Volunteer Nepal: Overall I loved my experience here and time spent at the hospital. It was different than what I was expecting but it definitely expected my expectations. I did language immersion classes which were very helpful.

Volunteer Nepal:

What Program did you choose and why?

Medical because I want to go into the medical field.

How was the local Coordinator and the staff and the support provided in-country?

In one word, I would say excellent. The host family here was incredibly welcoming, helpful and very very nice. They definitely made me feel a part of the family. We got a few emails checking in from a broader view as well which was very nice.

What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

How nice everyone was. Everybody loves talking to us and they were very willing to teach and very helpful.

What was most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

I would say adjusting to the culture. The food, transportation, and just the overall lifestyle is so different than anything I have ever experienced. I don’t think it was a bad thing by any means but it just took some getting fed to.

Any tips for future volunteers….(clothing, travel information, packing, sightseeing, donations)

I would say if you are coming in July like I did or just the summer in general don’t bring a big sleeping bag or tons of clothes for cold weather like the packing list says. It is always hot and Im from Idaho.

Other things volunteers should know:

If you are volunteering at the hospital. The list says to bring a white coat or scrubs any color. Nobody at the hospital wears scrubs, just regular clothes and a white coat. If you want do want to wear scrubs the nursing director wants them to be blue.

ABV: we recommend the scrubs or coat as this si what volunteers use to be different from the local staff. Follow the guides.

Volunteer Medical

Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial):

Overall I loved my experience here and time spent at the hospital. It was different than what I was expecting, but it definitely exceded my expectations. I did language immersion classes which were very helpful.

How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?

The house here is very nice. I was very comfortable here, felt very safe and sarita the host ‘mom’ is an excellent cook.

What was your memory of this trip?

My memory of this trip is a good one. All of the nice people, great hikes and fun times at the hospital is something I’ll remember forever.

How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?

Overall the information from ABV was very good. The only thing that could I mentioned before the medical stuff I’d recommend not bringing scrubs, you won’t need more than one box of gloves and bring masks (one of each per week) that protect against TB because we’ve not immunized and regular masks don’t protect against that.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?

Yes.