Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)
Pokhara, Nepal
The Programme
CEP is run as four phases:
Phase 1 Orientation class, Nepali language course and city tours, sightseeing.
Phase 2 Trekking in Annapurna region, with guide
Phase 3 Introduction to host family and school for volunteer service
Phase 4 Royal Chitwan Safari
Phase 1
On the first day, the volunteers will get a short basic introduction (like do's and dont's in Nepal) with a sight-seeing part and information about Nepali culture. You will also get a booklet with the most important information. After this you will have a 1-week language course, one to two hours a day, with a experienced language trainer. Then you will have a 3-days-gap to explore Pokhara yourself and another week of Nepali lessons. You will stay with your host family and the course will take place at the teacher's home. So you will have 2 weeks language course in total, which should give you some basics to use nepali.
This phase is compulsory for all the volunteers and the cost is $ 80. Some of this money is also used for the Children's Scholarships.
Phase 2
In this phase, CEP will organise a 1-week trek in the Annapurna region which is a huge mountain range of the great Himalaya. This is a spectacular area to explore the great views of Himalaya peaks and the traditional lifestyle of the Nepali people. You can enjoy the fascinating views of the snow-capped peaks while you will be escorted by an experienced guide. Total cost is $ 180 that includes trekking permit, food expenses in the mountains and guide charge for 7 days.
Phase 3
In this phase, the participants will be escorted to their host family. Participants can stay either in a Nepali or in a Tibetan family. Participants will be introduced to the placement where they are going to teach for two months or more. CEP functions as a mediator between the volunteers and the host family. It costs $ 30 per week of service. 60% of this money will be given to the family, 25% to run the Children's Scholarships and 15% for the coordinator's wage.Phase 4
CEP will organise a trip to the south of Nepal for an elephant safari and other activities in the Royal Chitwan Park. The park is one of the Nepal's largest forest regions with wild life ranging from the wild boar, rhinoceros and the crocodile to the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. The duration of this trip is 5 days and 4 nights.
Total cost is $ 100 which includes elephant-safari and all transportation.
All the volunteers have the possibility to experience the Tibetan festivals in the "Tashiling Tibetan Village" in Pokhara.