Description

Volunteer in Asia and help the government provide adequate health services for the rural communities in Nepal. Hundreds of thousands of Nepali people are estimated to suffer unnecessarily due to lack of basic health care. Working at a hospital or clinic is an opportunity to provide a much needed service and learn firsthand about basic healthcare in a third world country. The volunteer's medical knowledge, skills, background and experience will determine their responsibilities, but all areas of the hospital need help. Qualified doctors and nurses and more experienced medical students also get the chance to assist travelling doctors which involves diagnosing and treating the local people.

All aspects of the health-care system in Nepal are under-funded and under-staffed and therefore cannot meet the needs of everyone who receives care there. Volunteers with any sort of medical, health-care or those with background knowledge are highly valuable as help is needed in all aspects of operating a hospital. Medical students can get valuable hands-on experience working with patients.

Highlights

There are numerous things to see and do around Kathmandu. Among the highlights are the Three Goddesses Temple, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Mahakala Temple, Pasupatinath and Bodhnath. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy tasting the vast variety of tantalizing food and shopping and bargaining in the labyrinth of small restaurants and shops. Kathmandu is a complete mix of modern and ancient; with its software houses, tuk-tuk taxis buzzing around at breakneck speed, cows roaming the streets freely, mobile phones ringing, Buddhist monks in wingtips shoes, children playing on 500 year-old temples, the smell of incense, and images of Hindu gods everywhere. Sitting watching the world go by should be enough to keep you entertained for hours!

Himalayas

The most famous highlight in Nepal is certainly the Himalayas. There are many well-known treks here the most popular being the "Mount Everest Base Camp Trek". These treks can last anything from 8-16 days depending on the departure point therefore it is essential to have a reasonably good level of fitness.

Chitwan National Park

Home to the endangered Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhino, the Park offers the possibility of close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. Take an elephant safari through the lush jungle to experience a lost world of ancient trees and tangled vines.

White Water Rafting

Trisuli is Nepal's most famous rafting river and it offers great scenery, exhilarating rapids and impressive gorges. There are also easier sections for first-timers.

Qualifications

Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single or shared room in a homestay
* Food: 2 meals per day
* Airport Pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure pack, On-site Orientation and project induction provided
* Support: 24 hour support
* Excursion planning: Staff will help organise trips and activities in your spare time (activities may cost extra)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Health
• Hospital
• Social Services, Social Work
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

At least 18 years old.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008