You are on page 1of 64

A WELCOME LETTER

Dear Prospective Volunteer,


On behalf of the staff of Peace Corps/Nepal,
congratulations on your invitation to serve as a Peace
Corps Volunteer. We consider your selection to be a
significant accomplishment and look forward to working
with you.
Peace Corps/Nepal is one of the oldest and most beloved
of Peace Corps programs. From 1962 to 2004, over 4,500
Volunteers contributed to the development of this country
and made lifelong impressions and friendships with the
Nepali people. The excitement around the return of Peace
Corps has been mounting since the request by the
government of Nepal was made to Peace Corps
headquarters over a year ago. You will be amazed at the
warm welcome you will undoubtedly receive from the
moment you step off the plane to the day you are placed
at your worksite.
I am sure you are excited and have many questions. This
book has been prepared to provide you with some
information and friendly advice to help you start on your
path to discovery. It will not answer all your questions
especially since there are many things that remain to be
worked out concerning the re-opening of the program.
This book may even raise more questions for you, but that
is what the Peace Corps journey is all about!
For your first 12 weeks here, you will participate in preservice training covering Nepali language, cross-cultural
adaptation, health and safety training, and technical skills.
We look forward to swearing in all of you who
PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

successfully complete the training and assigning you to


villages in the western hill regions of the country.
With the return of our program, Peace Corps/Nepal will
be working to promote improved nutrition and
agricultural practices to address critical health and food
needs. Volunteers will be placed at the grassroots level,
helping the most isolated, the least privileged, and those
with the least influence. Volunteers will reside in Nepali
households and quickly find themselves to be members of
a new extended family.
A two-year commitment to the Peace Corps is not made
easily or casually. It is a commitment you will make
repeatedly and in many ways throughout your service.
You will be challenged in every way imaginable, and
your strength of character and determination will be
tested. But if you come to Nepal with an open mind, a
warm heart, and a good sense of humor, you will do well.
If you feel you have the right motivation and sufficient
fortitude and flexibility to help us re-launch the program
here, we invite you to join the first group of Volunteers
since 2004 to serve as America's grassroots ambassadors
to Nepal. You will find the combination of the Peace
Corps and Nepal an unparalleled experience.
Andrea Wojnar-Diagne
Country Director

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

CONTENTS

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

CORE EXPECTATIONS
FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS
In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of
promoting world peace and friendship, as a trainee and
Volunteer, you are expected to:
1. Prepare your personal and professional life to
make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term
of 27 months
2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the
people with whom you live and work; and, in
doing so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn
new skills as needed
3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go,
under conditions of hardship, if necessary, and
with the flexibility needed for effective service
4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable
development work is based on the local trust and
confidence you build by living in, and respectfully
integrating yourself into, your host community
and culture
5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day,
7 days a week for your personal conduct and
professional performance
6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of
cooperation, mutual learning, and respect
7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace
Corps and the local and national laws of the
country where you serve
8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to
protect your health, safety, and well-being and that
of others

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host


country and community, as a representative of the
people, cultures, values, and traditions of the
United States of America
10. Represent responsively the people, cultures,
values, and traditions of your host country and
community to people in the United States both
during and following your service

PEACE CORPS/NEPAL
HISTORY AND PROGRAMS
History of the Peace Corps in Nepal

The first group of Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in October


1962. In the ensuing years, more than 4,500 Volunteers have
served in Nepal.
The Peace Corps operated on an almost continual basis until the
program was closed in 2004 due to concerns related to safety and
security as a result of political instability within the country.
In 2011, the government of Nepal requested the return of Peace
Corps. Follow-up studies regarding the viability of a return to
Nepal were favorable and in January 2012, almost 50 years since
the program was initially established, the Peace Corps returned to
Nepal.
History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Nepal

Peace Corps/Nepals program began in 1962 in the sectors of


education and rural development. Over the years, Peace Corps
projects in Nepal have addressed needs in various sectors,
including health, water and sanitation, environment/natural
resources, education, and business development.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

Peace Corps/Nepal is currently active in one project that works to


address the nutrition and food production needs of rural Nepali
people. Volunteer activities focus on behavior change
communication, capacity building, and promoting sustainable
agricultural practices.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:
NEPAL AT A GLANCE
History

The first civilizations in Nepal flourished around the 6th century


B.C. and were confined to the fertile Kathmandu Valley. It was in
this region that Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born around 563
B.C. Gautama achieved enlightenment as Buddha and spawned
Buddhism. Thus Nepal is often referred to as the birthplace of
Buddhism. Hinduism, however, is the predominant religion in
Nepal, reflecting the increased influence of India, around the 12th
century.
Formerly composed of separate smaller kingdoms, the successive
dynasties of the Gopalas, the Kiratis, and the Licchavis
continuously expanded their rule, but it was not until the reign of
the Malla kings from 1200-1769 that Nepal assumed the
approximate dimensions of the current country.
The kingdom of Nepal was unified in 1768 by King Prithvi
Narayan Shah, who had fled India following the Moghul
conquests of the subcontinent. Under Shah and his successors,
Nepal's borders expanded as far west as Kashmir and as far east as
Sikkim (now part of India).
Britain recognized the absolute independence of Nepal in 1923.
Between 1846 and 1951, the country was ruled by the Rana
family, which always held the office of prime minister. In 1951,
however, the king took over all power and proclaimed a

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

constitutional monarchy. Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah became king


in 1955.
Since then, the history of Nepal has been dominated by the
dynamics of the government.

Government
Nepals government has been in transition for several decades and
this remains the case to this day.
For quite some time the government was a constitutional
monarchy; however, a pro-democracy movement in 1990 led the
king to allow for democratic elections. A regicide in 2001 caused
destabilization in the monarchy and a Maoist-led peoples war,
which began on February 14, 1996, created drastic change in the
country and its government. In 2006, the 10-year rebellion which
had claimed more than 12,000 lives ended, and through a series of
elections the Maoist party joined the political system.
Since 2011, the Constituent Assembly, a special legislative body,
has been trying to draft and ratify a constitution. At the time of
this printing, this had not yet occurred, but there is great hope that
it will happen soon.
Economy

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. Its population is


at almost 30 million and its per capita gross domestic product is
$1,200 per year. Ninety percent of the population is dependent on
agriculture. About a quarter of the population lives below the
poverty line. The low per capita income, the lack of capital,
technology and skills, the fragmented market, the countrys
landlocked status, and the Maoist rebellion and destabilization of
the government have all impeded Nepals industrial development.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

Nepals poor economic base and lack of resources have made the
economy very dependent on other countries, especially India and
China, not only for capital and technology, but also for raw
materials and consumer goods. The result is that these external
forces exert a great deal of influence over the direction of the
economy.
Now that the country has stabilized, tourism is again one of the
major sources of foreign currency.
People and Culture

The Nepalis are descendants of migrants from India, Tibet, and


Central Asia, and communities exhibit a unique blend of these
cultures. This is especially apparent in Kathmandu, where urban
migration has resulted in a diverse mix of Nepals people.
Nepal is predominantly Hindu. The breakdown of religions is as
follows: 80.62 percent Hindus, 10.74 percent Buddhists, 4.20
percent Muslims, 3.60 percent Kirats, 0.45 percent Christians,
0.03 percent Sikhs, 0.02 percent Jains, 0.01 percent Bahais, and
0.35 percent other religions.
Rural villages and towns are likely to be composed of a variety of
ethnic groups of either Hindu or Buddhist faith. Adherence to
customs such as caste rules and rigid roles for men and women
vary according to ethnic group and location. The people in the far
western region are more traditional and conservative than the
people in eastern Nepal.
For Volunteers, working within the confines of centuries-old
customs while maintaining their personal perspective will be an
ongoing challenge. In general, Nepalis are friendly, helpful,
honest, and generous.
Environment

