Medical Electives in Nepal and Medical Volunteering

DocTours have medical electives in Nepal for  medical students at all stages of training.  There are also work experience placements for dental students, nursing students, optometry, physiotherapy and other healthcare students who want to gain clinical experience abroad.

Non-medical students are also welcome to volunteer at the local school to help the children with their English lessons, pronunciation and reading.

Why Nepal?

The scenery of Nepal is simply stunning. The world’s highest mountain ranges plunge into lush valleys teeming with exotic wildlife, remote monasteries and villages adorn the landscape. Experience a cultural immersion as you meet Hindu and Buddhist people in a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpa’s majestic temples, shrines and sculptures. Where jungles team with exotic wildlife and some of the best hiking trails in the world.

Call or email now to register your interest for exciting and rewarding medical electives and student placements in Nepal

(Forward your completed Volunteer Application Form so that we can hold your place)

Medical electives in Nepal aim to give you maximum experience under the guidance of a senior medical officer.

DocTours works with a number of hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley that serve the villages and surrounding hill country in the district. Rotations are offered in general surgery, orthopaedics, internal medicine, paediatrics, and Ob-Gyn. You may request specific rotations among those available.  You may also have the opportunity to participate in health camps in remote communities, teach health and hygiene to local school children and get involved in local community activities.

Students are expected to report for duties at 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily, Sunday to Thursday and 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Fridays. Students can also volunteer to participate in night calls to gain more exposure and experience (e.g. deliveries, emergency surgeries, etc). As with any rotation – attendance at morning rounds, conferences, and clinics is recommended.

For surgery rotations, you may prefer to bring your own scrubs, cap, slippers and masks however there is an assortment of scrubs and slippers available in the operating change room.  Please take a white coat and stethoscope.

Friday afternoon and Saturday are free time and we have an optional weekend safari to the Chitwan National Park (or a trek or visit to Pokhara if you prefer).

During winter months warm layers of clothing and a coat are essential as heating in buildings is minimal. During the summer rainy season, an umbrella is useful. At the completion of your medical electives in Nepal, the Hospital can issue a certificate of Medical Educational Cooperation if requested. We can also complete any documents that your university may require.

COST:

AUD 1,895 for 2 weeks

AUD 2,595 for 4 weeks

AUD 3,195 for 6 weeks

AUD 3,795 for 8 weeks.

Dates and durations are flexible  – please ask.

INCLUSIONS:

Airport transfers, Arrival induction and local sightseeing, Home stay accommodation (the hosts speak English, are extremely hospitable and frequently host international visitors), All meals during your visit with tea, coffee and water, 24/7 in-country ground support, Hospital registration fees, contribution to local projects, DocTours t-shirt and personalised luggage labels.

EXCLUSIONS:

Drinks, Items of a personal nature (ie laundry, telephone etc), Travel Insurance, Passport and the Nepal Visa fees, Flights to/from Kathmandu, Vaccinations. All costs quoted are subject to change by tour operators, volunteer organisations and currency adjustments prior to final payment.

ORIENTATION:

Our friendly team in Nepal will meet you on arrival at Kathmandu Airport and take you to your home stay accommodation. They will make you feel very welcome and will help you settle in with some orientation and sightseeing in the local area. On your first day of work they will take you to the hospital or clinic where you will be working and will introduce you to the local staff and supervisor.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Living conditions are not luxurious and will vary although the large majority of home stays do have electricity and running water. Host families are educated, speak English and are experienced in hosting international volunteers. Meals are traditional Nepali fare. Nepalese food is often said to have spiritual as well as nutritional attributes and the cuisine will nourish the body and soul! You are sure to enjoy the experience of sharing delicious home-cooked meals with your local family who will provide up to three meals a day. Tea or coffee, bread, vegetables and eggs are served for breakfast with main meals consisting of rice, lentil soup and seasonal, locally produced vegetables. Meat may be served occasionally.

WHEN TO GO:

• Oct-Nov: Dry Season starts and is a good time to visit Nepal
• Feb-Apr : Pleasant with warm weather and native flowers blooming
• May-Jun: Is usually hot.
• Jun-Sep: Monsoon season (the end of September is a great time to see Nepal)
• Dec-Jan: The weather can be chilly

FLIGHTS:

Airfares are available from Thai, Malaysian, Air Asia, Etihad, Qatar or Cathay Pacific.

PASSPORT:

Passports must be valid for six (6) months after you return home and should have at least two blank pages.

VISAS:

A Visa is required for all tourists travelling to Nepal and most nationalities are currently able to apply for a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport (currently around USD$25 for 15 days and USD$40 for 30 days. This is subject to change and therefore please check. Please take two (2) passport-sized photos with you and a black pen).

TRAVEL INSURANCE and STUDENT MEDICAL INDEMNITY:

It is a condition of your travel arrangements that you have current travel insurance to cover against cancellation fees, medical expenses (including Covid cover), lost luggage and evacuation.

We recommend that you advise your indemnity provider of your medical electives in Nepal in advance of travel.

CANCELLATION FEES:

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

DEPOSITS

A deposit of A$495 will be requested after your placement is confirmed. This deposit is non-refundable.

FINAL PAYMENTS

Final payment is due 2 months prior to departure.