| Language
and Culture Programs |
 RCDP
provides a 2-week orientation program comprised
of language training, cultural tours, village
hiking, visits to popular tourist sites, and
a 2-3 day stay at the Royal Chitwan National
Park with a jungle safari. The main aim of our
unique language and cultural orientation is
to teach volunteers about local language, culture,
customs, and ways of life in fabulous Nepal.
By joining our 2-week language program, you
will gain new insights into the rich and diverse
life of Nepal and its people.
An important part of this program is the home
stay, where our volunteers live with warm and
welcoming host families, eat Nepalese food,
observe village culture, and become a first-hand
participant in village life. Additionally, during
the home stay program, volunteers will have
some project training with the opportunity to
observe and practice tasks within the local
village that are related to their work and designed
as placement preparation. |
| First
Week of Program |
| Day
1: |
Airport arrival and hotel
transfer |
| Day
2: |
Orientation at Katmandu Office: |
| Day
3-4: |
Nepali language class continues |
| Day
5: |
Valley sightseeing:
A guided tour of Katmandu Valley (the capital
of Nepal) will introduce the cultural and
religious heritage of Nepal. (Additional
information will be provided by demonstration.)
Visit splendid historic destinations in
Katmandu Valley that are listed as World
Heritage sites. |
| Day
6: |
Nepali language class continues |
| Day
7: |
Closing of Nepali language class |
| A complete schedule
for the program will be provided during
the orientation. Most of our language courses
are based on audio and video lessons and
are designed so that volunteers can quickly
learn basic Nepali phrases. |
|
| Second
Week Program |
 After
a week of language classes in world famous
Katmandu, participants will leave for their
stay in a nearby picturesque village. Our
home and village stay locations are carefully
selected to present the best possible experience
with Nepal’s unique culture, customs,
and people. Villagers are friendly and eager
to welcome our volunteers. Daily life in
these quaint villages is untouched by modern
civilization. Here, people still practice
traditional ways of farming, cooking, working,
and other important daily activities. The
village stay program is fascinating because
it offers the most accurate picture of real
Nepal. During your home stay, you will continue
to practice your new language skills, enjoying
the cross-cultural opportunities available
as you walk through each day with your host
family. |
| Day
1: |
Leave for the village
after lunch. After reaching the village,
our group leader will introduce you to
the village and its charming residents,
explaining Nepal’s religion, culture,
people, and way of life. Later, you will
enjoy an evening village walk. |
| Day 2: |
Village Hiking: After lunch depart
for an invigorating hike, where you will
see lush and magnificent landscapes. Visit
“Laakuri Bhanjyang” where
you will get a fascinating view of Katmandu
Valley from the top of the hill. |
| Day 3: |
Enjoy a morning visit to the temple
called Bindebaasini. After lunch, visit
the villages of Sisneri, Bhaltaar, Thakuri
gaau, and finally Laamaatar. In the evening
villagers will present a local ethnic
dance. One of the most effective ways
to learn about a new culture is through
local music and dance. Enjoy ethnic music
and dance performed by a local cultural
dance group. If you wish, join in the
cultural dance program with the local
villagers. |
| Day 4: |
Return to Kathmandu after lunch for
free time. Stay overnight in the hotel
in the Thamel.
|
| Day 5-7: |
Recreational phase includes white water
rafting and a visit to Royal Chitwan National
Park (3 nights, 4 days) |
|
| White
Water Rafting |
Discover adventurous white
water rafting and waves of the Trishuli
River. The rafting trip begins at Charudi
and ends at the Kuringhat village. As
you travel the river, you will see the
beautiful landscape of Nepal.
(Note: This program
may not be available during July and August
because of flooding of the Trishuli River.)
You will be taken to RCNP at the completion
of the rafting trip. |
|
| Royal
Chitwan national Park Visit |
 Visit
Royal Chitwan National Park and enjoy
a jungle safari (3 nights, 4 days)
Visit Royal Chitwan National Park in
the sub-tropical lowlands of the inner
Terai. Ride an elephant through dense
jungle foliage in search of exotic birds,
antelope, rhinos, crocodiles, and Bengal
tigers. Learn more about the local Tharu
people through a visit to the Tharu village,
the Tharu Museum, and a Tharu cultural
dance program.
Details of Royal
Chitwan national Park Visit |
| Day
1: |
Reach Royal Chitwan National
Park. Welcome drinks and introductory
talk by the program manager. Dinner served. |
|
| Day
2: |
Wake up with refreshing tea and breakfast.
Cycle to the elephant breeding center.
Visit Tharu village and then return to
camp for lunch and rest. Enjoy a museum
visit and a sunset view from the camp.
At night, view a cultural program performed
by Tharu youngsters (Famous Tharu Stick
Dance) followed by dinner. |
| Day
3: |
Wake up with tea and breakfast. Go
for a canoe ride and jungle walk before
returning to camp for lunch and rest.
Take an afternoon elephant ride and rafting
trip. Return at sunset for dinner. |
| Day
4: |
Wake up with tea
in bed before department for a bird-watching
tour, which begins just before dawn when
the birds awaken and head for their morning
meal. |
| After completing
the 2-week Language and Culture/Village
Stay Program, you will be prepared for either
your enriching volunteer placement or an
adventure trekking through Nepal’s
splendid highlands. |
|