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

Within a space of 150 miles from north to south lie most of the
worlds bio-climatic zones, ranging from arctic tundra in the
northern portions of the eastern and western mountains to the hot
tropical forests in the lowlands along the Indian border.
As a result, the diversity of plants and animals in Nepal is
astounding. There are more than 6,500 species of trees, shrubs,
and wildflowers in Nepal, ranging from the tall pines of the
montane forests to delicate orchids of the jungle valleys. The
rhododendrons and azaleas commonly found in American gardens
originated in the Nepali hills.
There are over 800 species of birds and mammals in Nepal,
including royal Bengal tigers, snow leopards, golden eagles,
rhinoceroses, elephants, bears, deer, parakeets, monkeys, and
jackals.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION


Following is a list of websites for additional information about the
Peace Corps and Nepal and to connect you to returned Volunteers
and other invitees. Please keep in mind that although we try to
make sure all these links are active and current, we cannot
guarantee it. If you do not have access to the Internet, visit your
local library. Libraries offer free Internet usage and often let you
print information to take home.
A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may
find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people are free to
express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their own
experience, including comments by those who were unhappy with
their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These opinions are not
those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and we hope
you will keep in mind that no two people experience their service
in the same way.
General Information About Nepal
www.countrywatch.com/

On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the
capital of Nepal to how to convert from the dollar to the Nepali
currency. Just click on Nepal and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in
the world.
www.state.gov

The State Departments website issues background notes


periodically about countries around the world. Find Nepal and
learn more about its social and political history. You can also go
to the sites international travel section to check on conditions that
may affect your safety.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

10

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm

This includes links to all the official sites for governments


worldwide.
www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm

This online world atlas includes maps and geographical


information, and each country page contains links to other sites,
such as the Library of Congress, that contain comprehensive
historical, social, and political background.
www.worldinformation.com

This site provides an additional source of current and historical


information about countries around the world.
Connect With Returned Volunteers
and Other Invitees
www.rpcv.org

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up


of returned Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all the
Web pages of the Friends of groups for most countries of
service, comprised of former Volunteers who served in those
countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get
together for social events and local volunteer activities. Or go
straight to the Friends of Nepal site: www.friendsofnepal.com
www.PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org

This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a


monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer accounts of
their Peace Corps service.
Online Articles/Current News Sites About Nepal
www.jimisir.com

This is a highly-regarded one-hour documentary about Jim Park, a


Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Nepal in the early 1980s.
www.ekantipur.com/en

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

11

This is an English language news portal that collects news about


Nepal on various topics and from various resources.
www.thehimalayantimes.com

This is the major English language print newspaper in Nepal.


Recommended Books

Books About Nepal


1. Scot, Barbara J. The Violet Shyness of Their Eyes: Notes from
2.
3.

Nepal. Corvallis, Ore.: Calyx Books, 2005.


Upadhyay, Samrat. Arresting God in Kathmandu. New York,
N.Y.: Houghton Mifflin, 2001.
Thapa, Manjushree. Forget Kathmandu. Motilal UK Books of
India, 2005.

Books About the History of the Peace Corps


1.

Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The Peace


Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard
University Press, 2000.

2.

Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFKs Peace Corps. Notre


Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 1985.

3.

Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver.


Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2004.

4.

Meisler, Stanley. When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the
Peace Corps and its First 50 Years. Boston, Mass.: Beacon Press,
2011.

Books on the Volunteer Experience


1.

Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place.


Santa Barbara, Calif.: McSeas Books, 2004.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

12

2.

Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace


Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.: Red Apple Publishing,
2000.

3.

Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the


Heart of an African Village. New York, N.Y.: Picador, 2003.

4.

Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New


York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001.

5.

Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth: Stories out
of the Peace Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.: Clover Park Press,
1991.

6.

Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle.


Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington Press, 1997 (reprint).

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

13

LIVING CONDITIONS AND


VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE
Communications

Snail Mail
Mail takes a minimum of two to three weeks to arrive in Nepal.
Though it is rare, some mail may simply not arrive or may arrive
with clipped edges because someone has tried to see if any money
was inside. Advise family and friends that mail service is sporadic
and unreliable.
Your mailing address during training is as of yet undetermined.
You will receive more information in this regard just before your
departure from the United States. After you are assigned to your
permanent site, your mailing address will likely change again.
Landline Telephones
Long-distance telephone service is available but expensive and is
not very reliable. If your assigned site is in a very remote area,
there may not be a telephone facility close by. More details on this
situation will be provided during pre-service training.
Cellphones
There is essentially one domestic cellphone company that
provides coverage to the areas outside the Kathmandu Valley
where Volunteers serve. Reception may vary from site to site. For
an extra fee, Volunteers may also use cellphones for international
calls. Cellphone calls from Kathmandu to the U.S. are very
inexpensive, costing pennies per minute.
Computer, Internet, and Email Access
Internet facilities and locations with Wi-Fi can be found in major
towns in Nepal.The Peace Corps provides a limited number of

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

14

computers in the Information Resource Center of the Peace Corps


office for Volunteer use to aid them in their work.
The above mentioned cellphone company sells USB modems that
Volunteers may purchase in order to access Internet at their sites.
The cost for this service, however, is relatively high.
PLEASE NOTE that in emergencies, your family can call the
Office of Special Services in Washington from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
EST at 1.800.424.8580 or after hours at 1.202.638.2574. This
office will then immediately contact Peace Corps/Nepal.

Housing and Site Location

Volunteer worksites are limited to the Hill Regions of the western


half of the country. The communities that PCVs live in will be
relatively small agricultural villages or trading towns. Volunteers
are not posted to the higher elevations of the Himalayan range
where a significant amount of snow falls. Nor will they be in the
tropical Terai region.
Volunteers live in the communities where they serve and at the
level of the people with whom they work. This means Volunteers
often do without most of the amenities that they may be used to.
Living conditions will be simple, thus flexibility and a sense of
humor regarding living conditions will ease transition to the PCV
lifestyle. There is no guarantee of continuous electricity or
running water in Kathmandu, much less the more rural areas of
the country.
Volunteers are required to live with a Nepali family throughout
their service. This level of immersion promotes Volunteer
inclusion in the daily life of the community, facilitates language
learning, is a key factor in ensuring safety and security, and is
essential for productive work at the grassroots level.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

15

It is vital that Volunteers form close bonds with individuals and


families in the community so they clearly know who you are and
what you are doing. They will also help keep you apprised of
changing community issues or help you when you have a
problem. Building good relationships with the Nepalis in your
community is essential. As most Nepalis are very welcoming, all
it takes is your commitment to make it happen.
At the same time, we want to stress that the Peace Corps/Nepal
staff is here to help you and is confident that the support we
provide will enable you to be healthy, happy, and productive
during your time in Nepal.
Living Allowance and Money Management

You will receive allowances in Nepali rupees. Trainees receive a


walk around allowance, while most other costs are taken care of
during this period. After successfully completing PST, Volunteers
receive a settling-in allowance, which is meant to support
purchase of household items for long-term use, such as, towels,
bed linens, and other items you may need.
Volunteers also receive an allowance to cover living expenses,
such as food, household supplies, clothing, recreation and
entertainment, project-related expenses (e.g., chalk, pens, and
paper), local transportation, and other incidentals. The monthly
living allowance is modest, as our expectation is that Volunteers
will be living at the level of their counterparts and the majority of
people in their communities. This allowance is reviewed at least
once a year through a market survey to ensure that it is adequate.
We intend that Volunteers receive their allowances via electronic
funds transfers into local bank accounts. Volunteers will be able to
access their allowances by traveling to local bank branches.
ATMs are also limited to larger cities and towns.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

16

Credit cards can be only be used in very few places in Kathmandu


and some tourist areas. There is a risk of potential identity theft
associated with using credit cards in Nepal. Volunteers who travel
in the region, however, may find having a credit card useful
during their travels.
Food and Diet

