Professional Healthcare Experience in a Kathmandu Hospital

Step inside Kathmandu's hospitals and shadow local professionals in your field — dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing. A hands-on observational experience that broadens your skills and gives you a real window into global healthcare.

Where

Kathmandu, Nepal

When

Departures every week, year-round (except closures during national holidays)

Duration

Minimum 4 weeks

Accommodation

Shared or private rooms at the Program House in Kathmandu, with meals included and common areas shared with other international participants.

Language

English (intermediate to advanced level recommended)

Ideal for

Students and professionals in dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing who want a structured learning experience abroad, observing and working alongside local staff in an international hospital setting.

Project details

A structured healthcare project that lets you observe and shadow local professionals in dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing, experiencing the Nepali healthcare system from the inside.

Nepal's healthcare system works very differently from Western models: limited resources, high patient volumes, and a strong human dimension at the heart of daily care. In this context, hospitals and clinics in Kathmandu welcome students and healthcare professionals for structured observational and professional shadowing placements.

This project is designed for those studying or working in dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing who want a structured learning experience abroad. Depending on your background, you'll be placed in a specific setting, working closely with local staff and observing the procedures, workflows, and clinical approaches particular to each discipline.

This is not about replacing local staff — it's about learning through daily presence, observation, and professional exchange. An experience that enriches your healthcare journey, helping you develop adaptability, awareness, and a broader vision of your role as a health professional.

Professional Healthcare Experience in Nepal

A structured healthcare project that lets you observe and shadow local professionals in dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing, experiencing the Nepali healthcare system from the inside.

Why participate

A targeted healthcare placement

Choose the path that best matches your profile — dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing — and live an experience that aligns with your studies or professional background.

Up-close clinical observation

Why participate

A targeted healthcare placement

Choose the path that best matches your profile — dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing — and live an experience that aligns with your studies or professional background.

Up-close clinical observation

Shadow local staff and observe procedures, wards, and hospital dynamics in a healthcare setting that differs from the European model.

The Weekly Program

Weekdays

Monday to Friday, your days are spent primarily at hospitals, clinics, or rehabilitation centres in Kathmandu, where you'll observe and shadow local professionals in your chosen healthcare field (dentistry, physiotherapy, or nursing).

Throughout the day you'll take part in clinical observation sessions, provide support to staff, and engage in discussions with doctors, nurses, and therapists. In the afternoon, any remaining time can be spent studying, reflecting on the day's experience, or connecting with the local team and other participants.

07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day

08:00Transfer to the hospital or partner facility and briefing with local staff

11:00Observation and shadowing in clinical activities (wards, therapy sessions, or outpatient clinics)

13:00Lunch break (at the centre, at the placement, or at nearby local venues)

15:00Continuation of healthcare activities or learning and discussion sessions with the team

19:00Return to the centre, shared dinner, and free time with the group

Weekend

Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore Kathmandu and the surrounding valley, join cultural excursions, or simply relax in the centre's shared spaces with the other participants.

Explore Thamel and Kathmandu city centre

Stroll through lively alleyways, artisan shops, and local cafés, immersing yourself in the everyday life of Nepal's capital.

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Cost calculator

Weeks:

Daily cost:

£0

Total cost:

£0

🍽️Accommodation, meals and daily essentials included

🚫No group kitty, no add-ons, no hidden fees

🫶Your fee directly supports our local partner

What's included

What's not included

FAQs

🏔️ Your accommodation in Kathmandu

You'll be staying at the Program House, approximately 5 km from Kathmandu city centre. A home designed to welcome international participants, where daily life becomes part of the experience.

🛏️ Rooms and comfort
• Shared rooms (4–6 people) or private rooms (1–2 people)
• Rooms with lockable doors
• Hot shower and shared bathrooms
• Fan in the room
• No air conditioning (milder mountain climate)
• Bed linen included – towels not provided

🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals per day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
• Mainly Nepali vegetarian cuisine
• Filtered drinking water and tea always available
• Packed lunch or lunch out possible depending on placement

🌿 Common areas
• Shared lounge and dining room
• Garden to relax and socialise
• Mini-library and study spaces

💬 Living in the community
The Program House is a place of exchange and shared living. This is where conversations, friendships, and reflections are born that go far beyond the healthcare placement.

🛡️ Safety and support

Kathmandu is a vibrant city and generally safe. The programme is structured to provide you with a protected, clear, and well-coordinated environment.

🔹 Ongoing support
Local team available 24/7 for emergencies, questions, or day-to-day needs.

🔹 Screening and orientation
A mandatory criminal record check, orientation day, and clear house rules ensure a respectful and trustworthy environment.

🔹 Best practices
✔ Move around in groups where possible
✔ Follow guidance from local staff
✔ Be mindful of cultural norms and behaviours

💡 Our goal
To give you the conditions to live this experience with peace of mind, so you can focus on learning, professional exchange, and personal growth.

🧭 Orientation day

The Monday of your first week is dedicated to the Orientation Day: a key moment to understand the context, the rules, and the local culture.

During the day:

• Traditional welcome ceremony (Puja)
• Introduction to Nepali culture and social norms
• Safety briefing and signing of required documents
• Placement information and visit to the healthcare facilities
• Help with local SIM card, currency exchange, and first purchases

From Tuesday onwards, you'll begin your healthcare activities with greater confidence and peace of mind.

✈️ Arrival recommendations

We recommend booking a flight arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Nepal's only international airport. The standard welcome service is available on Sundays from 06:00 to 24:00.

📍 Meeting point

You can choose to meet the team directly at the airport or make your own way to the Program House – Dhapasi Height, Kathmandu (pickup scheduled at 16:00).

🕒 Transfer duration

Airport → Program House: approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

💡 Arrivals outside standard hours

Early arrivals or those outside the standard window may require extra nights or a paid private pickup. In any case, it's important to share your flight details with us in advance.

🚖 Departure

Check-out is on Saturday by 12:00. The return transfer is not included, but the local team will help you book a taxi or arrange your journey home.

💡 After confirmation

You'll receive a comprehensive email with updated instructions, emergency contacts, and step-by-step arrival guidance.

Still have questions?

Book your spot

Send your application (free!)

Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.

Meet your coordinator

After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.

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.

Set off on your adventure!

Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.

Book now