Volunteer Programs in Bhaktapur, Nepal

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

The medical elective program in Nepal hosted by IVHQ is a really enriching experience where I learned a lot about the local medical operation system, specifically how doctors work with patients in ER. It also provided me the chance to meet people in the industry, ultimately strengthening my determination to study medicine. Also, I have met so many new friends from all over the world, and the host was super nice to us.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

A huge thank you to my IVHQ Program Manager for helping me throughout the preparation process. The Local Team there was so amazing! My homestay family was the best ever. The family was extremely sweet and welcoming. Most importantly I made connections with amazing Nepalese people. They are very kind and super giving even with the little resources they have available. I was able to see how hospitals and medical staff work with very limited supplies and try their best to give the best care they can to their patients. I left feeling extremely grateful for what I have in the U.S and I left feeling more confident in my career path to become a doctor.

It was such an amazing experience to be immersed in the culture and also work and shadow the medical field in such a beautiful country! I learned so much and am so thankful for this opportunity. I made several connections with the Nepali people and doctors and will be returning on my own terms with them. Thank you, IVHQ, for introducing me and helping me have a smooth and amazing time! I look forward to completing more medical mission trips.

Through my participation in the IVHQ medical elective project, I gained invaluable insights and skills that have significantly enriched my understanding of healthcare and global medicine. One of the most significant gains was the firsthand exposure to diverse medical practices and patient care in a different cultural setting. This experience broadened my perspective on healthcare delivery and deepened my appreciation for cultural competency in medicine. Moreover, working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in resource-limited settings taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges. I also developed strong communication skills through interacting with patients from various backgrounds, enhancing my ability to provide compassionate care and navigate language barriers. For those hesitant about joining this program, I would offer the following advice: Embrace the opportunity for personal and professional growth that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. While it's natural to feel apprehensive about working in unfamiliar environments, remember that every challenge presents a chance to learn and develop resilience. Approach the experience with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to making a positive impact. By immersing yourself in this program, you'll not only contribute to meaningful healthcare initiatives but also gain invaluable skills and insights that will shape your future career in medicine.

Personal limits I think the programme is very good because it helped me test and move some of my personal limits especially through trekking and bungy jump. I like the very social aspect of the group but I do not see our contribution to the local community unless we choose to do volunteering work.

I had joined in Nepal as a volunteer a few months ago for teaching and absolutely loved my experience. The local team is fantatic and I can not recommend this program enough. I would definately apply to Volunteering Journeys! Thank you Anish and team for a fantastic time..

My IVHQ Program Manager did a great job assisting us with the preparations - thank you so much. The documents needed were clearly stated together with the checklist and the checklist eased our preparations. The local team were very helpful and resourceful. They provided us with all the information needed. I've always thought volunteering is a beautiful experience, especially in a healthcare setting. I noticed how the hospital lacked resources and staff when I was there, especially in the emergency department. Volunteering had a huge impact on me as I continue to contribute my time skills, I also gained experiences, connections and values that enriched my life. I believe volunteering brings people together with shared goals and values. It fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens community bonds. I met lots of people from all around the world with the same vision as me. It was a beautiful experience for me. Volunteers contribute to addressing various social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. I hope our efforts can lead to tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and the overall state of society.

My IVHQ Program Manager was very helpful with regards to any questions I had about my program. She made sure my friend and I could both be put together in the same city despite undertaking different programs. Bijen was very helpful if we had any questions. My accomodation in Pokhara exceeded my expectations. The host family was great and we had great meals. It was great to see how a different healthcare system worked. I was based in the emergency department and it was great to be able to observe lots of different and new things. I felt I got outside of my comfort zone and was able to advance in my career. Give it a go. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone and you get to experience something so amazing in another country and learn so much about their culture.