Trainees will live with host families to assist them in adapting to


Nepali daily life, which includes diet. The daily diet of Nepalis is
very different from the typical U.S. diet and adapting to it is one
of the challenges Volunteers face. The daily staple in Nepal is
daal bhaata plate of rice, a lentil sauce, and side dishes of
vegetable greens and spicy chutneys. Each households daal bhaat
is slightly different, but for Americans, eating daal bhaat twice a
day (the Nepali norm) can get monotonous. Daal bhaat is a fact of
daily life, and one that can be accommodated but not completely
dispensed with.
Eggs, milk, meat, and some fruits may be difficult to obtain,
particularly in more remote locations. Crops grown in the Hill
Region includes: potatoes, corn, millet, pears, apples, peaches,
oranges, and apricots. Imported foods such as biscuits, canned
fruits, fresh fruits and vegetables, and packaged soup may be
available in some of the larger towns. The main meats are mutton
(goat), water buffalo (buff), and chicken. Fish is available
throughout the country, but mainly in the terai. Cheese and ice
cream are available in major towns.
Vegetarians should have little difficulty in Nepal.
Transportation

Public buses and airplanes are the modes of transportation for


long-distance travel in Nepal. Bicycles, taxis, buses, rickshaws,

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

17

and tempos (three-wheeled motorized vehicles) are the modes for


local transportation. Volunteers are NOT allowed to operate cars
and motorcycles, but some may choose to ride bicycles. Wearing a
helmet while riding a bicycle is required.
Travel in Nepal, whether by foot, bicycle, taxi, bus, or airplane, is
potentially hazardous and therefore can be very stressful. Delays
and cancellations due to bad weather, road or airport conditions,
mechanical failures, or lack of personnel are to be expected. Bus
travel is particularly difficult, as buses can be dirty and
overcrowded and often are not properly maintained. More
information on transportation within Nepal will be given during
pre-service training.
Geography and Climate
Nepal is a landlocked country that borders China (Tibet) on the
north and India on the west, south, and east. Nepal is at
approximately the same latitude as Florida and is about the size of
Tennessee90 to 100 miles wide and about 500 miles long. Its
topography is quite diverse, which influences lifestyles as well as
the climate and transportation.
The Himalayan range is one of three major geographical divisions
in Nepal; the other two are the Hills/Middle Hills region and the
terai region. Generally defining the northern border with Tibet,
the Himalayan range contains some of the worlds largest peaks,
including Mount Everest at 29,028 feet. Only a tiny portion of
Nepals population of nearly 29.3 million lives permanently in the
Himalayan region.
The Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges form the Hills/Middle Hills
region, which is much lower than the main Himalayan range. This
region constitutes 68 percent of Nepals land area and is where
Volunteer sites are.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

18

The terai region, with a total area of 8,969 square miles, consists
mainly of a narrow belt of flat, alluvial land on the border with
India. It accounts for 17 percent of Nepals land area. The terai is
crossed by numerous streams that flood during the annual
monsoon season, carrying tons of silt, sand, gravel, and huge
boulders from the northern mountains.
Nepal can be divided into three broad climatic zones: subtropical,
temperate, and alpine. The terai, the inner terai, and the lower
foothills have a subtropical climate with three seasonsa hot and
dry summer from March to May; a rainy season (monsoon) from
June to October, with annual rainfall of between 80 and 100
inches (200 to 250 centimeters); and a cool winter from November
to February, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 115 degrees
Fahrenheit (5 to 47 degrees Celsius).
The area between the Mahabharat range and the Himalayas has a
temperate climate, although the cycle of seasons is similar to that
of the terai. Summers are warm and winters are cool to extremely
cold. Kathmandus maximum temperature, for example, rarely
exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 C), but in winter, its
temperature can drop to 28 F (4 C). Average rainfall is about 60
inches (150 cm).
The Himalayas and the inner Himalayas have a dry and arid alpine
climate. Winters are long, cold, and severe, while summers are
short and cool. The average temperature in winter is 25 F (-3 C)
and in summer it is almost never above 60 F (16 C). The average
rainfall is 20 inches (50 cm) and at higher elevations may be in the
form of snow.
Social Activities

Nepal is a small country with an abundance of cultural diversity.


There are more than 100 ethnic groups and castes in Nepal, and
each has its own customs, festivals, rituals, and other social

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

19

practices. There are also regional differences. Despite these


differences, relationships are very important in Nepali culture. No
matter where you live, people will want you to participate in their
social activities. If you are invited to attend a festival or other
social event, it is an indicator that you have been accepted into the
community. Such events can be a very good opportunity to build
trust, enhance social bonds with your community, and help fulfill
the Second and Third Goals of the Peace Corps.
Trainees and Volunteers are expected to adapt themselves to
Nepali social conditions and interact with this new culture with
respect. Trainees and Volunteers come to Nepal on Peace Corps
passports, not as tourists or ex-patriates, but as representatives of
America in Nepal.
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

Appearance plays a vital role in gaining the respect of, and


showing respect to, people in Nepal. Trainees and Volunteers
should respect the dress traditions in Nepal. Nepalis are relatively
conservative in their dress and Volunteers are expected to dress as
their working counterparts do. While some counterparts and
lower-level staff might dress in seemingly worn or shabby clothes,
this will be because of economics rather than choice. Professional
dress is expected in offices and in other community settings. Ties
and suits, however, are not necessary. Pants and shirts for men and
long skirts or dresses (ankle-length and nontransparent) and
Nepali clothes for women are appropriate as professional wear.
Volunteers who wear ragged, unmended clothing are likely to be
mistaken as disrespectful tourists. If a Volunteers appearance
becomes a matter of concern to local people or to Peace Corps
staff, Peace Corps/Nepal reserves the right to stipulate changes in
dress that respect the local culture.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

20

Exposing ones body by wearing scanty clothing is distasteful to


traditional Nepalis. In a city or on the trail, women wearing short
shorts or revealing tops, and shirtless men, will no doubt offend
the modest Nepali people of those regions. When bathing in a
stream or at a public water tap, women use a loongi (a long cloth)
to cover oneself from chest to knees. Volunteers will learn these
customs during pre-service training.
Personal Safety

More detailed information about the Peace Corps approach to


safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety chapter, but it
is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in
the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer
entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar
environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of
local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are
some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many
Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and
harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and
incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most
Nepal Volunteers have completed their two years of service
without incident. The Peace Corps has established procedures and
policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance your
safety and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to
safety training, will be provided once you arrive in Nepal. Using
these tools, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety
and well-being.
Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing
Volunteers with the support they need to successfully meet the
challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy, and productive
service. We encourage Volunteers and families to look at our
safety and security information on the Peace Corps website at
www.peacecorps.gov/safety.
Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health
and Volunteer safety. There is a section titled Safety and Security

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

21

Our Partnership. Among topics addressed are the risks of


serving as a Volunteer, posts safety support systems, and
emergency planning and communications.
Rewards and Frustrations

There are both challenges and rewards in being a Peace Corps


Volunteer in Nepal. You can expect to have very little privacy,
which can be quite challenging for a Westerner. On the other
hand, relationships in Nepal are extremely important, and you will
find that you will very quickly, with just a little effort on your
part, be welcomed into your community as a respected guest and
as a community and family member. The open arms and warmth
with which Nepalis receive visitors are one of the great gifts of
living and working in Nepal.
At work, you may encounter a lack of motivation or a sense of
apathy among your colleagues. This can be frustrating, and may
remain so even after you have gained an understanding of some of
the underlying causes. At the same time, however, you will meet
extremely committed and talented people who are working very
hard to improve conditions in Nepal. This is true in many parts of
the world, but in Nepal, you will also experience the great
satisfaction of being received with enthusiasm regardless of where
in Nepal you live and work. You will be valued and appreciated
by your counterparts and your communities and will, more often
than not, encounter great eagerness on their part to exchange
ideas, knowledge, and skills with you.
People join the Peace Corps out of a desire to help make the world
a better place. Many become frustrated when they reach their
country of service because things are not as they imagined or
because they cannot do as much as they had hoped they could.
Change is slow, and in Nepal, as in many parts of the world, you
may work for months without seeing any visible results of your
efforts. You may begin to feel that what you are doing is having

