Medical Elective Volunteer Project in Nepal

I have gained both cultural and medical experience and I regret not staying for a longer period because the learning opportunities were everywhere.

A huge thank you to my IVHQ Program Manager for helping me throughout the preparation process. The Local Team there was so amazing! My homestay family was the best ever. The family was extremely sweet and welcoming.

Most importantly I made connections with amazing Nepalese people. They are very kind and super giving even with the little resources they have available. I was able to see how hospitals and medical staff work with very limited supplies and try their best to give the best care they can to their patients. I left feeling extremely grateful for what I have in the U.S and I left feeling more confident in my career path to become a doctor.

Just do it and you won’t regret it. It was really a fruitful experience for me. The people there were really nice and I enjoyed the medical elective in the local hospital. I look forward to joining these activities in the future again!

Through my participation in the IVHQ medical elective project, I gained invaluable insights and skills that have significantly enriched my understanding of healthcare and global medicine. One of the most significant gains was the firsthand exposure to diverse medical practices and patient care in a different cultural setting. This experience broadened my perspective on healthcare delivery and deepened my appreciation for cultural competency in medicine.

Moreover, working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in resource-limited settings taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges. I also developed strong communication skills through interacting with patients from various backgrounds, enhancing my ability to provide compassionate care and navigate language barriers.

For those hesitant about joining this program, I would offer the following advice: Embrace the opportunity for personal and professional growth that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. While it's natural to feel apprehensive about working in unfamiliar environments, remember that every challenge presents a chance to learn and develop resilience. Approach the experience with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to making a positive impact. By immersing yourself in this program, you'll not only contribute to meaningful healthcare initiatives but also gain invaluable skills and insights that will shape your future career in medicine.

I felt well supported by IVHQ and the local team at all times. Everything was really well organized and the people were helpful and friendly. This was one of the best experiences of my life.

The preparation checklist provided by IVHQ was very easy to use and straight forward, allowing a simple and stress-free preparation process. The local team went above and beyond to make myself feel comfortable - this effort should not go unnoticed as they deserve a great amount of appreciation. This volunteering experience has taught me a lot about myself and I feel like I have definitely grown as a person. Being my first time solo travelling, I learnt a lot more from things I didn’t expect I would have and I appreciate this so much.

I am really blessed that I stayed in Dharma’s household during my stay in Pokhara, Nepal. He is as lovely as his family and he really works so hard to make his guests feel comfortable - as if they were still at home. The accommodation itself is very nice and spacious. To top the homestay off, they even have the cutest dog anyone could fall in love with, called Oscar. The meals prepared by Dharmas family more than exceeded expectations. The meals were as delicious as there was variety being served, which really made me feel like I was at home. Especially on my last night with Dharma where we ate a traditional chicken roast together.

Interacting with other volunteers in a cooperative way which truly engaged and helped the children learn at Samara school was my favorite moment. Taking on the position of a role model for these students was an experience I will always remember. Also, seeing the vast differences between my home country and Nepal has truly let me learn a lot about myself and the world around me. Life long friendships have been made during my time volunteering in Nepal, this is unique to this opportunity I took and I’m very happy with its outcome.

It’s better to grow old with memories and not dreams. If you truly aspire to volunteer in a country abroad then please don’t hesitate to do it because there is no chance you will regret it. It has been such an amazing experience for myself and I’m so happy I turned my dreams of being in Nepal into many beautiful memories.