Medical Campaign in Nepal

The local support team in Kathmandu, Nepal did a fantastic job. They were very organised and had deep care towards the volunteers. What I loved the most is how important the program was for them. They took it seriously and did a wonderful job.

I have learned a bit about new culture, meet new very kind and friendly people and now know much more about Nepal than before. Also this program taught me to be a bit more patient and enjoy the journey 😊 My advice would be to go with no expectations and willingness to try anything which will cross your path.

My choosing to look at volunteering overseas was a very last minute decision which is not unusual for me. Finding IVHQ through good old Google, looking through the website, programs, countries, costs and inclusions, made it an easy to choose IVHQ. I am not a traveller especially overseas however I am at a stage in my life where I would like to explore more. I had been anxious in travelling alone so finding IVHQ, I felt secure in the fact that this would be a safe way to travel, experience a different
country, culture and give back to the community. I am grateful I took this leap into the unknown.

From this experience I met new people, not only locals but also other volunteers. I cannot say enough about the local team. Anyone and everyone I met went over and above to ensure my needs were met. I got to explore and sightsee during my downtime. Be open-minded and willing to reach out to others if needed. You go out to your homestay usually with another volunteer of the same sex. I didn't know what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. If you have questions, you can never ask too many to IVHQ. A Facebook page is set up for each country. There was one for where I was going to. Even if the question seems silly, ask it anyway.

Getting together with other volunteers on downtime is a great way to socialise and sightsee. The program I chose was in a field that I had worked in and have a personal interest in. If you are going into something that is out of your scope, be open-minded and remember you are coming into their space. Be observant and willing to perhaps be out of your comfort zone. Gotta keep it real.

I did do very little research into the country/area I was going as this was all a last minute decision. Learn some of the language, that cannot be emphasised enough. As much as I tried, I just couldn't get the hang of it, everyone is very patient but it can make it alot easier if even a few basic words. Not everyone knows english.

Messaging a few different people while I was there who were going to be at the same program at a later date, helped them get a better idea. Daily life, expenses, customs just general questions. It helped.

Am I glad I did this? Absolutely. Will I do another program in another country with IVHQ? For sure. Do I recommend it? Go for it. Now that I've done this once, I have a better understanding of what to expect in general.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. I had been to Nepal before and this time I was keen on making a difference, hence I decided to volunteer. Initial research showed IVHQ's reputation and experience in the travel and volunteering industry. I gained as much information as I could about the program and activities, their connections with the UN's community impact goals for Nepal, fees, and other details. My Program Manager was extremely responsive, answered all questions satisfactorily and provided all necessary information. The local team were also extremely helpful and approachable. Overall the experience was extraordinary and I would love to do it again.

Knowledge and understanding of Nepali culture. Just go for it. It’s an experience like no other. There are many other volunteers who are in the same position you are and you can look for them and the local team for support if needed.

The whole program I felt so safe from the second I landed in Nepal. This was the biggest point I was worried about as I was visiting Asia for the first time. I was so proud of myself that I could get in front of a class of adults and teach confidently. I have never taught before so this was amazing. Our host family couldn't have been better. They were so kind and welcoming and made us feel part of the family and always available. The homestay was safe and clean.

I gained so much confidence from this program. It was the best experience plus we really got to see the country including visiting Chitwan national park and going on a safari (organised by IVHQ) and visiting Pokhara (which although wasn't organised by IVHQ, they were very helpful with recommendations). The whole program exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone. I met so many wonderful people and got really immersed in the culture.