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

22

no impact and is therefore not worthwhile. But the changes you


desire may not be the same as those your community partners
desire. It often takes the combined efforts of several Volunteers,
agencies, and community members, over the course of many
years, for positive change to occur and to be sustained. The more
closely you work with your counterparts to jointly establish and
work toward certain goals, the more likely those goals will be
meaningful and relevant. The more your community feels
ownership of its goals and the work involved in achieving them,
the more likely it is that the goals will be achieved. An open mind,
flexibility (even in your own expectations), patience, and a sense
of humor will help you a great deal in sustaining your vision,
commitment, and enthusiasm for your work as a Volunteer in
Nepal.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

23

PEACE CORPS TRAINING


Overview of Pre-Service Training

Pre-service training (PST) is designed on the community-based


training model. One of the main purposes of community-based
training is to provide trainees with realistic experiences. Trainees
live with host families in communities that will be similar to their
permanent sites. PST is designed to address the most immediate
and basic training needs first and then becomes more complex as
the training progresses.
During PST there will be several opportunities for trainees to
assess their own learning needs and take responsibility for
addressing them. Peace Corps/Nepals PST is 12 weeks long and
covers language and culture, safety and security, health, and
technical topics. The skills acquired through these training
activities will serve as the foundation of the Peace Corps
Volunteer experience in Nepal.
Immediately upon arrival in Kathmandu, trainees will undergo
prioritized orientation sessions. After these sessions, trainee
groups will travel to their training sites where they will live with
host families for the duration of PST.
The PST training staff known as language and cultural facilitators
(LCFs) and technical and cultural facilitators (TCFs) will live in
the training sites as well. The LCFs are responsible for helping
trainees with language and cross-cultural skills and provide
support in completing self-directed cross-cultural and community
assignments. The TCFs share their technical expertise and support
trainees in completing technical assignments and identifying
technical resources in the area.
Throughout PST, trainees study the Nepali languagein both
basic spoken language and technical language. Cross-cultural

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

24

training will focus on successfully building a rewarding life in


Nepal.
Formal training will be held six days per week. This weekly
schedule follows the Nepali governments work schedule, which
is six days a week with Saturdays off.
Language Training

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are
key to personal and professional satisfaction during your service.
These skills are critical to your job performance, they help you
integrate into your community, and they can ease your personal
adaptation to the new surroundings. Therefore, language training
is at the heart of the training program. You must successfully meet
minimum language requirements to complete training and become
a Volunteer. Nepali language instructors teach formal language
classes to small groups of four to five people.
Your language training will incorporate a community-based
approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given
assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your
host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic social
communication skills so you can practice and develop language
skills further once you are at your site. Prior to being sworn in as a
Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language
studies during your service.
Nepali language training is also integrated in the health, culture,
and technical components of PST.

Cross-Cultural Training
As part of PST, you will live with a Nepali host family. This
experience is designed to ease your transition to life at your site.
Families go through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff
to explain the purpose of PST and to assist them in helping you

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

25

adapt to living in Nepal. Many Volunteers form strong and lasting


friendships with their host families.
Cross-cultural and community development training will help you
improve your communication skills and understand your role as a
facilitator of development. You will be exposed to topics such as
community mobilization, conflict resolution, gender and
development, nonformal and adult education strategies, and
political structures.
As with language, cross-cultural training is also integrated with
the other topics of health, safety, and technical training.
Health Training

During PST, you will be given basic medical training and


information. You will be expected to practice preventive health
care and to take responsibility for your own health by adhering to
all medical policies. Trainees are required to attend all medical
sessions. The topics include preventive health measures and minor
and major medical issues that you might encounter while in
Nepal. Nutrition, mental health, setting up a safe living
compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.
Safety Training

During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a
lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and during your
travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for
coping with unwanted attention and about your individual
responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service.
During training, you will be expected to demonstrate your skills in
dealing with a variety of safety-related issues.

Technical Training

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

26

Technical training will prepare you to work in Nepal by building


on the skills you already have and helping you develop new skills
in a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace
Corps staff, Nepal experts, and current Volunteers will conduct
the training program. Training places great emphasis on learning
how to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you
will serve as a Volunteer.
Technical training will include sessions on the general economic
and political environment in Nepal and strategies for working
within such a framework. You will review your technical sectors
goals and will meet with the Nepali agencies and organizations
that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You will be supported
and evaluated throughout the training to build the confidence and
skills you need to undertake your project activities and be a
productive member of your community.
The main objective of the technical training component is to
familiarize you with the issues that you will be attempting to
address and provide you with skills to address them. While this
may be challenging, it will help you better prepare for any
difficult or ambiguous situations that you may later encounter at
your workplace.
Performance Evaluation

Throughout training, your performance will be assessed against


set standards in the areas of Nepali language proficiency, technical
skills, and ability to adapt to the living and working conditions of
Nepal. These standards will be reviewed with you in detail upon
your arrival in Nepal.
Following are the general requirements that need to be met to
qualify for swearing in at the end of pre-service training:

full-time attendance and active participation in all scheduled


sessions and activities during training;

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

27

demonstrated willingness to study, learn, and practice the


Nepali language and adequate language proficiency to meet
primary needs;

demonstrated willingness to practice community activities and


enhance community entry skills by working closely with
members of the community during training;

demonstrated adjustment to living and working comfortably


under the supervision of the government of Nepal;

demonstrated willingness to learn the technical skills that


have been identified as necessary for your job;

demonstrated ability to respect the customs, lifestyle, and


conditions of Nepal, which is particularly important in living
with ones host family and in ones community (this includes
exhibiting appropriate dress and interpersonal behavior and
participating in family meals); and

demonstrated awareness of safety and security policies and a


commitment to reduce your risks.

Swearing-In

The swearing-in ceremony marks the end of PST and is the


official transition point from trainee status to Volunteer status for
trainees who successfully complete their training. After the
swearing in, Volunteers travel to their sites and begin living and
working as Peace Corps Volunteers in Nepal.

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service

In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace


Corps has implemented a training system that provides Volunteers
with continual opportunities to examine their commitment to
Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and cross-

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

28

cultural skills. During service, there are usually three training


events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows:

In-service training: Provides an opportunity for Volunteers to


upgrade their technical, language, and project development
skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their
commitment after having served for three to six months.

Midservice conference (done in conjunction with technical


sector in-service): Assists Volunteers in reviewing their first
year, reassessing their personal and project objectives, and
planning for their second year of service.

Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the


future after Peace Corps service and reviews their respective
projects and personal experiences.

