Description

There is a real shortage of physical therapy skills in Nepal, so we provide interns of all abilities to observe and assist local doctors and physical therapists. You will find that the experience you gain will really help you to get an idea of how a busy physical therapy department works. If you are a trained physical therapist, you will find yourself busy and in demand from your first day.

Some of our interns work at rehabilitation centers for disabled children. These are located within the Kathmandu valley, from the ancient towns of Bhaktapur and Patan to those based on hilltops beside quaint villages on the outskirts of the capital city. Here interns often see cases with children who were born with polio or have had accidents that have not been treated correctly. Many placements deal with children with physical disabilities.

Or you might intern in Nepal Matri Griha - NMG - which is based just 20 minutes from Thamel in Kathmandu. NMG runs several health and therapy clinics that provide services to women and children who have been driven to poverty and displaced by conflict, unable to afford healthcare themselves.

We also work with Patan Community Based Rehabilitation Organization. CBR is run through the combined efforts of disabled people themselves and their families and communities. Providing support and care, it offers services to Nepali children to help improve their standard of living. Interns often come across neglected orthopedic conditions such as TB, polio, post-burn contractures, and cerebral palsy. You might work with inpatients and with outpatients who attend a couple of times in the week, sometimes traveling many hours for a visit to the center.

Finally, we work with the Royal Nepal Orthopedic Hospital. This was set up to provide medical care to Nepalese people who, due to overcrowding, cannot receive these services through the standard government-run hospitals. The facility focuses on trauma, orthopedics, and rehabilitation.

All of these projects are ones where you can really build your resume - gaining experience you would not get in the West, while helping out these short-staffed institutions.

This placement is also offered as a two-week summer special for high school students between the ages of 16 and 19.

Highlights

For your accommodation, you'll live with a Nepalese host-family, which is great environment for learning about a new way of life. All the families involved are extremely supportive of the projects carried out by Projects Abroad and are eager to experience an inter-cultural exchange and learn about the lives of volunteers.

Projects Abroad has opened here to give volunteers a truly unforgettable experience. Our office is in the bustling capital city of Kathmandu where jostling crowds, rickety bullock carts and noisy auto-rickshaws all contribute to the noise, character and constant energy of its traditionally narrow streets.

Qualifications

No qualifications or experience required.

Intern Types

• Physical Therapy

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Health
• Health Care
• Hospital
• Medicine

Age Range

17-70

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992