Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Nepal
- Around 25% of the population in Nepal are living below the poverty line.
- Malnutrition is particually evident in children under 5, with 36% enduring stunting.
- Children from poor families have low attendence at school, with 1 in 4 of the poorest not going to school at all.
- Nepal can experience natural disasters, such as earthquakes. This can severly impact the local structures and roads.
- Much of Nepal's population lacks access to basic medical care.
HOW can you help?
- For medical professionals and medical students, aiming to gain valuable experience in a real life hospital setting.
- Shadow local physiotherapists and medical professionals in local rehabilitation centres and hospitals.
- Interact and communicate with the local physiotherapists for a benefical cultural exchange.
- Assist in different departments in the hospital or rehabilitation centre.
WHAT you can do?
- Shadow medical professionals and physiotherapists
- Learn more about overseas healthcare systems and various practices the clinic use
- Gain valuable fist hand experience or pass on skills and practices from back home
- Get more hands on, depending on experience, and help children and adults during their physio sessions
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERNSHIP
LOCATION: KATHMANDU, NEPAL
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 3 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: MEDICAL (OR RELATED) PROFESSIONAL OR STUDENT, Criminal background check required
Overview
For those practising or aspiring to practice physiotherapy/ medicine, this internship is an incredible opportunity, which will help you appreciate the challenges faced in developing countries around medical care. As a physiotherapy intern, you’ll shadow registered physiotherapists and may take part in physio sessions for adults and children, depending on prior experience and skils. The majority of work will be observation based (unless already qualified), which allows a great opportunity to gain valuable first hand knowledge, giving your resume that extra advantage!
The rehabilitaion clinic can be understaffed or lacking in sufficient amount of medical professionals. You will be able to witness how the physio’s at the clinic cope and handle the limited recourses. This can be an eye opening experience.
There will not be any hands-on work unless you are experienced. If not, then most of your learning will mainly be through observation. Many options are available for volunteers depending on your skill level. You’ll spend the first couple days observing and being assessed for your experience level which will be discussed and agreed to with the prefessionals at the clinic, in order to assess your daily tasks.
Cultural Introduction
The first week of your internship will include an introduction to the local culture, customs, dos and don’ts. During the first 3 days from Monday to Wednesday, you will be introduced to the cultural norms of Nepal and learn what to expect during your internship. Not only will you get to learn about the language and lifestyle, our local coordinator will show you around the city and will give you tips and tricks you must know when in Nepal.
From Thursday to Friday on your first week, you will receive an academic introduction session before the internship. During these sessions, a professional supervisor will educate you about the local situation and developments surrounding the industry/field in which the internship takes place and prepares the you for the local work environment/culture.
What’s included
- Guaranteed internship placement with an assigned project and a professional work environment
- Guaranteed English language speaking person in the working environment plus a local language when applicable
- Pre-internship personal learning goal and competencies assessment
- Guidance, Supervision and on the job training
- Guaranteed 25+ working hours per week
- Frequent (bi-weekly/monthly) feedback and progress sessions with the hosting company/organization
- Welcome and pick-up at the airport
- Accommodation close to the workplace with a comfortable environment
- A mandatory introduction week consisting of an intro into the local culture and customs as well as an introduction into the internship placement
- Breakfast and dinner provided. Lunch will be at the project and interns are required to arrange it by themselves.
- 24-hour local support
Location
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is an incredible place! The contrast of decaying buildings, smell of incense, street sellers, historic temples and incredible mountain views will invigorate your senses and keep you inspired to learn more about the amazing history and culture. For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined.
Project Tasks
- Gain insight into the Nepalese healthcare system and practices
- Observe and shadow local physiotherapists
- Broaden your perspective of overseas medical care and treatments
- Get involved in stretching sessions in a more hands on role, if experienced
Food & Accommodation
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, with 4-6 people sharing one room (single gender rooms). They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room, wifi, TV, computer, DVD player, fans, live-in staff on call 24/7, a garden complete with a comfortable covered area and 24/7 security. Centrally located, there are several gym’s nearby as well as local supermarkets, ATM’s, mobile phone shops etc.
*For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available for an additional cost. This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Internships
& Monestary
- Medical Hospital & Nursing Internship
- Physiotherapy Internship
- Buddhist Monestary Teaching
- Dental Internship
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1 Week - N/A
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2 Weeks - N/A
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3 Weeks - $780
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1 Month - $1255
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2 Months - $2450
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3 Months - $3590
Min 4 weeks for medical, monastery & dental program.
- Private rooms cost additional $250 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
In most cases, you’ll need an established medical background or studying on a pre-medical track, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational/physical therapy, or working in a relevant field.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
- Introduction meeting, General rules, Setting Expectations, Advice on Health and Safety and insuring you have all your documents.
- Do’s and Don’ts, Cultural introduction, learning about the countries history
- Tour around the accommodation and local area.
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer or extra night for an additional fee.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.
You will spend the day with doctors and nurses to assist them. You will be assigned to your sessions based on your experience and field of study in physiotherapy. Tasks and timings may vary depending on the current needs and conditions at the hospital. Generally, you will volunteer from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm.
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link:
The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.
Additional Requirements
An established background in an affiliated field of study
A reference letter authorized by your university or the hospital or clinic you are presently working/studying at.
Proof of qualifications and CV/Resume and a copy of your passport sent by email to the local team at least four weeks before beginning the internship
Motivation letter including learning goals, expectations and specific placement requests from the intern
Copies of certificates of qualifications and academic transcripts
Additional Equipment
Casual dress is appropriate during your time at the hospital. However, no-see through clothes or low cut tops are permitted
Lab coat (white coat)
Laptop
Nepal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world. Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s. It is home to Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and an astonishingly beautiful landscape, ranging from the well-known peaks of the Himalaya to the low-lying regions of the Terai.
The Nepali people are as diverse at the geography, with over 70 languages or dialects and scores of traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year.
However, Nepal is also one of the most under-developed countries in the world, with low rates of literacy, high rates of poverty and a persistent gender imbalance. The government is frequently unable to provide adequate education and health facilities throughout the country and both urban and rural areas are forced to live without necessary resources to promote growth and development of their communities.
Nepal is a year round destination, and the cliate can vary between the North and South regions. The best overall times to visit are during spring and autumn (particually for trekking).
December to Febuary is winter, and it can get extremely cold in the mountains (down to sub zero). Summer in this region has a pleasent temperature but still bring some warmer clothing for the evenings.
Summer in southern Nepal can get extremely hot (plus 40°C) in some areas. Winter temperatures in this area can range from 7°C to 23°C.
Kathmandu has a pleasent climate on average. The monsoon rains start from June to September in Nepal.
The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists, but there are many other religions here too like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. You will find many temples and monasteries around Nepal. The right hand is used for important things such as passing money, eating and the giving of gifts.
Nepalese people love their food and much of it has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cultures. Nepali people have a lot of respect for elders and will call each other didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), etc, even if they are not actually related. The family unit is very strong and having a close knit family is important for the local people.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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