The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to


country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the training
system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from
the pre-departure orientation through the end of your service, and
are planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the
training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

29

YOUR HEALTH CARE AND


SAFETY IN NEPAL
The Peace Corps highest priority is maintaining the good health
and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs
emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to
disease. The Peace Corps in Nepal maintains a clinic with a fulltime medical officer, who takes care of Volunteers primary health
care needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic
treatment, are also available in Nepal at local hospitals.
Peace Corps medical officers may also consult with the Office of
Medical Services in Washington, D.C., regarding case
management. If a Volunteer becomes seriously ill and the
condition cannot be managed in Nepal, that person will be
transported to an American-standard medical facility in Bangkok
or to the United States.
Health Issues in Nepal

Major health problems among Peace Corps Volunteers in Nepal


are infrequent and are often the result of Volunteers not taking
preventive measures to stay healthy. The most common problems
here are minor ones that are also found in the United States, such
as colds, diarrhea, sinus infections, skin infections and rashes,
minor injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional
problems. Some of these problems may be compounded by living
in Nepal because certain environmental factors increase the risk or
exacerbate the severity of illnesses and injuries.
The most common major health concerns in Nepal are dysentery,
hepatitis, rabies, meningitis, typhoid fever, and to a lesser extent,
malaria. You will be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B;
meningitis; tetanus; diphtheria; Japanese encephalitis; typhoid;
and rabies.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

30

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary
inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy. Upon
your arrival in Nepal, you will receive a medical handbook. At the
end of training, you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take
care of mild illnesses and first aid needs. The contents of the kit
are listed later in this chapter.
During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical
supplies through the medical officer. However, during training
you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs
and any other specific medical supplies you require, as the Peace
Corps will not order these items during this period. Please bring a
three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they
may not be available here and it may take several months for
shipments to arrive.
You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your
service. If you develop a serious medical problem during your
service, the medical officer in Nepal will consult with the Office
of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is determined that
your condition cannot be treated in Nepal, you may be sent out of
the country for further evaluation and care.
Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for


your own health. Proper precautions will significantly reduce your
risk of serious illness or injury. The adage An ounce of
prevention becomes extremely important in areas where
diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the standards of
the United States. The most important of your responsibilities in
Nepal is to take the following preventive measures:
Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely
preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. These
illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis A,
dysentery, tapeworms, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

31

will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in


Nepal during pre-service training.
Rabies is present all over Nepal, and exposure can occur through
animal bites, scratches from animals teeth, and contact with
animal saliva. The medial officer will take into consideration
many factors in deciding the appropriate course of therapy
necessary to prevent rabies, which is fatal if contracted. The Peace
Corps medical officer will give the necessary rabies
immunizations to all trainees.
Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness, is spreading due to warmer
temperatures in regions that formerly stayed cool. Strict adherence
to the recommended drug regimen for prevention of malaria is
required for all Volunteers serving or traveling in these areas. The
Peace Corps medical officer will discuss Nepal-specific
recommendations for the prevention of malaria and steps that
PCVs should take if they think they may have it, including prompt
reporting to the medical office.

Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with


HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You are taking risks
if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom
every time you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country
citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this
person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will receive more
information from the medical officer about this important issue.
Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth
control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer
can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your
individual needs. Contraceptive methods are available without
charge from the medical officer. However, anyone who wishes to
use a diaphragm, an IUD, Norplant, or Depo-Provera must discuss
these options with the Peace Corps before going overseas; these
methods cannot be initiated after you have arrived in-country.
PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

32

Other appropriate preventive health-care measures specific to your


area of assignment will be presented by the medical officer.
Volunteers are expected to comply with therapies recommended
by the Peace Corps medical office or referral facility.

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical


office or other designated facility for scheduled immunizations,
and that you let the medical officer know immediately of
significant illnesses and injuries.
Womens Health Information

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health


conditions that require medical attention but also have
programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible for
determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate
medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given the
circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in Peace
Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps medical and
programmatic standards for continued service during pregnancy
can be met.
If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase
on the local market, the Peace Corps medical officer in Nepal will
provide them. If you require a specific product, please bring a
three-month supply with you.
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit that
contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that
may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked
at the medical office.
Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages
Adhesive tape

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

33

American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook


Antacid tablets (Tums)
Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)
Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)
Band-Aids
Butterfly closures
Calamine lotion
Cepacol lozenges
Condoms
Dental floss
Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)
Insect repellent stick (Cutters)
Iodine tablets (for water purification)
Lip balm (Chapstick)
Oral rehydration salts
Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)
Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)
Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)
Scissors
Sterile gauze pads
Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)
Tinactin (antifungal cream)
Tweezers
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your healthphysical, mental, or


dentalsince you submitted your examination reports to the
Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Medical
Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or
pregnancy can endanger your health and may jeopardize your
eligibility to serve.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

34

If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your
physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office of
Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your
records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has
recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you
must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends
requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical
Services.
If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your
physicians office to obtain a copy of your immunization record
and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you have any
immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps
cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide
all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment,
either at your pre-departure orientation or shortly after you arrive
in Nepal. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication
prior to departure.
Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-thecounter medication you use on a regular basis, including birth
control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for
this three-month supply, it will order refills during your service.
While awaiting shipmentwhich can take several monthsyou
will be dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace
Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such
as St. Johns wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant
supplements.
You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions
signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they
might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about
carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs.
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with youa pair and a
spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace them, using
the information your doctor in the United States provided on the

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

35

eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace Corps


discourages you from using contact lenses during your service to
reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or other eye
disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate
water and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact
lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses
or associated solutions unless an ophthalmologist has
recommended their use for a specific medical condition and the
Peace Corps Office of Medical Services has given approval.
If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have
a health condition that may restrict your future participation in
health care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist
about unique coverage needs before your departure. The Peace
Corps will provide all necessary health care from the time you
leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your
service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the post-service
health care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer
Handbook. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health
plan in effect during your service if you think age or pre-existing
conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current
plan when you return home.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

36

Safety and SecurityOur Partnership

Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security


risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited
understanding of the local language and culture, and the
perception of being a wealthy American are some of the factors
that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property theft and burglaries are
not uncommon. Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur,
although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of service
without serious personal safety problems.
Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and security
as a partnership with you, it might be helpful to see how this
partnership works. Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and
training in place to promote your safety. We depend on you to
follow those policies and to put into practice what you have
learned. An example of how this works in practicein this case to
help manage the risk of burglaryis:

Peace Corps assesses the security environment where


you will live and work
Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live
according to established security criteria
Peace Corp provides you with resources to take security
measures such as installing new locks
Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country
authorities in your new community
Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you
raise
Peace Corps provides language and cross-culture
training to help mitigate risks
You lock your doors and windows
You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community
where you live
You are discreet with items such as i-phones and
laptops
You get to know neighbors

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

37

You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is


appropriate for you
You dont change residences before being authorized
by Peace Corps
You immediately communicate concerns that you have
to Peace Corps staff

This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and


Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your Health Care
and Safety that all include important safety and security
information to help you understand this partnership. The Peace
Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to
function in the safest way possible, because working to maximize
the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not
only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the
unexpected, but we teach you to identify, reduce, and manage the
risks you may encounter.
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteers risk,


many of which are within the Volunteers control. By far the most
common crime that Volunteers experience is theft. Thefts often
occur when Volunteers are away from their sites, in crowded
locations (such as markets or on public transportation), and when
leaving items unattended.
Before you depart for Nepal there are several measures you can
take to reduce your risk:

Leave valuable objects in U.S.

Leave copies of important documents and account numbers


with someone you trust in the U.S.

Purchase a hidden money pouch or "dummy" wallet as a


decoy

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

38

Purchase personal articles insurance

After you arrive in Nepal, you will receive more detailed


information about common crimes, factors that contribute to
Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. For
example, Volunteers in Nepal learn to:

Make friends with local people who are respected in the


community

Make sure ones personal appearance is respectful of local


customs

Know the local language to get help in an emergency

Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with
someone trusted by the community whenever possible

Avoid high-crime areas

Limit alcohol consumption

As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard
and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a
target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime does exist
in Nepal. You can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that
place you at risk and by taking precautions. Crime at the village or
town level is less frequent than in the large cities; people know
each other and generally are less likely to steal from their
neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns are favorite worksites
for pickpockets.
The following are other security concerns in Nepal of which you
should be aware:
As indicated earlier, traveling in Nepalwhether by foot, bicycle,
taxi, bus, or airplanemay be the most potentially hazardous part
of the Volunteer experience. This is especially true of buses.
Hiking trails between villages are not marked and can be

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

39

perplexing. They can also be arduous, and crossing waterways


without bridges may require the help of a local guide.
Political instability also exists. For safety reasons, Peace
Corps/Nepal does not place Volunteers in certain areas, and some
of these areas have been designated off limits. Details will be
shared during PST, but trainees should know that violation of this
guidance may mean termination of service. The Peace Corps
places its highest priority on the safety of Volunteers and
continually assesses the conditions based on specific criteria.
While whistles and unwelcomed comments may be fairly common
on the street, this behavior can be reduced if Volunteers abide by
local cultural norms, and respond according to the guidance
provided during training.
Staying Safe: Dont Be a Target for Crime

