Volunteers in the Photojournalism Program in Nepal are generally regarded as freelance contributors, working closely in collaboration with their assigned mentor. While there is no specific newspaper office where you will be placed, your mentor will guide and support you throughout the process, helping you improve your skills and connect with relevant platforms. They will also facilitate the publication of your photographs in various online news portals, allowing your work to reach a wider audience.

Yes, you will work with local journalists, photographers, and media professionals who provide mentorship, guidance, and feedback throughout your placement.

The project supervisor assigns tasks, provides guidance, and is available for support throughout your placement. However, they do not remain with you at all times, allowing you independence while ensuring mentorship and assistance are always accessible when needed.

You’ll have full creative freedom to identify and develop your own stories. Our team will guide you toward interesting local events and communities, but you’ll be encouraged to explore areas that inspire you.

You can participate from one week to several months, depending on your availability and interests.

Yes, though what you get out of it changes with length. One or two weeks is enough to shoot a focused set of assignments, learn how your mentor works, and come home with a handful of strong frames. If you want to follow a story over time or build a full photo essay, three to four weeks gives you room to return to the same subjects more than once.

From the moment you arrive, our local team will provide full support- airport pickup, orientation, mentorship, and ongoing assistance during your stay. You’ll never be on your own; our coordinators are there to ensure you’re safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your experience.

Participants often focus on human interest stories, local traditions, cultural festivals, environmental issues, and social development initiatives. Depending on your interests, you might also explore stories about education, women’s empowerment, or rural life.

Through this program, your photography and storytelling help raise awareness about social, cultural, and environmental issues faced by local communities. Many of the stories you document highlight the work of grassroots organizations, cultural preservation efforts, and daily life in Nepal. Your visual stories can help inspire others and bring attention to important causes.

No, professional experience is not required. The Photography program in Nepal offers hands-on guidance, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers.

Yes, absolutely. While professional experience is not required, this program is ideal for aspiring photojournalists, students of media, communications, or photography, and anyone passionate about storytelling and travel.

It is highly recommended to bring a DSLR or mirror-less camera with manual settings to get the most out of your photography experience. You should also pack essential accessories such as extra memory cards, spare batteries, a charger, and a sturdy camera bag to protect your gear while shooting outdoors. A laptop or tablet with photo-editing software will be useful for reviewing and editing your work throughout the project.

Yes, there are two important points. First, you need to bring your own camera for this program. Second, success in photojournalism depends on always being alert and ready to seize opportunities -whether it is an unexpected cultural moment, a striking image, or a breaking story.

Volunteers are normally 18 or over. Younger applicants aged 16 and 17 may be considered with a written letter of parental or guardian consent. Please contact us before applying so we can confirm eligibility.

No. Your program fee covers accommodation, meals, and in-country support. It does not insure personal equipment such as cameras, lenses, or laptops.

Nepal is culturally conservative, so bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes matter more than you might expect on this program, since you will be on your feet across the city most days. Also pack a pollution mask, sun protection, a filtered water bottle, a universal adapter (Nepal uses Type C, D, and M plugs at 230V), and a personal first aid kit.

Your registration fee of $279 is added to the weekly program fee shown on the table. So, a one-week placement comes to $579 in total, two weeks to $789, and four weeks to $1,209. Airfare, visa, daily transport, and your airport return transfer are not included.

You can apply through our online application form, and our team will contact you with the next steps. We recommend applying two to three months ahead, so we have time to confirm your placement and brief you before you travel.

No press or media credentials are needed. Volunteers on this program are freelance contributors, not accredited press. You travel on a tourist visa, which you can apply for online through the Department of Immigration within 15 days of arrival, or obtain on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport

During the program, volunteers are accommodated in our comfortable volunteer house in Kathmandu. This provides a safe, supportive, and convenient base close to the project sites.

Two nutritious meals, breakfast and dinner are included for all volunteers. Meals are typically prepared locally, giving you a taste of authentic Nepali cuisine while ensuring you have the energy needed for your daily activities.

Volunteers normally travel using local transport options. Taxis, indrive, pathao services are equally available. Our team provides guidance on safe and convenient travel routes to ensure you can move around comfortably during your placement.

Yes, Kathmandu is safe for volunteers when following guidance from the project team. Our coordinators provide safety tips, recommended routes, and support to ensure you can explore and work with confidence.

You are never required to attend an assignment you are not comfortable with. Rallies and demonstrations are part of what this program can cover, but they are optional. Tell your mentor and they will adjust your coverage plan.

Ask before you shoot. RCDP’s guidance to every volunteer in Nepal is to request permission before photographing someone. Your mentor will talk you through where photography is welcome and where it is not.

Definitely. You’ll live among local communities, interact with residents, visit cultural landmarks, and even participate in traditional celebrations. This immersive experience deepens your understanding of Nepal’s rich culture and gives authenticity to your photographic work.

Living and working in Nepal offers deep personal development. You’ll strengthen your storytelling, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability while gaining confidence in working in unfamiliar environments.

Yes. Many volunteers have had their work featured in local publications, online platforms, and exhibitions, making Photojournalism in Nepal a great opportunity to build your portfolio. However, the final decision of publishing your photos or articles goes to the editor of the newspaper.

No. This is a volunteer placement, not paid freelance work. Published photographs are credited to you and are yours to use in your portfolio, but neither RCDP nor the publications we work with pay for volunteer-submitted images.