Work the World elective placements in Nepal, South Asia
Nepal is something of an enigma. Awe inspiring mountains, intricate temples, lively festivals, coloured robes and prayer flags make it one of the most spiritual and uplifting places to travel and wind down. At the same time climbing or paragliding from the world's biggest mountains, rafting down crashing rivers or tracking tigers in their natural habitat make it a prime destination for thrill seekers and wildlife lovers. It is a land of contrasts and an amazing place to travel whatever your interests.
Nestled at the base of the mighty Annapurna range beside a tranquil lake, Pokhara offers the spiritual, the adrenalin and some excellent placements in public and private hospitals. Despite the countries popularity, it still remains one of the poorest places in the world and if you are interested in the delivery of primary healthcare, as well as inspirational travel, you are perfectly suited to an elective in Nepal.
Where will my healthcare elective be?
Pokhara is a busy, colourful city that has functions as a commercial and tourist hub for the surrounding area. Behind the trekking agencies and western style bars though, Nepal struggles to manage the delivery of primary healthcare and most hospitals and clinics are under-resourced. People travel from miles around to seek professional help and hospitals are busy.
We have developed strong relationships with both government hospitals and private clinics, allowing our in-country staff the chance to arrange a number of different placements as well as split your elective to give you time in different areas. We have also developed an extensive Dental Outreach programme, providing two-week projects in remote villages treating children with no access to dental healthcare, and Village Healthcare experience that provides primary healthcare from a small health-post. Both of these will give you the opportunity to work and live in a rural mountain community only accessible by foot.
Where will I live?
Our Work the World house is based in old Pokhara, a short microbus or taxi ride away from your healthcare placement. Although lakeside Pokhara is popular with tourist groups planning treks or rafting, and there are some good bars and restaurants, old Pokhara is away from the crowds. Rooms are shared between two to four, with spacious living and dining areas for relaxing with fellow students, planning weekend travels or brushing up on the weekly Nepalese lessons. There is also a large terrace for barbecues and evening drinks.
All meals are included during your placement and our caterer, Krishna, will ensure you get a hearty breakfast and dinner every weekday, as well as making sure you have a fully stocked kitchen and plenty of drinking water. Our housekeeper Padma and programme manager Sunil, will help you find anything else you need during your stay, and explain the reasoning behind the incredible amount of festivals taking place!
What can I do in my free time?
Pokhara has a real traveller vibe and you can spend hours wandering around cool cafes and bars as well as craft shops and Tibetan market stalls along the lakeside. For those who want to get out of the town, rowing across Phewa Tal in a wooden doonga (rowboat) is a tranquil way to enjoy the stunning scenery. Pokhara also has caves, waterfalls, beautiful temples and several neighbouring Tibetan villages to explore.
Heading out of Pokhara on weekends is easy. There are plenty of shops in town through which you can arrange biking, kayaking, horse riding, rafting and paragliding. Trekking is a must in this area and there are some excellent short and longer treks available. For those that are interested in the culture of Nepal, an twenty five minute flight will take you to Kathmandu, where you can visit Durbar square and the Kumari Devi or watch ritual bathing and Hindu cremations on the banks of Pashpatinath.
