Where
Kathmandu, Nepal
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 3 weeks
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone studying medicine who wants to test themselves in an international setting and see a different healthcare system from the inside
Project details
A medical experience that pairs hands-on practice with culture
In Nepal, the healthcare system faces day-to-day challenges around limited resources and busy hospitals. For many medical students, seeing this up close is a chance to understand what practising medicine looks like outside a Western setting.
The project opens the doors of Kathmandu's hospitals to students and future professionals who want to observe real procedures and learn directly alongside local doctors and nurses. As a participant, you'll follow the daily routine on the wards, get to observe procedures, and gain a fresh perspective on how healthcare works in another country.
It's a chance to grow professionally and, at the same time, settle into Nepali culture properly.
The project opens the doors of Kathmandu's hospitals to students and future professionals who want to observe real procedures and learn directly alongside local doctors and nurses. As a participant, you'll follow the daily routine on the wards, get to observe procedures, and gain a fresh perspective on how healthcare works in another country.
It's a chance to grow professionally and, at the same time, settle into Nepali culture properly.
A clinical placement in the heart of Nepal
A medical experience that pairs hands-on practice with culture
In Nepal, the healthcare system faces day-to-day challenges around limited resources and busy hospitals. For many medical students, seeing this up close is a chance to understand what practising medicine looks like outside a Western setting.
The project opens the doors of Kathmandu's hospitals to students and future professionals who want to observe real procedures and learn directly alongside local doctors and nurses. As a participant, you'll follow the daily routine on the wards, get to observe procedures, and gain a fresh perspective on how healthcare works in another country.
It's a chance to grow professionally and, at the same time, settle into Nepali culture properly.
The project opens the doors of Kathmandu's hospitals to students and future professionals who want to observe real procedures and learn directly alongside local doctors and nurses. As a participant, you'll follow the daily routine on the wards, get to observe procedures, and gain a fresh perspective on how healthcare works in another country.
It's a chance to grow professionally and, at the same time, settle into Nepali culture properly.
Why participate
Build your medical skills
Observe real clinical procedures and work alongside local professionals, turning what you've learned at uni into hands-on experience.
Why participate
Build your medical skills
Observe real clinical procedures and work alongside local professionals, turning what you've learned at uni into hands-on experience.
See a different healthcare system
See up close how medicine works in Nepal, learning to adapt to a setting with different resources and challenges from what you're used to.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, your days are spent in the hospitals: on the wards, on rounds and observing clinical procedures.
The hours are flexible and can shift depending on what the doctors need, with at least 25 hours a week on the schedule. In your free time you can swap notes with the other participants and see local life in Kathmandu.
07:30Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30Arriving at the hospital and joining the doctors on the wards
11:00Observing clinical rounds and procedures in theatre or outpatient
13:00Lunch break at the placement or somewhere nearby
15:00Back on the ward for shadowing and time with the medical team
18:30Back at the house, time to relax, a shared dinner and time with the others
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Day trip to Nagarkot
Catch the sunrise over the Himalayas and one of the most striking views over the Kathmandu Valley.
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FAQs
During your stay in Kathmandu you'll be based at the Program House in Dhapasi Height, around five kilometres from the city centre. It's a simple, welcoming place, set up for shared living: a small garden, a mini library and lounge areas to relax in or spend time with the other participants.
Rooms are shared (4 to 6 people), with the option of an upgrade to a private room if you'd prefer more quiet. Each room locks, with a fan, mosquito nets and bed linen provided; towels aren't included. Bathrooms are shared and have hot showers. There's no air conditioning, but Kathmandu's mild climate keeps the house comfortable all year round.
Meals are included: three a day on weekdays and two at weekends. The food is simple, mixing Nepali and Western dishes, mostly vegetarian. Filtered drinking water, tea and coffee are always on hand, and any dietary needs can be flagged in advance.