You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibility


for your own safety. You can make yourself less of a target,
ensure that your home is secure, and develop relationships in your
community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. While
the factors that contribute to your risk in Nepal may be different,
in many ways you can do what you would do if you moved to a
new city anywhere: Be cautious, check things out, ask questions,
learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky
locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce
your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community,
learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by
Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and
effectively in Nepal will require that you accept some restrictions
on your current lifestyle.
Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace


Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace Corps posts
have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime
committed against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

40

aftermath of an incident is to ensure the Volunteer is safe and


receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring the safety of
the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff response may include reassessing
the Volunteers worksite and housing arrangements and making
any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the
incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps
staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to
pursue legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is
very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not
only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the
future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in the
process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their
assailant, this option may no longer exist if the evidence of the
event has not been preserved at the time of the incident.
Crime Data for Nepal

This section typically contains country-specific data that shows


the average annual rates of the major types of crimes reported by
Peace Corps Volunteers/trainees in Nepal compared to all other
Europe, Mediterranean and Asia Region programs as a whole.
Because Peace Corps/Nepal has not operated for more than eight
years, the data we currently have is both out-of-date and reflective
of a very different safety and security situation. It is reflective,
however, of the general global safety and security data for Peace
Corps Volunteers serving anywhere in the world.
Theft and harassment are the most common crimes that PCVs
cope with worldwide. This was the case in Nepal as well.
PC/Nepal will provide training in how to avoid these and other
crimes.
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and
crimes that do occur overseas are investigated and prosecuted by
local authorities through the local courts system. If you are the
victim of a crime, you will decide if you wish to pursue
prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, the Peace Corps will be
PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

41

there to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully
informed of your options and understand how the local legal
process works. The Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights
are protected to the fullest extent possible under the laws of the
country.
If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get
to a safe location as quickly as possible and contact your Peace
Corps office. Its important that you notify Peace Corps as soon as
you can so Peace Corps can provide you with the help you need.
Volunteer Safety Support in Nepal
The Peace Corps approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help
you stay safe during your service and includes the following:
information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a
detailed emergency action plan, and protocols for addressing
safety and security incidents. Nepals in-country safety program is
outlined below.
The Peace Corps/Nepal office will keep you informed of any
issues that may impact Volunteer safety through information
sharing. Regular updates will be provided from the country
director and other Peace Corps staff. In the event of a critical
situation or emergency, you will be contacted through the
emergency communication network. An important component of
the capacity of Peace Corps to keep you informed is your buy-in
to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It is
expected that you will do your part in ensuring that Peace Corps
staff members are kept apprised of your movements in-country so
they are able to inform you.
Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and
security issues in Nepal. This training will prepare you to adopt a
culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that
promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while
traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and is
integrated into the language, cross-cultural aspects, health, and
PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

42

other components of training. You will be expected to


successfully demonstrate achievement of PST learning objectives
in a variety of areas, including safety and security, as a condition
of service.
Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing
for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps staff works
closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help
prepare them for a Volunteers arrival and to establish
expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer.
Each site is inspected before the Volunteers arrival to ensure
placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and worksites.
Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access
to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services;
availability of communications, transportation, and markets;
different housing options and living arrangements; and other
Volunteer support needs.
You will also learn about Peace Corps/Nepals detailed
emergency action plan, which is implemented in the event of
civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at
your site, you will complete and submit a site locator form with
your address, contact information, and a map to your house. If
there is a security threat, you will gather with other Volunteers in
Nepal at predetermined locations until the situation is resolved or
the Peace Corps decides to evacuate.
Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the
needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers immediately
report any security incident to the Peace Corps office. The Peace
Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and
security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, and it
collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and
develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.

DIVERSITY AND
CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES
PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

43

In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host


countries, the Peace Corps is making special efforts to assure that
all of Americas richness is reflected in the Volunteer corps. More
Americans of color are serving in todays Peace Corps than at any
time in recent history. Differences in race, ethnic background, age,
religion, and sexual orientation are expected and welcomed among
our Volunteers. Part of the Peace Corps mission is to help dispel
any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and to
establish that each of us is as thoroughly American as the other
despite our many differences.
Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways,
however, it poses challenges. In Nepal, as in other Peace Corps
host countries, Volunteers behavior, lifestyle, background, and
beliefs are judged in a cultural context very different from their
own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly
accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon,
unacceptable, or even repressed in Nepal.
Outside of Nepals capital, residents of rural communities have
had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races,
religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical American
behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as the belief that
all Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The
people of Nepal are justly known for their generous hospitality to
foreigners; however, members of the community in which you
will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences
that you present.
To ease the transition and adapt to life in Nepal, you may need to
make some temporary, yet fundamental compromises in how you
present yourself as an American and as an individual. For
example, female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to
exercise the independence available to them in the United States;
political discussions need to be handled with great care; and some
of your personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed. You will
need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

44

these and other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead
diversity and sensitivity discussions during pre-service training
and will be on call to provide support, but the challenge ultimately
will be your own.
Overview of Diversity in Nepal

The Peace Corps staff in Nepal recognizes the adjustment issues


that come with diversity and will endeavor to provide support and
guidance. During pre-service training, several sessions will be
held to discuss diversity and coping mechanisms. We look
forward to having male and female Volunteers from a variety of
races, ethnic groups, ages, religions, and sexual orientations, and
hope that you will become part of a diverse group of Americans
who take pride in supporting one another and demonstrating the
richness of American culture.
Nepal is a very diverse country and has been relatively successful
in living with its diversity. The 2011 Nepali census was
groundbreaking and historic. Citizens were given the opportunity
to indicate a third gender, for people who do not identify as
either male or female. No other country in the world has gone so
far in the recognition of LBGT issues. Contrary to popular belief,
the third gender and LGBTs are still widely stigmatized in Nepal.
What Might a Volunteer Face?

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers


A female Volunteer in Nepal may face a variety of issues during
her two years of service. One possible challenge is overly
protective communities and host families. It may feel like a loss of
freedom in comparison to what the average American woman is
used to. Women are expected to be home by dusk, dress
conservatively, and travel in groups. A similar problem may be
present at the office, leaving the Volunteer feeling like she is
being treated like a child or possibly that her work is taken less
seriously. Another issue that female Volunteers should expect

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

45

while in large cities is harassment. Nepali culture is not overly


confrontational, so the most common form of harassment is
catcalls. From a distance, men will whistle, call out relatively
inoffensive names, or, in rare cases, proposition Western women.
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color
Volunteers of color in Nepal face many specific challenges during
their service. Within the Volunteer corps, you may be the only
minority trainee or Volunteer in your group. Your experience as a
PCV will be different and your Caucasian peers will not be able to
quite understand how so. Moreover, once you move to your site,
you may work and live with individuals who have no experience
with, or understanding of, a non-Caucasian-American culture.
Volunteers may find that some Nepalis believe that all Asian
Americans are Japanese, that some Nepalis openly refer to African
Americans as habsis (a derogatory word for black people), and
that some are convinced that Native Americans and Hispanic
Americans originate from everywhere BUT the United States. All
Volunteers, however, may experience annoying curiosity or
hostility stemming from ignorance, resentment, or jealousy.
Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers
Older people are greatly respected in Nepali culture, which can
sometimes translate into older Volunteers feeling that their
communities are overprotective. Similar to issues that single
women face, older Volunteers will feel a loss of independence as
people scramble to meet their needs.
The legal retirement age is 55, though this may be deferred until a
person is 60, which is the mandatory retirement age. Volunteers
over 60 years old may sense resentment from community
members who were forced to retire at that age.
Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

