DocTours Newsletter November 2012

Hi, Everyone.

Namaste to Nepal

Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalayas, the scenery of Nepal is simply stunning. It is a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas and where jungles team with exotic wildlife and some of the best hiking trails in the world. The country is equally rich in culture and heritage, and is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. You will see majestic temples, shrines and sculptures wherever they tread; all testament to a thriving spirituality.

Our base is in ancient Kathmandu – the capital of Nepal. It sits at a height of 1300m and is the largest city in the country. Kathmandu’s wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets with carved wooden balconies above tiny hole-in-the-wall shops, town squares packed with temples, monuments and markets bright with fruit and vegetables – make for a sensory overload. The many Nepali festivals are fascinating and often epic occasions which are not to be missed.

Book now for our small groups on 1 March, 15 March and 1 September 2013 to travel with like-minded professionals. Please advise your preferred dates and departure city and we will forward a flight schedule.

Please download the attached Application Form and return to us by 30 November 2012 so we can hold a place for you

Volunteer Programs

Medical Placements

We have hospitals available in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur where you can be involved in a field of operations relevant to your expertise. Volunteers will experience a dramatic contrast between Western medical practice and medicine in developing countries. You will be working with limited resources and understaffed hospitals (a list of recommended items to take in your medical kit will be provided). Please be ready to show initiative and readiness to work in unfamiliar conditions.

Health Outpost Work

Remote health clinics in Nepal struggle to attract qualified doctors and medically trained personnel and generally have insufficient resources such as equipment and medicine. Volunteers working at village health clinics will assist local health staff in performing day to day tasks such as dressing wounds, administering vaccinations, taking blood samples, screening and organising patients, collecting medicines and generally assisting
where-ever equired. There is also the need to conduct seminars to motivate and educate local staff and villagers on health initiatives.

Teaching English

Due to the lack of financial and physical resources and the remote mountain terrain of the country, more than 80% of the children from Nepal’s villages and cities are unable to access a good educational system. Volunteers participating in the Nepal Teaching English program will teach English at a public or private school, depending on the greatest need at the time. Volunteers can also assist with creating low-cost teaching materials for the school and help organise health check-ups for students. Volunteers are welcome to participate in other school activities such as sports, health or drama programs. You do not need to be a qualified or experienced teacher.

Orphanage Work

Many thousands of children in Nepal are orphans, with no real home, no family and no opportunity to get an education. Volunteers will be placed in an orphanage/care house where they will assist children in their day to day routine. Specific roles in each orphanage vary. However may include; helping teach the children and assisting with tuition of general life skills through participating in administrative work, health education, games, drawing and painting. You can help to shape the young minds of talented and less fortunate children.

What will it cost?

Your 2 week volunteer program will cost A$1,100 per person (or A$1,450 for 4 weeks) and includes the placement fee, homestay accommodation with meals, airport transfer, orientation tour, 24/7 in-country support. Please add flights, passport/visa fees, travel insurance, vaccinations and personal expenses.

Accommodation and Meals

Most volunteers are placed in a home stay accommodation. 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, well respected in society and experienced in hosting international volunteers. Meals are traditional Nepali fare including rice and lentils with delicious sauces.

We are also able to offer hotel accommodation for those who prefer more comfort. This will be at an additional cost.

You will arrive the day prior to the commencement date of your program. Our team in Nepal will meet you at the Airport and transfer you to your accommodation. The next morning there will be orientation covering everything you need to know for your volunteering placement in Nepal – Introduction to Nepal, Nepalese Customs, City Tour, Nepalese Language Training, Rules and Expectations, Safety, and Introduction to your placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details.

On the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or explore other parts of the local town and Nepal. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield and enjoy some trekking, jungle safaris and visits to temples. If you prefer to volunteer over the weekends you can visit other orphanages to spend time entertaining the children.

Afterwards take a well-earned break.

Visit the beautiful Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan to explore spectacular monasteries, Buddhist culture, crafts and museums. Our 4 night package includes all the major highlights. Or explore the Chitwan National Park. Embark on an elephant safari , take a canoe down the Rapti River to view the birds and wildlife and finish the day with a jungle walk. Our 3 night package is a must!