Description

Despite recent improvements, health care in Nepal remains poor by international standards, especially in rural areas. Inevitably it is the worst off in society that bear the brunt of these poor standards, but our Nepal volunteers make a significant contribution to changing all this.

Following the old adage that 'prevention is better than a cure', our health project places volunteers in children's homes and orphanages around Nepal. Through immunizations, regular health checks and education about basic personal hygiene and sanitation, our volunteers make a real and lasting difference to the lives of thousands of people each year.

A Day In The Life

The exact roles of our volunteers in our health projects depend on their previous health care experience. The typical day involves an early start with visits to one or more children's homes and orphanages. Volunteers will interact with children and staff to help provide the best possible care. This can be a challenging role, but the demands are far outweighed by the rewards.

Volunteer Tasks & Skills

No two health volunteer projects are the same, and can vary significantly depending on location. Typically, volunteers will assist in creating health profiles for each child and recording which medical treatments have been administered. Depending on experience, volunteers may also provide advice on the treatment of minor ailments or research the best treatments for the various problems that arise. Volunteers can also play an important administrative role, setting up appointments, maintaining electronic records and helping with rosters.

While this is one of our more challenging projects, it is also one of our most rewarding. Nepal still struggles with preventable diseases and ailments such as diarrhea, leprosy and tuberculosis, while malnutrition and high infant mortality rates remain serious concerns. Our Nepal volunteers make a real and lasting contribution to the prevention of these problems among Nepal's most vulnerable, and can see the fruits of their labor first-hand. Participation in our health project is an experience that will stays with our volunteers for the rest of their lives.

Highlights

Volunteering in Nepal offers an experience like no other. Our volunteers live with Nepali families and make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the country's most disadvantaged people.

Nestled among the peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal's stunning beauty and unique culture has made it a must-see destination for travelers and trekkers for years. For those looking to get off the tourist trail and see a different view of life in Nepal, Friends for Asia offers a choice of Nepal volunteer opportunities that enrich the lives of volunteers and locals alike.

Friends for Asia's Nepal volunteers find themselves in all kinds of unique situations and settings. Working with disadvantaged women on the streets of Kathmandu, taking care of kids a Buddhist temple or helping to build schools in the Nepal countryside are just some of the options available. All volunteers stay with Nepali host families and experience the culture, traditions and food of Nepal first-hand.

Volunteering in Nepal is a meaningful, cross-cultural experience where volunteers really make a difference. Nepal is just emerging from decades of political strife and there is a palpable sense that there is now a real opportunity to build a better future for the country. Our volunteers help make this a reality by enriching the lives of thousands of adults and children each year.

Friends for Asia's representatives look after our volunteers for the duration of the project. Volunteers are picked up on arrival at the airport, taken to their project location, and provided with a proper orientation and training for their assignment.

Of course, Friends for Asia realizes that our volunteers will want to get out and explore this amazing country. Volunteers have plenty of time off to do their own thing and see the sights.

Volunteering in Nepal is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life with many of our volunteers coming back again and again.

Qualifications

Some health care experience is required to qualify for our health project and applicants will need to submit a full resume with their application. Placement in the health project will depend on suitability, though there are places available for those with little experience. Good computer skills are desirable as volunteers may be required to assist with the upkeep of electronic patient records. If you are unsure about your suitability for the project have a chat with one of our coordinators. For those with very little or no experience our Children's Home & Orphanage project offers an excellent alternative. This project will require volunteers to assist with minor health treatments and accompany children to medical appointments. Participants in this project must be 18 years of age or older.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

starts at USD 750 for two weeks

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Participation in the Health Volunteer Project starts at USD 750 for two weeks. Each additional week is USD 80.

FEE INCLUDES: Airport pick up and drop off, accommodation during orientation and entire project time, 2 day orientation, 10 hours of basic Nepalese language lessons, all meals during project placement, 24/7 assistance support.
FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Plane tickets, travel insurance, cost of transportation to and from work location and accommodation.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

An individual who loves to travel, wants to learn more about Nepal and assist Asia in it's development.

Age Range

18 years of age or older

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Friends For Asia's Mission Statement

The mission of Friends For Asia is twofold. We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Thailand.

Year Founded

2008