Medical Campaign in Nepal

The local team were absolutely beautiful people to spend time with. They did an excellent job and treated me like family.

Very good. My Program Manager was friendly and approachable regarding any questions I had prior to going to Nepal. Very good support from IVHQ and local team when the floods happened, reassurance provided from the local team. The program guide was very helpful to know what to expect.

Excellent assistance from the local team, always ready to go above and beyond to help, such as when you need to buy a SIM card, order a taxi, or send packages back to your hometown. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the festivals whilst being in Nepal. The hotel staff in Chitwan and my homestay family went out of their way to ensure volunteers were involved in seeing the rituals and celebrations. This was an amazing authentic experience I will never forget!

I really enjoyed volunteering at the elephant sanctuary and feel I made a bond with Sita (elephant) she knew I was easy-going so would come up to me and put her trunk up for food when I was making Kuchi (food), this was a lovely feeling. Feeding the elephants and seeing a baby elephant only days old was a very surreal experience. I particularly liked the challenge this volunteer job provided for my physical well-being because it allowed me to push myself.

During my time volunteering for the special needs project, I visited two special needs centres. The resources at one of the centres were less than those at the other. Since I had to come up with new ways to assist at both centres, this aided my development. I did a few things at both centres that I thought made a small impact. The special needs centres were full of happiness and joy! I enjoyed coming up with ways I could assist at both centres.

Overall, what an amazing experience! This is an experience I will never forget! Thank you IVHQ & the local team!

Not only did I gain experience from the volunteering but also in the home stay. It was lovely to really immerse yourself into the culture and way of life and experience this in a Nepali family home.

I experienced the guidance and preparation resources very well organised. At each stage of the process I was given the relevant and important information I needed, just in time. I'd like to point out the accessibility and usability of the platform, which made it very easy to finish the preparation process and submit all important information. Thank you for that great support! The local team was incredibly kind and always provided helpful information when needed.

I was able to build a connection with the women in a short time, also with support from the center manager. Seeing their motivation and eagerness to learn more every day was incredibly rewarding, and I feel confident that I made at least some positive impact.

I was placed with a very kind and welcoming host family who made my stay truly enjoyable. They went above and beyond to make me feel at home, providing two freshly prepared and incredibly delicious meals each day. Each morning, I was even served coffee, which was such a thoughtful touch. One of the most memorable experiences was thanks to my host brother. Since he works for the National Examination Board of Nepal, he invited me to a teaching conference, where I had the unique chance to share some insights about the Swiss Vocational Education system in an informal presentation. This amazing experience allowed me to engage with local teachers, exchange ideas about technical education, and learn more about the Nepali educational context. It was a very inspiring and rewarding experience, and I felt deeply honored to be included in such a meaningful event. Overall, my accommodation exceeded my expectations, and the warmth and generosity of my host family made my experience unforgettable.

I gained so much from this experience, both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to connect with incredible people, immerse myself in a new culture, and make a meaningful contribution to a cause I deeply care about. I developed and strenghtened valuable skills, such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication and teaching techniques. Perhaps most importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of the power of education and how small efforts can create a significant impact.

My advice to anyone feeling hesitant is simple: Go for it! It’s natural to feel unsure at first, especially when stepping out of your comfort zone. But this program is incredibly well-organized and supportive. You’ll be welcomed into a warm and inclusive local and international community, and the experience will challenge you in the best ways while leaving you with lifelong memories. You won’t regret it!

Pre-departure information received was very helpful and Program Manager was very responsive to any questions I had. Excellent support provided by the local team. They were always available to help.

It was truly a life changing experience to see how different the school environment is in other parts of the world and the limited resources that are available to the school systems. Yet the desire of the kids to learn and the warmth with which I was welcomed into the classrooms really left a lasting impression on me.

Although I was hesitant at first, I must say that taking the step to volunteer and be out of my comfort zone has definitely helped me grow as a person. Giving my time in a meaningful way without expecting anything was my objective. I certainly feel I have learned a lot and gained a life-enriching experience.