DASHAIN CAMP FAQS
Thanks for your interest in applying to Dashain Camp! We know there are lots of questions about an opportunity like this, so we’ve done our best to answer them here.
The last day to submit an application is June 15, 2024.
We’re aiming to have our final decisions made by June 30, 2024. If your application is selected for an interview, you’ll be contacted by a member of the BlinkNow staff. Please note that interviews may not start for many weeks after you apply, and we may not be able to interview every applicant. We’re expecting a high number of applicants for a small number of spots.
Camp runs from Saturday October 19 through Monday October 28, 2024.
We are asking volunteers to cover the cost of supplies for their course. These costs vary. Volunteers coming from abroad must cover their entire travel and lodging (see below) and volunteers from within Nepal are eligible to have their bus fare and hotel paid by BlinkNow.
Travel expenses:
- Flight to Kathmandu: varies per volunteer; average $500 one-way from the US and $300 one-way from Europe
- Taxi to and from airport in Kathmandu to hotel in Kathmandu: approx $10-20, each way
- Hotel in Kathmandu: approx $20 and up per night (depending on the hotel you pick and how many days you are in Kathmandu before going to Surkhet)
- Food: in Kathmandu, $10 and up per meal, depending on where you eat. There are many options in Kathmandu. In Surkhet, expect about $5-$15 per day, depending on how much you eat. There are few options in Surkhet.
- Travel to Surkhet: Approx $20 each way if by bus. Approx $200 each way if by plane.
- Hotel: Lodging will be provided for volunteers based on a shared room arrangement, volunteers who wish to have their own room will be liable for their own lodging expenses which is approx. 25$ per night (depending on the hotel we arrange)
You’ll be teaching a class for a few hours each day before lunch! All volunteers also help with afternoon activities and games, with plenty of other opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, such as running the morning assembly.
- Men’s clothing: Very similar to western wear. Shorts, pants, t-shirts, and button-down shirts are the norm.
- Women’s clothing: Please note that to comport with local customs, you should keep shoulders and knees covered; nothing too sheer or too tight. Volunteers typically dress for comfort in flowy pants, T-shirts, jeans, and long skirts.
We send our accepted volunteers a nice big packet of information on what to expect, so don’t worry if all your questions aren’t answered here!
