amazing land.

Will Patron Nepal "Sharing Experience" provide me with a Letter of Reference or act as a referee for me once I have completed my program volunteer experience?

Upon completion of your Patron Nepal Volunteer Program experience, your Program Manager will be pleased to provide you with a Letter of Reference upon your request. In addition; should past volunteers request that we act as referees; we will gladly satisfy their need.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my Patron Nepal Volunteer Program experience?

Upon completion of your Patron Nepal Volunteer Program experience, you will then obtain a certificate which will reflect the dates and duration of your volunteer service. The Patron Nepal Volunteer Program Certificate will make a wonderful addition to your Resumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV). In the future, when previous program volunteers find themselves seeking employment, most prospective employers will be able to recognise the deep and meaningful significance of volunteer efforts. Also, the invaluable contribution which accompanies volunteer work and travel experience realised in terms of an individual volunteer’s professional development, personal growth and cross-cultural interaction will be something which can easily distinguish a candidate for employment in the eyes of a future employer.

Do you have a question which has not been answered here? Please Contact Us and we will be glad to provide you with a prompt reply.