The preparation checklist provided by IVHQ was very easy to use and straight forward, allowing a simple and stress-free preparation process. The local team went above and beyond to make myself feel comfortable - this effort should not go unnoticed as they deserve a great amount of appreciation. This volunteering experience has taught me a lot about myself and I feel like I have definitely grown as a person. Being my first time solo travelling, I learnt a lot more from things I didn’t expect I would have and I appreciate this so much. I am really blessed that I stayed in Dharma’s household during my stay in Pokhara, Nepal. He is as lovely as his family and he really works so hard to make his guests feel comfortable - as if they were still at home. The accommodation itself is very nice and spacious. To top the homestay off, they even have the cutest dog anyone could fall in love with, called Oscar. The meals prepared by Dharmas family more than exceeded expectations. The meals were as delicious as there was variety being served, which really made me feel like I was at home. Especially on my last night with Dharma where we ate a traditional chicken roast together. Interacting with other volunteers in a cooperative way which truly engaged and helped the children learn at Samara school was my favorite moment. Taking on the position of a role model for these students was an experience I will always remember. Also, seeing the vast differences between my home country and Nepal has truly let me learn a lot about myself and the world around me. Life long friendships have been made during my time volunteering in Nepal, this is unique to this opportunity I took and I’m very happy with its outcome. It’s better to grow old with memories and not dreams. If you truly aspire to volunteer in a country abroad then please don’t hesitate to do it because there is no chance you will regret it. It has been such an amazing experience for myself and I’m so happy I turned my dreams of being in Nepal into many beautiful memories.

The resources were ample and succinct for me to follow. My IVHQ Program Manager was also always ready to help! I am very thankful to my host family in Pokhara for their kindness, warmth and encouragement during my stay. I had a very lovely experience with them! I definitely felt myself growing as a person. Coming solo, I was forced out of my comfort zone, where I had to take the first step in approaching others. I really felt my confidence grew and that I was able to adapt and perform through various situations.

Being able to observe cesarean sections in the OT and a normal delivery in the maternity ward was my favourite. I was also able to see the babies in the NICU afterwards. This volunteer experience provided me with insights into differences in the healthcare systems overseas and I was able to befriend other volunteers from around the world. This has been an incredible experience and I can’t wait to volunteer again!

Traveling with Carpe Diem challenged the ideas I had formed about myself in high school. Never quite excelling in the classroom environment and not knowing how to take advantage of school resources, I thought I was just born a “bad student.” Approaching education from an experiential model made me realize, I just didn’t know myself and my own needs. Carpe Diem’s Educators are so compassionate and supportive and help their students excel in their own ways. The program is immersive and set up in a way that gives you a wide variety of experiences, so everyone can experience a range of challenges and strengths.

I probably had one of the best experiences of my life in Natuwa for a month, feeding the many animals that live there, taking care of them, discovering a different way of life than mine, more minimalist and peaceful. Rodolfo is an extremely understanding man who cares about the well-being of his voluntarios. We had the chance to do several extra activities outside the centre, such as snorkeling near to Isla Tortuga, or swimming at night with bioluminescent planktons, which were dazzling. The workteam is really friendly and allows you to feel integrated quickly and easily. However, you have to expect to work hard sometimes, for example planting trees, doing work to maintain the infrastructure, but this is only a part of the day. outside the centre

Like someone said below, I haven't reviewed my semester on here yet because how can you sum up 3 months of experiences in one post? I will say that not only were our groups leaders incredible, the opportunities we were given were very special and unique. While this program may not work for some students, it was beneficial for me in learning how to travel with a variety of personalities, and how to live in a country to vastly different from my own. I saw a review on here that was incredible negative, and I am saddened that India did not teach that individual as much as it taught me about bringing the best out of an experience, and doing so with compassion and patience. I met many people during my time in India, within my group and outside of, that challenged me to think about my own behavior as a person and as someone who participates in society and what my impact is. Traveling in itself does this, but CDE gave us time to reflect and discuss our own thought processes in ways in which traveling alone would not. CDE gave me the space to become more confident in my own traveling abilities, and open my eyes to the differences in the world around me. I am in college now, and I always tell my friends here that I am a better, calmer, more caring person after my semester with CDE. So, if I could, I would do a semester again just to see the ways in which I could continue to grow.