Medical Elective

Why Choose a Medical Elective in Nepal?

Nepal’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including limited access to medical professionals and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. The need for medical professionals is crucial:

• In many rural regions, there is only one doctor per 100,000 people, compared to seven doctors per 100,000 in urban areas.
• Nearly 40% of the population needs access to essential healthcare services, especially in remote areas.

By joining VIN’s medical electives abroad, you will help address these gaps while honing your skills in diverse medical environments. You will also make a tangible impact on communities in need.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on Medical Experience: Participate in clinical placements abroad by working directly with patients in hospitals and clinics, treating a wide variety of conditions under the supervision of experienced professionals.
• Rotations in Various Medical Departments: Depending on your area of interest, you may work in general medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics, or public health, ensuring a comprehensive medical learning experience.
• Community Health Projects: Contribute to health camps and outreach programs that bring essential healthcare services to underserved populations.
• Cultural Immersion: Stay with a local host family to experience Nepalese culture while you pursue medical internships for students.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Practice
   • Assist local doctors in diagnosing and treating patients in a variety of settings.
   • Participate in wound care, patient assessments, and minor medical procedures.
2. Health Camps
   • Join community health camps in rural areas to provide free medical services.
   • Educate local communities about hygiene, nutrition, and preventative care.
3. Public Health Education
   • Participate in public health projects on sanitation, family planning, and maternal health.
4. Capacity Building
   • Train community healthcare workers on basic medical practices, ensuring long-term sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.

Eligibility Requirements

• Suitable for medical students, nursing students, pre-medical students, and healthcare professionals looking to complete their international medical internships.
• English proficiency is required. Knowledge of Nepali is helpful but optional.
• Affordable medical electives are available for students seeking opportunities from 2 weeks to 6 months.

Program Inclusions

• Accommodation: Stay with a local host family for cultural immersion.
• Meals: Three traditional Nepali meals are provided daily.
• Orientation: Detailed briefing about Nepal’s healthcare system and safety guidelines.
• Support: VIN provides 24/7 support throughout your stay, ensuring a smooth experience.

Why Join VIN’s Medical Elective Internship?

• Practical Experience: Gain firsthand clinical placements abroad in Nepal, improving your diagnostic and treatment skills.
• Meaningful Impact: Make a significant difference by delivering healthcare to underserved populations in Nepal.
• Cultural Exchange: Experience Nepal’s healthcare challenges and solutions while learning from local medical professionals.
• Sustainable Contribution: Your work will have a lasting effect by helping to train local healthcare providers, creating a ripple effect of improved medical care in Nepal.

How to Apply

1. Submit an Application: Fill out the [online application form link] detailing your background and areas of interest.
2. Pre-Departure Information: VIN will provide comprehensive pre-departure guidance, including what to expect, what to bring, and safety tips.
3. Start Contributing: Upon arrival, you will begin your medical elective abroad and contribute to improving healthcare in Nepal.

Requirements

• Gender: Female / Male
• Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
• Language:English (Intermediate)
• Educational:High School Graduate

Your Experience/ Setting

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.

During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.

Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.

Schedule and Commitment

You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.

You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.

In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)

University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here  to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section

Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works

​Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.