Medical Campaign in Nepal

Advice: Just do it! I learned so much about myself as well as new cultures (both from volunteer placement site and from fellow volunteers). It is hard to describe the gratifying feeling I got from the whole experience.

My Program Manager was friendly and approachable regarding any questions I had prior to going to Nepal. Very good support from IVHQ and local team when the floods happened, reassurance provided from the local team. The program guide was very helpful to know what to expect.

Excellent assistance from the local team, always ready to go above and beyond to help, such as when you need to buy a SIM card, order a taxi, or send packages back to your hometown. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the festivals whilst being in Nepal. The hotel staff in Chitwan and my homestay family went out of their way to ensure volunteers were involved in seeing the rituals and celebrations. This was an amazing authentic experience I will never forget!

I really enjoyed volunteering at the elephant sanctuary and feel I made a bond with Sita (elephant) she knew I was easy-going so would come up to me and put her trunk up for food when I was making Kuchi (food), this was a lovely feeling. Feeding the elephants and seeing a baby elephant only days old was a very surreal experience. I particularly liked the challenge this volunteer job provided for my physical well-being because it allowed me to push myself.

During my time volunteering for the special needs project, I visited two special needs centres. The resources at one of the centres were less than those at the other. Since I had to come up with new ways to assist at both centres, this aided my development. I did a few things at both centres that I thought made a small impact. The special needs centres were full of happiness and joy! I enjoyed coming up with ways I could assist at both centres.

Overall, what an amazing experience! This is an experience I will never forget! Thank you IVHQ & the local team!

I experienced the guidance and preparation resources very well organised. At each stage of the process I was given the relevant and important information I needed, just in time. I'd like to point out the accessibility and usability of the platform, which made it very easy to finish the preparation process and submit all important information. Thank you for that great support! The local team was incredibly kind and always provided helpful information when needed.

I was able to build a connection with the women in a short time, also with support from the center manager. Seeing their motivation and eagerness to learn more every day was incredibly rewarding, and I feel confident that I made at least some positive impact.

I was placed with a very kind and welcoming host family who made my stay truly enjoyable. They went above and beyond to make me feel at home, providing two freshly prepared and incredibly delicious meals each day. Each morning, I was even served coffee, which was such a thoughtful touch. One of the most memorable experiences was thanks to my host brother. Since he works for the National Examination Board of Nepal, he invited me to a teaching conference, where I had the unique chance to share some insights about the Swiss Vocational Education system in an informal presentation. This amazing experience allowed me to engage with local teachers, exchange ideas about technical education, and learn more about the Nepali educational context. It was a very inspiring and rewarding experience, and I felt deeply honored to be included in such a meaningful event. Overall, my accommodation exceeded my expectations, and the warmth and generosity of my host family made my experience unforgettable.

I gained so much from this experience, both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to connect with incredible people, immerse myself in a new culture, and make a meaningful contribution to a cause I deeply care about. I developed and strenghtened valuable skills, such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication and teaching techniques. Perhaps most importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of the power of education and how small efforts can create a significant impact.

My advice to anyone feeling hesitant is simple: Go for it! It’s natural to feel unsure at first, especially when stepping out of your comfort zone. But this program is incredibly well-organized and supportive. You’ll be welcomed into a warm and inclusive local and international community, and the experience will challenge you in the best ways while leaving you with lifelong memories. You won’t regret it!

There was a lot of useful information provided by the website, and support from my IVHQ Program Manager to help prepare for the trip. It was very helpful and comforting to have that support there. The local team in Nepal were more than welcoming and helpful. I felt like I could go to them with any concerns, questions or just general advice on what to do/visit while in Nepal.

Because of IVHQ and this programme, Nepal is now my most favourite country I've ever visited! There were several highlights during my time volunteering but the top would be meeting the most amazing, like-minded and interesting people. From the fellow volunteers who I was with, to my host family and the ladies I had the privilege of teaching, each and everyone of them brought a positive light and heightened my experience.

The women I taught during my 4 weeks of volunteering were the most funny, passionate and sweet ladies. Seeing them so eager to learn and always smiling when coming to class, made me feel like I truly was doing something important.

Going solo, which most of the volunteers in my group did, was terrifying at first but with the support of the local team and having such a lovely volunteer group, I didn't even have time to think about how I was here 'alone' because truthfully I never was! Mieke, who I volunteered with and shared a room with at our homestay, and I grew very close. We would volunteer together during the day, then go out and explore Kathmandu during the evening. We even ended up going to Pokhara together! Our volunteer group also got together during the weekend to bus down to Chitwan and do the safari tour together - it was great fun and I'm so happy to know I have friends from all over the world now!

I would suggest to anyone thinking about joining this programme to just do it - and the longer you can volunteer, the better! You will truly create special bonds with people you meet here, Nepal is so magical!

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.