46

Gay and lesbian Volunteers who are used to being open about
their sexual orientation indicate that homosexuality is not talked
about or openly recognized in rural Nepali culture. Nepal has
strong traditional values and religious customs, but that does not
mean there are no gay, lesbian, or bisexual Nepalis. There has
been considerable development in the LGBT community in Nepal,
but it is still at an infancy. An openly gay parliament member was
recently elected and he spearheaded the idea of a third gender
being included in the census. Neither of these would have been
conceivable in Nepal just 10 years ago.
Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers
Nepal is officially a Hindu state, since close to 81 percent of the
population practices Hinduism. The remaining 19 percent are
Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, or another faith. Religion forms the
core of traditional Nepali life and art. Nepalis are very willing to
share their religion with Volunteers, from the morning tika to
visiting a sacred temple. Nepalis will generally assume you are
Christian and that you eat beef (which Hindus do not eat because
cows are considered sacred). If you are of another religion or are
an atheist, it may be difficult for them to get past this stereotype.
Another possible issue may be the inability to celebrate your own
holidays with friends and family around you. There are churches,
mosques, and monasteries in Nepal that Volunteers may attend,
but they may not be easily accessible. Volunteers must be creative
in how they practice their religion.
Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities
As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office
of Medical Services determined that you were physically and
emotionally capable, with or without reasonable accommodations,
to perform a full tour of Volunteer service in Nepal without
unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of service.
The Peace Corps/Nepal staff work with Volunteers with
disabilities to make reasonable accommodations for them in

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

47

training, housing, jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve


safely and effectively.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

48

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Nepal?
Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess
charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those limits. The
Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay
the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these limits. The
Peace Corps allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with
combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches
(length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of
no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100
pounds total with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one
bag.
Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons,
explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted),
automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not
pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning
solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important
safety precaution.
What is the electric current in Nepal?
The electric current is 220 volts. The outlets in Nepal vary
considerably and may be one of four different types. Plug adapters
may be purchased locally. Electricity is not reliable in Nepal, even
in Kathmandu, and may not be available in all places or at all
times. If you bring battery operated items, please be aware that
C batteries are hard to find in Nepal; D and AA batteries
are more easily found.
The lack of reliable electricity may make it very difficult to
recharge the batteries of cameras, cellphones, and laptops. Some
people invest in solar rechargers for batteries and small
electronics, and have had good success as there is plenty of sun in
Nepal.
How much money should I bring?

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

49

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in


their community. You will be given a settling-in allowance and a
monthly living allowance, which should cover your expenses.
Volunteers often wish to bring additional money for vacation
travel to other countries. Credit/debit cards and travelers checks
are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra money, bring
the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs.
When can I take vacation and have people visit me?
Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service
(excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the
first three months of service, during scheduled in-service or midservice trainings, or the last three months of service, except in
conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and
friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training and the
first three months of service as long as their stay does not interfere
with your work. Stays over two weeks by visitors at your site are
not encouraged and require permission from your country director.
The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa,
medical, evacuation, or travel assistance.
Will my belongings be covered by insurance?
The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal
effects; Volunteers are ultimately responsible for the safekeeping
of their personal belongings. However, you can purchase personal
property insurance before you leave. If you wish, you may contact
your own insurance company; additionally, insurance application
forms will be provided, and we encourage you to consider them
carefully. Volunteers should not ship or take valuable items
overseas such as jewelry, watches, etc. Cameras, laptops, tablets,
and expensive appliances are subject to loss, theft, and breakage,
and in many places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services
are not available. The Volunteer should understand that bringing
these items, while useful, is also a risk. Do not bring anything you
cannot bear to part with!
Do I need an international drivers license?

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

50

Volunteers in Nepal do not need an international drivers license


because they are prohibited from operating motorized vehicles.
Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses
and minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking.
You should, however, bring your drivers license as an additional
photo ID, which may come in handy.
What should I bring as gifts for Nepali friends and my host
family?
This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient.
Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house; pictures,
books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area;
hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away.
Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and
how isolated will I be?
Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until after
they have completed pre-service training. This gives Peace Corps
staff the opportunity to assess each trainees technical and
language skills prior to assigning sites, in addition to finalizing
site selections with their ministry counterparts. Keep in mind that
many factors influence the site selection process and that the
Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you would ideally
like to be. Most Volunteers live in small towns or in rural villages.
Some sites may require more than a 12-hour drive from the
capital.
Can I call home from Nepal?
Yes, international phone service is generally available in towns.
There are fewer facilities in remote areas, and you may have to
travel some distance to find a telephone. More and more, people
use Web-based calling services, though the video option for these
will rarely work due to the slow Internet speed in many places.
How can my family contact me in an emergency?

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

51

The Peace Corps Office of Special Services provides assistance


in handling emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their
families. Before leaving the United States, instruct your family to
notify the Office of Special Services immediately if an emergency
arises, such as a serious illness or death of a family member.
During normal business hours, the number for the Office of
Special Services is 800.424.8580; select option 2, then extension
1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and holidays,
the Special Services duty officer can be reached at the above
number. For non-emergency questions, your family can get
information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by
calling 800.424.8580.
Will there be email and Internet access? Should I bring my
computer?
Some towns have email access, and use of the Internet is common
in the capital. Volunteers at remote sites would have limited
access to email and the Internet. These days, almost all Volunteers
bring portable laptop computers and find them to be very helpful
in both their work and for recreation. Volunteers are responsible
for the cost of insuring and maintaining them. The Peace Corps
will not replace stolen computers and encourages those who bring
them to get personal property insurance. If you bring a laptop, you
might want to buy a high-quality surge protector (for 220 volts) to
protect your computer from the ups and downs of the electricity
here.
More and more places offer WiFi and, in rural areas, some people
must rely on cellphone provider USB modems for Internet access.
These are relatively slow, so it is unlikely that Volunteers will be
able to watch streaming videos or download extremely large files,
but they should allow for Web-surfing and emailing.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

52

WELCOME LETTERS FROM


NEPAL VOLUNTEERS
As the first group of Volunteers to enter Nepal after an eight-year
hiatus, there are no welcome letters for us to place in this section.
We apologize for this because we understand that some of the
most practical preparation advice will come from peers.
Think about what you would have liked to learn from this section
and direct those questions to the staff who you will be working
with during pre-service training. And then, when it is time to
prepare this Welcome Book for the next group, volunteer yourself
as a resource to share your wisdom with the incoming new group.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

53

PACKING LIST
This list was compiled by Volunteers who served in Nepal in the
past, and is based on their experience. This list is over eight years
old, but is surprisingly applicable. Use it as an informal guide in
making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is
individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring
everything on the list, so consider those items that make the most
sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have
things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind
that you have a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And
remember, you can get almost everything you need in Nepal.
Almost every Peace Corps/Nepal trainee brings too much to
Nepal. Light packing is best. If you need something, you can
probably get it here. You will be amazed at how little you can get
along with and be comfortable. It may be better to save a few
hundred dollars to bring with you than to run up your credit card
buying things you think you might need. Part of the joy of being a
Volunteer is taking advantage of local resources.
General Clothing
You will need a variety of clothing for warm and cold weather.
Because of the nature of life and travel in Nepal, most of your
clothes will wear out during your time here. If you want
something to last a lifetime, do not bring it. Bring things that
you would not mind saying goodbye to eventually. The laundry
soaps are harsh, and hand washing and sun drying are tough on
most clothes. With this reality comes the expectation that you will
dress as a professional in your relative field. In general, darkcolored clothes are better than white ones.