The house has Wi-Fi in the common areas, lockboxes, a shared fridge and a paid laundry service. Shops, cafés and supermarkets are about a 15-minute walk away.
To stay online easily during your stay, we'd suggest picking up an eSIM before you travel. With Airalo you can activate one in minutes and be connected from the moment you arrive: find out how here.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared or private rooms
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Free drinks (water, tea and coffee)
- Wi-Fi in the common areas
- Lockbox and lockable rooms
- Hot showers and bed linen provided
- Ongoing support from the local team
The Program House is more than just a place to sleep: it's where cultures meet, friendships form, and you can swap stories from the day and feel part of a small international community.
Rooms are shared (4 to 6 people), with the option of an upgrade to a private room if you'd prefer more quiet. Each room locks, with a fan, mosquito nets and bed linen provided; towels aren't included. Bathrooms are shared and have hot showers. There's no air conditioning, but Kathmandu's mild climate keeps the house comfortable all year round.
Meals are included: three a day on weekdays and two at weekends. The food is simple, mixing Nepali and Western dishes, mostly vegetarian. Filtered drinking water, tea and coffee are always on hand, and any dietary needs can be flagged in advance.
The house has Wi-Fi in the common areas, lockboxes, a shared fridge and a paid laundry service. Shops, cafés and supermarkets are about a 15-minute walk away.
To stay online easily during your stay, we'd suggest picking up an eSIM before you travel. With Airalo you can activate one in minutes and be connected from the moment you arrive: find out how here.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared or private rooms
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Free drinks (water, tea and coffee)
- Wi-Fi in the common areas
- Lockbox and lockable rooms
- Hot showers and bed linen provided
- Ongoing support from the local team
The Program House is more than just a place to sleep: it's where cultures meet, friendships form, and you can swap stories from the day and feel part of a small international community.
Your safety is our priority. Every programme in Kathmandu is set up to give you a welcoming, well-supported environment, both at the hospitals where you'll be working and at the Program House where you'll be staying.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep patients and local communities safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. This simple step keeps the experience safe and easy for everyone.
🔹 High safety standards
We work with trusted hospitals and partners used to hosting international participants from around the world. The Program House is in a quiet area, with lockable rooms, lockboxes and the local team always around. Our partners host hundreds of international participants every year, from young students to older professionals, and are well used to that mix.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival through to the end of the experience, you can count on our local staff, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session covering the basics on culture, behaviour and safety. Before you travel, you'll also get a detailed pack with practical tips for getting the most out of the project.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Kathmandu is lively and welcoming, but as in any large city, a few sensible habits go a long way:
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night in quiet or poorly lit areas
✔ Travel with other volunteers when you can
✔ Always follow your local team's advice and recommendations
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, welcoming setting, so you can focus on what really matters: living a meaningful and worthwhile experience.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep patients and local communities safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. This simple step keeps the experience safe and easy for everyone.
🔹 High safety standards
We work with trusted hospitals and partners used to hosting international participants from around the world. The Program House is in a quiet area, with lockable rooms, lockboxes and the local team always around. Our partners host hundreds of international participants every year, from young students to older professionals, and are well used to that mix.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival through to the end of the experience, you can count on our local staff, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session covering the basics on culture, behaviour and safety. Before you travel, you'll also get a detailed pack with practical tips for getting the most out of the project.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Kathmandu is lively and welcoming, but as in any large city, a few sensible habits go a long way:
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night in quiet or poorly lit areas
✔ Travel with other volunteers when you can
✔ Always follow your local team's advice and recommendations
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, welcoming setting, so you can focus on what really matters: living a meaningful and worthwhile experience.
🧭 Orientation day
Your time here starts with a full day of orientation, a chance to settle in, get to know the local context and start the weeks ahead on the right foot.
