Iosif spent 6 weeks in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, as part of an AIESEC volunteer project. He chose to go to this country because he was participating in a course where there were also people from Nepal. Knowing these people, he made it a point to visit Nepal at least once in his life.
Before this project, he was working in a corporation, and when the opportunity arose to go to Kathmandu, he did not hesitate to take it to get out of his comfort zone and change his work routine.
What did he visit in Kathmandu?
The project schedule, which was from Monday to Friday, allowed him to go and visit quite often different unique places near the city, but also in other areas.
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One of the cities that Joseph visited in Nepal was Lumbini, a place of great significance and history, the birthplace of the Buddha. Here, he visited the “World Peace Pagoda”, one of eight such constructions around the world. In Lumbini, he also visited “Maya Devi Temple”, a monument protected by UNESCO.
He also explored the jungle of Sauraha where he walked around and had the opportunity to see all the wonders of the jungle. In this locality, he had a special experience, canoeing and observing crocodiles very close to him. He also had the opportunity to see the only reserve of one-horned rhinoceros, admiring them from a canoe.
Another unforgettable experience that Iosif won’t soon forget is paragliding in Pokhara.
How is the food in Nepal?
“They eat a lot of rice, this being the staple food, which they combine with various other ingredients,” says Iosif. Nepalese food is spicy and frequently contains cumin, thyme and coriander. Iosif learned from the locals that green chilies are considered healthier and more beneficial than red ones. “They prefer to eat fresh, traditionally prepared food and don’t store food for several days, they cook as much as they eat that day.”
How was the experience in the project and how did the children receive it?
Iosif participated in the Global Classroom volunteer project, which focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 4, providing quality education in underdeveloped communities.
Iosif taught English to middle school children in the form of stories, which contained everything to be learned in English, from adjectives to verb forms.
The children eagerly awaited him and even prepared welcome letters for him. They were very cooperative; when Joseph did not know a word in their language, they helped him with examples so that he could explain that word.
“They asked me to tell them about my country and I did, showing them a short presentation as well. They were fascinated.”
Why would you recommend AIESEC opportunities to young people?
“I recommend the AIESEC projects because through them you can get out of your comfort zone and face situations you never thought you would ever come across, having to think quickly and efficiently.”
“These opportunities encourage you to think creatively, because you’re in a completely new country and you have to adapt.”
Iosif said that in addition to meeting new people and making friends in Nepal, he had the opportunity to discover himself.
If you want to live an experience similar to that of Iosif, you can sign up here.