Two or three pairs of cotton pants (some Volunteers bring


one pair that zips off at the knee level or lower)

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

54

Two or three-long sleeved shirts and two or three shortsleeved shirts

Two or three polo shirts (if you wear them)

Three or four T-shirts

One or two pairs of shorts/capris for sports (knee-length is


recommended for women)

One or two wool sweaters

A pair of sweat pants, or warm, comfortable pants to wear


at home when its cold

Six to 12 pairs of cotton socks of varying thicknesses (for


different temperatures and purposesfrom officewear to
hiking)

Cotton underpants (bring a two-year supply or arrange for


someone to send you some replacements later)

One or two sets of thermal underwear (bigger sizes may not


be available for purchase in Nepal)

One or two pairs of jeans (to wear when visiting


Kathmandu)

Pajama pants (can be made almost anywhere in Nepal)

One or two swimsuits (that may not be used in Nepal, but if


you end up traveling to Southeast Asia, this would be very
useful)

Note: The above list contains only a few things that cannot be
made or bought in Nepal. Almost any item of clothing made from
cotton or wool can be made in Kathmandu or a large district
center. The quality is good, and it usually takes no more than a
week to have something made (during your three months of
training, however, it may be difficult to find much time to shop).
Of special note is the issue of wearing shorts. Nepalis often say
that seeing others in shorts makes them uncomfortable. Although
some male Volunteers wear shorts for laborious work and at
home, female Volunteers do not. But it is OK to bring shorts for
visiting Kathmandu and for sports.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

55

For Women

One or two cotton dresses

Two or three cotton shirts

Two or three long-sleeved blouses

Cotton bras and jogging bras for bumpy bus rides (good
quality bras are hard to find in Nepal)

Note: Womens dresses and skirts should reach at least midcalf if


not ankle-length, and tops should be loose-fitting, cover the
shoulders, and not be too low-cut. Most female Volunteers wear
the local dress, or kurta surwal. Kurta surwals are cool,
comfortable, and versatile, and are appropriate for both the home
and the workplace. They are relatively inexpensive, readily
available, and come in a wonderful variety of fabrics, patterns, and
colors.
Outerwear

Jacketwarm and washable

Windbreakerpreferably waterproof for the monsoon


season

Sun hat and hats for warmth

Two to four pairs of wool socks

Four to six bandanas (for use as handkerchiefs or head


covers)

Gloves or mittens (wool)

Polypropylene or cotton sock liners for use inside wool


socks (not readily available here)

Sweatshirt with hood

Warm fleece vest (an inexpensive version can be found in


Kathmandu)

Shoes

One pair of casual shoes, which can also be used for dressy
occasions

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

56

One pair of walking shoes (and running shoes if you jog)

One pair of hiking boots of light to medium weight

One pair of sturdy sandals (e.g., Tevas)

Note: Since you will be spending so much time on your feet, you
should bring sturdy shoes that fit well and are broken in. Although
shoes can be bought here, they generally are of poor quality and
the selection of larger sizes may be limited (up to size 10 for men
and size 8 for women).
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

Toothbrushes and toothpastebring one or two of your


favorite brands, although many are available

Shampoo and conditioner (leave-in conditioner is not


available)

Deodorant

Nail clippers

Skin lotion

Contact lens solutions (the medical office discourages the


use of lenses and does not provide supplies, so disposable
ones are best; bring eyeglasses as a backup)

Tampons and pads (a three-month supply to last through


training; after training the Peace Corps supplies a limited
variety)

Pumice stone

Note: All of these items can be purchased locally at a reasonable


cost, but certain brands may not be available. Most Volunteers
find that they can get along with what they find here, but bringing
your favorite brands will help you transition.
Recreation and Music

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

57

The ability to entertain yourself and friends is very important in


Nepal because you will be left to your own resources for
entertainment. Below are some items to consider bringing, some
of which may be available in Kathmandu, though perhaps of lower
quality than what you are used to.

MP3 player

Books or an ebook reader

Camera (or multiple camerasNepal is extremely


photogenic)

Hobby supplies (art, writing, music, etc.)

Extra batteries for electronic gear (rechargeable batteries


and a solar or electric recharger are recommended, even
though the upfront cost is high; also available here)

Small musical instruments

Pictures of family and friends (neighbors and friends at


your worksite will enjoy seeing pictures of your life in the
United States)

Travel games such as Scrabble and Uno

Miscellaneous

Medium-size backpack with a waist belt

Day pack for short trips and walking around town

Sleeping bag (extremely useful)

Water bottle

Swiss Army knife with standard attachments or a


Leathermantool

Small durable flashlight

Headlamp (for late-night trips to the charpi)

Polarized sunglasses

Combination locks

Resealable plastic bags of assorted sizes for storing spices,


etc. (Volunteers recommend freezer quality)

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

58

Plastic food storage containers (available in Nepal, but


expensive)

Sewing kit

Calculator (available in Kathmandu)

Wristwatch (a digital watch with an alarm is recommended;


replacement batteries and watchbands are available locally)

Silica gel packs to protect cameras and film during the


monsoon season (available but very expensive)

Earplugs (to block out barking dogs at night)

Duct tape (has many uses)

One or two bath and hand towels (darker colors are better)

Knife sharpener

Bottle brush (for cleaning Nalgene bottles)

File folder (sectioned for collecting and organizing


handouts during training and organizing work and projects
during service)

Battery-powered speakers

Plug adaptors (Nepali outlets seem to correspond to


Northern European-style plugs)

Surge protector (if you bring a laptop)

Good hiking belt (light and thin)

Note: Of the above-mentioned items, a majority of Peace


Corps/Nepal Volunteers strongly endorsed the following: (1)
Nalgene water bottles, which are truly unbreakable, are used by
Volunteers on a daily basis. The quality of all drinking water in
Nepal is not only poor but dangerous; therefore, most Volunteers
carry their own filtered and boiled or iodized water to ensure its
quality. Bring two one-liter bottles. (2) Many Volunteers who
have brought large backpacks have found them to be of little use
in traveling. Medium-size packs with waist belts or large day
packs are the most practical. (3) Almost every Volunteer who

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

59

brought a sleeping bag was glad that he or she did. But bags that
are rated for temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit are too
warm on most occasions. It is best to bring a bag rated to around
20 F. Mummy-style and lightweight bags are best.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

60

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as
you prepare to live outside the United States for two years. Not all
items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does not include
everything you should make arrangements for.
Family

Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps Office of
Special Services at any time if there is a critical illness or
death of a family member (24-hour telephone number:
800.424.8580, extension 1470).

Give the Peace Corps On the Home Front handbook to


family and friends.

Passport/Travel

Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the
Peace Corps passport and visas.

Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for
international travel.

Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your


service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will expire three
months after you finish your service, so if you plan to travel
longer, you will need a regular passport.)

Medical/Health

Complete any needed dental and medical work.

If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications


(including birth control pills) you are currently taking.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

61

Insurance

Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.

Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you


are away. (Even though the Peace Corps is responsible for
your health care during Peace Corps service overseas, it is
advisable for people who have pre-existing conditions to
arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health
coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage, it is often difficult
and expensive to be reinstated.)

Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting

Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many


state universities consider voting and payment of state taxes
as evidence of residence in that state.)

Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.

Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas.

Personal Effects

Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time


you leave your home for service overseas until the time you
complete your service and return to the United States.

Financial Management

Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S.

Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan


service.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

62

Execute a Power of Attorney for the management of your


property and business.

Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to


pay alimony, child support, and other debts through the Office
of Volunteer Financial Operations at 800.424.8580, extension
1770.

Place all important papersmortgages, deeds, stocks, and


bondsin a safe deposit box or with an attorney or other
caretaker.

PEACE CORPS | NEPAL WELCOME BOOK | DRAFT | 03/08/12

63

CONTACTING PEACE CORPS


HEADQUARTERS
This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate
office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various questions.
You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly
using the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free
number and extensions with your family so they can contact
you in the event of an emergency.
Country Desk Officer: Jim Metzgar
Phone: (202) 692-2416
Email: jmetzgar@peacecorps.gov

PEACE CORPS

| COUNTRY WELCOME BOOK


64

You might also like