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Volunteering Nepal is the most rewarding experience. Hands for Help Nepal offer various volunteer opportunities in Nepal for teaching, environment, orphanage and child care in rural and urban locations.
 
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Medical Elective 2008

17th April 2008 – I arrived in Kathmandu airport and looked around for a man holding a sign with my name on it. Luckily he was there and I was taken straight to a hotel where a room had been reserved for me. The next day I met Badri (the man in charge of Hands for Help), had a wondered around the city and tried to learn some of the local language.

The following day I started my four week hospital placement in A&E at Kathmandu teaching hospital. Although most of the patient do not speak English all the doctors and, when reminded, they present all the patients in English too. The department was a bit overwhelming at first but after a few days I got used to the hustle and bustle. The Nepalese medical students and the senior interns were all extremely friendly and helpful, always pointing us in the right direction.

The working week in Nepal is six days long, with Saturdays off. This

Rose, Prof Prasad and Scott
Me, Prof Prasad and Scott
allowed little time to get to travel around the Country however if you gave prior notice the hospital were willing to allow you the odd day or two off. Staying with a host family however was an excellent way to get to taste authentic local cuisine and find out my about local traditions. I stayed with Badri and his family who were extremely hospitable, and there was always a hot cup of chai ready when I came home from the hospital.

I would love to have been able to spend more time in Nepal, maybe next time.
-Rose Neary

 I spent one month working in the emergency department of Kathmandu hospital. I very much enjoyed my experience. I found staff at the hospital friendly, inviting and keen for me to learn emergency medicine and about Nepali culture. It was particularly interesting to see how the department coped with relatively few resources when there was a mass casualty such as a bus crash.

In addition to gaining medical experience there was ample opportunity to mix with Nepali medical students and other medical students from all around the world. This made for a diverse cultural experience. We stayed with a host family who made us feel very welcome; when it was time to leave Nepal I felt part of the family. We were able to sample excellent Nepali food every night and gained experience in how to cook Nepali dishes.

I would also recommend the many activities that Nepal has to offer. There are many different trekking routes, excellent white water rafting and even the chance to go on safari. All these experiences can be found a day’s bus ride away from Kathmandu. 

In summary my medical elective to Nepal was excellent. I would recommend it any medical student. The medical experience I gained was second to none. There is also plenty to do to keep you entertained in your spare time. I hope to return Nepal in the future to continue learning about a fascinating country and its people. 

-Scott Bradburn

 
 
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