Service Learning
NEPAL
9 days/8 nights | Full Board | Up to 35 participants | From $1,595pp
Experience Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes through meaningful community engagement in the hill village of Balthali. Contribute to uplifting local projects designed to support education, sustainability, and overall village well-being. Deepen your connection with Nepali life through immersive workshops in traditional cooking, music, and crafts. Conclude your journey with a visit to Chitwan National Park, where you’ll explore the diverse ecosystems home to one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.
Itinerary
Day 1
Begin your journey with a thoughtful orientation exploring culture, empathy, and the principles of meaningful service. Visit the sacred Bouddhanath Stupa to witness local spirituality in action. Cap off the evening with a lively cultural session and a delicious welcome dinner, connecting with fellow travelers and setting intentions for the days ahead.
Day 2
Travel through scenic countryside, then hike into the peaceful hills of Balthali village. Receive a warm welcome from community members and spend the afternoon building connections through your first hands-on service experience. Enjoy your surroundings and settle into the rhythm of village life with a shared group dinner.
Day 3
Engage in a full day of immersive service work with your team, gaining deeper insight into rural life. In the afternoon, join a traditional Nepali cooking class where you’ll prepare authentic dishes and learn about their cultural roots. Reflect in the evening on global citizenship and how shared responsibility shapes our world.
Day 4
Continue contributing through your service project while developing stronger bonds with local residents and fellow participants. In the afternoon, join a hands-on handcraft class, learning skills like weaving or wood carving from local artisans. Reflect on how sustainable impact requires collaboration, cultural respect, and long-term community involvement.
Day 5
Complete your final day of service, celebrating all you’ve accomplished with your team and the community. Afterwards, explore the rhythms of Nepalese folk music by learning traditional instruments from local musicians. Conclude the day with a powerful conversation on ethical volunteering and leadership grounded in humility and awareness.
Day 6
Embark on a scenic journey to Chitwan National Park and arrive in the lush lowlands by evening. Join a conservation-focused orientation and visit the Tharu Cultural Museum to learn about traditional life. End the evening with a Tharu dance performance and dinner that celebrates harmony between culture and nature.
Day 7
Begin your day with a wildlife safari, spotting rare animals like Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceros. Visit an elephant conservation center, then engage with local leaders working on grassroots environmental initiatives. Reflect on adaptive leadership and how flexibility and creativity are essential when working in complex global contexts.
Day 8
Travel back to Kathmandu, taking time to reflect on the impact of your journey. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel, finding souvenirs that capture your experience. Enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner and group reflection, sharing stories, personal growth, and the lessons you’ll carry forward.
Day 9
Say goodbye to Nepal and the connections you’ve made as you head to the airport for your flight. Leave with meaningful memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship and community engagement.
Meals & Accommodation
Hotels | Twin rooms for students | Single rooms for staff | Full board
Locations
Included
8 nights accommodation
All meals and soft drinks
Transportation
All activities
Entrance fees
Certificate of completion
Program management
Not included
International flights
Visas
Tips/gratuities
Laundry service
Alcohol
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Partners
Hands-On Institute is a Nepal-based organization committed to sustainable community development and cultural preservation. They engage local groups through education and empowerment initiatives, fostering positive social change. Their deep local connections and expertise enrich broader efforts to support Nepal’s rural communities, contributing valuable insight and impact within the region.
Which courses can our Nepal Service-Learning Trip be tailored to?
Global Studies, International Relations, International Development, Political Science, Peace/Conflict & Justice, Human Rights, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Social Work, Education, Public & Community Health, Risk & Disaster Management, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Change, Conservation Studies, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, Agriculture, Religious Studies.