Nepal
Teaching, Care Work, Health & Dentistry
Capital: Kathmandu
Surface Area: 147 thousand sq km
Population: 27.9 million (2009)
Official Language: Nepalese
Exchange Rate: A$1 = 64.4545 Rupees (Aug 2009)
Placement Information
The placements are located in Pokhara which is at the foothills of the Annapurna Mountain range. This area has some fantastic scenery being situated amongst the Himalayas. Students can choose from a variety of work in the following areas:
Teaching
With or without an education background students can teach in pairs at a local Nepali or Tibetan primary school. English is generally the medium of teaching and so students can have lots of fun with the children and be fairly adventurous in subjects taught.
Lend a hand in a local orphanage and help the kids with their homework, general assistance around the home or with gardening and any renovation happening. The days are rarely structured and so students need to be flexible and proactive to manage their own placement. We work with four orphanages, two of which work with children with mental and physical disabilities.
Health, Physiotherapy, OT, Speech Therapy, Dentistry
Students choosing one of these options need to be studying a health related discipline. Nursing, medical, dentistry or health science students may shadow staff during procedures at the chosen hospital or organisation. This may include working in different departments and where possible we can match interests and experience. Nepali policy stipulates that students have observer status only. Students are not allowed to perform procedures on patients and students will be supervised at all times by local staff. An elective placement in Nepal offers invaluable clinical experience and insight into health practice in a resource-poor setting. To profit from this experience, students must be flexible, self-sufficient and able to direct their own learning. Interested applicants need to provide a copy of their resume, two letters of recommendation and proof of student status.
Accommodation
Students will be placed with a local family which is a great way to get to know the local community and culture. You are encouraged to learn some of the local language whilst you are staying with your family. The accommodation is clean but basic.
Free Time Suggestions
There are some fantastic travel opportunities for the weekends. Nepal is a beautiful country with some stunning scenery. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the Himalayas and some wonderful trekking in the surrounding areas. Kathmandu is a busy city and can be polluted, but there are still some excellent areas to explore and some scenic squares and buildings to visit.