On your first Monday, you'll join a series of activities run by the local team:
- Welcome session and ice-breakers with the other participants
- Programme intro, house rules and signing the Code of Conduct
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural behaviour in Nepal
- A short introduction to Nepali culture, with notes on everyday customs
- A walk around the area near the Program House to find ATMs, shops and useful spots
- Help picking up a local SIM or any small bits you need. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active and skip the SIM hunt, you can buy one before you travel through our partner Airalo.
👉 You can use this link
Orientation is also when you'll start meeting the other participants, sharing what brings you here and getting some local guidance from people who know Kathmandu well.
📌 From Tuesday onwards, you'll start shadowing the doctors at the hospitals in Kathmandu, with the basics in place from day one to step into the experience with confidence and an open mind.
Your time here starts with a full day of orientation, a chance to settle in, get to know the local context and start the weeks ahead on the right foot.
On your first Monday, you'll join a series of activities run by the local team:
- Welcome session and ice-breakers with the other participants
- Programme intro, house rules and signing the Code of Conduct
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural behaviour in Nepal
- A short introduction to Nepali culture, with notes on everyday customs
- A walk around the area near the Program House to find ATMs, shops and useful spots
- Help picking up a local SIM or any small bits you need. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active and skip the SIM hunt, you can buy one before you travel through our partner Airalo.
👉 You can use this link
Orientation is also when you'll start meeting the other participants, sharing what brings you here and getting some local guidance from people who know Kathmandu well.
📌 From Tuesday onwards, you'll start shadowing the doctors at the hospitals in Kathmandu, with the basics in place from day one to step into the experience with confidence and an open mind.
We'd recommend booking a flight into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu on a Sunday, between 06:00 and 24:00. That's when our airport pickup and transfer to the Program House in Dhapasi Height is running.
The included pickup is at 16:00 on Sunday: a member of the team will be waiting at the meeting point with a sign.
If you arrive on a Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night (small supplement applies).
If you arrive outside those hours or on a different day, you can choose:
a private transfer (small extra fee), or
make your own way by taxi, agreeing the details with the local team in advance.
📌 Important: if you can't spot the team straight away, don't leave the meeting point. Stay where you are and we'll find you. Once your booking is confirmed, you'll get the emergency numbers and practical instructions to keep with you.
📱 A quick tip: if you'd like to be online from the moment you land, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with our partner Airalo. Use this link
The drive from the airport to the Program House takes around 45 minutes by taxi (traffic permitting). You may share the ride with other participants arriving at the same time.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips Check-out from the Program House is by 12:00 on Saturday.
The return transfer isn't included: each participant arranges their own taxi to the airport (the average cost is 600–1000 NPR, around £4–6).
We'd suggest booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the house in your own time and reach the airport without rushing.
If you're carrying on with your trip in Nepal or further afield, let us know in advance: we'll happily share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed, we'll email you a detailed pack with all the practical instructions, emergency contacts and local team details.
The included pickup is at 16:00 on Sunday: a member of the team will be waiting at the meeting point with a sign.
If you arrive on a Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night (small supplement applies).
If you arrive outside those hours or on a different day, you can choose:
a private transfer (small extra fee), or
make your own way by taxi, agreeing the details with the local team in advance.
📌 Important: if you can't spot the team straight away, don't leave the meeting point. Stay where you are and we'll find you. Once your booking is confirmed, you'll get the emergency numbers and practical instructions to keep with you.
📱 A quick tip: if you'd like to be online from the moment you land, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with our partner Airalo. Use this link
The drive from the airport to the Program House takes around 45 minutes by taxi (traffic permitting). You may share the ride with other participants arriving at the same time.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips Check-out from the Program House is by 12:00 on Saturday.
The return transfer isn't included: each participant arranges their own taxi to the airport (the average cost is 600–1000 NPR, around £4–6).
We'd suggest booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the house in your own time and reach the airport without rushing.
If you're carrying on with your trip in Nepal or further afield, let us know in advance: we'll happily share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed, we'll email you a detailed pack with all the practical instructions, emergency contacts and local team details.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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