Projects Abroad in Nepal

Having recently retired I was new to overseas volunteering - Projects Abroad were extremely well organised and very attentive to details to make this a truly life changing experience. The opportunity to teach so many wonderful children and to meet their teachers is an opportunity not to be missed. I highly recommend Projects Abroad

Meandering through the narrow streets of Katmandu on my way to my placement I wondered if I was totally mad and would I survive this city of chaos. Once I met Bhavani, our project leader, I totally relaxed. She was an excellent leader and explained everything I needed to know. She anticipated a lot of my questions and I felt at home. When we got into the school to do our painting we were made feel very welcome. I cannot describe how beautiful each and every child is. The second week we assisted teachers and enjoyed every minute with these amazing children.

My experience with children (from 1 to 7 years old) was very impactful for me: on an emotional and physical level. Maybe I wasn't really ready to live in a condition of poverty, I didn't have all the fundamental information to best face the experience. I mean my help was probably limited compared to what I could have given them (children and my wonderful nurturing family). It was an enriching but very hard experience on a personal level for me.

From beginning to end this was a great volunteering experience. In advance of the trip there is help in place so one can prepare for the trip and a Destination Expert to answer questions via email or by phone if preferred. As detailed in advance I was met at the airport and brought to Hotel Dream City, Kathmandu. This was the accommodation for our group for the 2 weeks of our project. The hotel manager Mr. Ram Hari is especially hospitable and he and the staff looked after us so well; all our requests were catered for and we felt very welcome. If you want to experience Nepali hospitality you can find it here. The Projects Abroad staff members were also fantastic. Induction was invaluable, giving an accurate indication of the work to be undertaken at the school where we were assigned. We were also given some insight into Nepali culture. Each journey undertaken was an experience in the sights and sounds of Kathmandu and one could only be fascinated by the driving also! Work at the school was appreciated and participation by the children was great - there was a lot of fun had by all! We had a lovely welcome and send off at the end of our time. The Grown up Special projects also offer a cultural experience and we enjoyed Nepali dance and food, local sightseeing, momo making and a trip to Pokhara. I think it's important to say that I enjoyed all aspects of the project and our group shared many laughs with Bibek, Bhawani and Rajesh. They are wonderful ambassadors for Projects Abroad in Nepal. They were happy to answer our many questions and share information about the Nepali people and culture. If you're looking for a trip with a difference look into volunteering with Projects Abroad!

Volunteering in the Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital in Bharatpur was an amazing experience. All of the doctors, interns, and medical students were extremely receptive to me being there, and were happy to teach me about any medical process I did not know. The host family is extremely friendly, and the weekend trips were incredible! This is a great place to learn about how medicine can still be meaningful with limited resources.