NEPAL
Teaching in schools, living with monks and visiting spectacular religious sites. You get to experience all this in just ten days by signing up for one of the most popular CWW destinations: the Nepal Service Trip.
Students on this trip will have raised funds to support three local charitable organizations. The Nawa Griha (NAG) school for street children in Kathmandu is run by a ZIS alumni. Students will play with the local students and prepare to teach lessons at the school. They will also support an orphanage in Kathmandu, the Maitrey Foundation where they will be actively involved in a building project for the orphanage and will interact with the students. On day six, students will hike to a Buddhist monastery where they will spend a night and have an opportunity to listen to a lecture with a monk. Furthermore, students will actively support the Seven Women’s Nepal Organization. This charity supports women in need in Nepal and trains them to be able to support themselves and their children. We will be accompanied by a guide from ITS Educational Tours as well as an experienced Nepalese guide to help the students navigate and learn more about this rich culture and beautiful country.
Nepal Club leader Izabela Jaszcz, who went last June, described the trip as “including the perfect mix of everything: culture, service, and nature.” When asked why people should join the Nepal CWW, supervisor Frau Fox answered: “There are a lot of reasons why you should pick this trip. It’s an amazing cause, it’s an amazing country, the people are incredibly nice, but most of all the kids are so amazing. I would want to help the kids.”
In order to sign up for this CWW, you must be part of the Nepal Service club, which meets Thursdays at lunch. This club focuses on advocating and fundraising for the various charities that it supports. Kasia Donell, the other Nepal Club leader, explains that “we want to brainstorm new creative ways of raising money”, with Izabela further adding that “like every other service club, [members] are expected to participate.”
Everyone agrees that the work is worth it though. Students on the trip return with an enhanced perspective and an appreciation for what they have in life. “It’s one of the best trips and I definitely think it’s the best Service Trip,” concludes Kasia.
Sample Itinerary (Subject to Change)
Day One-Two: Travel Zurich-Oman-Kathmandu arriving in the late afternoon. Transfer to, Royal Singi Hotel.
Day Three-Four: We will be working at Nawa Griha (NAG). In the evenings we will visit nearby sights Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath.
Day Five-six: Work at the orphanage.rs from Kathmandu.
Day Seven: We overnight at The Fort Resort before we start the five to six hour trek to Namo Buddha Monastery. After a long day walk you will be rewarded with an impressive view at the monastery. Evening: We will stay for dinner and overnight at the Monastery.
Day Eight: After an early breakfast, we may have the opportunity to interview a Buddhist monk before our way down to the valley Afternoon. After lunch, drive back to Kathmandu and stop at the old city of Bhaktapur.
Day Nine: Sightseeing in Kathmandu including a visit to Durbar Square and seeing the Living Goddess.
Day Ten: Flight back to Zurich.
Trip Duration: 10 days Friday May 31 Saturday June 8 or Sunday June 9 depending on flight schedules. *please note that this trip will conflict with the SAT test taking place on June 1. Students planning on taking the SAT on June 1 should not choose this trip.
Co-Payment: CHF 475.-
Trip Coordinator: Ms. Bettina Fox
Target Audience: All students in Grades 10-12 are welcome. Priority is given by seniority and years of active service in the Nepal Service Club.
Prerequisites: Participants are expected to join the Nepal Club and support fundraising events.
Max. Group Size: 25 students
Destination: Kathmandu and Nagarkot, Nepal
Passport: 6 months validity beyond return date
Visa: All visitors require a visa. Please click here for more information. Families are responsible for the visa application. Necessary documentation will be provided in the Resources folder below.
Health and Safety: Routine vaccinations
Essential Questions: How does religion influence the culture and daily life of the Nepalese? What place does education have in the development of a society? What can I offer and what can I learn from another culture? What is the most effective way to provide meaningful service?
Enduring Understandings: Religion, economics and history shape society and culture. Service matters. You can make a difference.
