Physiotherapy Internship in Nepal

Program Highlights

• Hands-on Physiotherapy Practice: Gain clinical experience in patient assessment, treatment planning, and rehabilitation, working with individuals suffering from various conditions, from musculoskeletal issues to neurological impairments.
• Community Health Camps: Participate in outreach programs, delivering physiotherapy services in remote areas with limited medical care.
• Workshops & Capacity Building: We will assist in training local healthcare providers and raising awareness about the importance of rehabilitation and physical health.

Cultural Immersion: Live with local host families, experience the vibrant culture, and participate in local festivals and traditions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care & Treatment:

1. • Work closely with local physiotherapists to assess patients, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide rehabilitation services.
   • Assist patients with post-surgical recovery, injury rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and chronic pain management through therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.

2. Health Camp Participation:

1. • Support VIN’s community health camps, providing physiotherapy services to people in remote areas who otherwise lack access to healthcare.
   • Educate patients on injury prevention, ergonomics, and home exercises for continued recovery.

3. Capacity Building & Training:

1. • Conduct workshops and training sessions for local healthcare workers on basic physiotherapy techniques, injury prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.
   • Raise awareness among patients and their families about the benefits of physiotherapy and how they can support rehabilitation at home.

4. Documentation & Reporting:

1. • Keep detailed records of patient progress and treatment outcomes, contributing to ongoing patient care and evaluation.

Report your experiences and share insights on how physiotherapy can further benefit rural healthcare systems in Nepal.

Eligibility Requirements

• Qualifications: Ideal for students pursuing degrees in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation, or related healthcare fields. Professionals looking to contribute their expertise are also welcome.
• Experience Level: Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students and healthcare professionals.
• Duration: Programs last from 2 weeks to 5 months, and you can extend them based on your interests and availability.

Language: Proficiency in English is required. Basic knowledge of Nepali is beneficial but optional.

Program Inclusions:

• Accommodation: Interns will stay with host families, offering a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to live like a local.
• Meals: Three traditional Nepali meals are provided daily.
• Orientation: In-depth cultural and safety orientation upon arrival, including a briefing on Nepali healthcare practices and the local healthcare system.

24/7 Support: Ongoing support from VIN staff to ensure your safety and help you maximize your impact during the internship.

Why Join VIN’s Physiotherapy Internship?

• Make a Tangible Difference: Help close the healthcare gap in Nepal’s rural regions, where physiotherapy services are scarce.
• Hands-on Learning: Develop professional skills in real-world healthcare, working with experienced physiotherapists and diverse patient groups.
• Cultural Immersion: By living with local families and engaging with the community, you will gain a deep understanding of Nepal’s rich culture.
• Sustainable Impact: You will contribute to the region’s long-term, sustainable healthcare improvements by training local healthcare workers and supporting community health camps.

How to Apply:

1. Please submit an Application: Complete our form.
2. Pre-Departure Information: Once accepted, you will receive detailed instructions on what to expect, how to prepare, and what to bring.

Arrive & Start Contributing: Arrive in Nepal and start making a difference through hands-on physiotherapy work.

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.