Nepal

I went to Nepal for two weeks to work in a hospital in Kathmandu. I went through the Global Crossroads program, which appears to stem from the same base as this one. Overall I had a great experience. Arriving was a little sketchy, as we were picked up late at night at the airport by a man who was a stranger to us. Quickly our luggage was taken by another man and set into the car for us, and he then asked for payment, which I wasn't happy about. I learned then that he wasn't a part of the program, I'm just advising you to be wary of that. We went to a very nice hostel near the center of Kathmandu, just a short walk away from the hospital we worked at. The hostel held around 10 volunteers, but it was never completely full during our stay. It was also where the organization takes place, so if I had any questions or concerns, I could just walk to their area of the house and ask. The hostel had kids and families in it, two sisters were in charge of all the food, and were very accepting and accommodating of my diet restrictions.

I'm not sure of the official title, but let's call her our coordinator. Pratima was essential in helping us figure out a new culture, and she gave us a crash course into what to expect, and how to react in different situations, which was very helpful.
We had several kinks along the way, such as loosing our luggage, and injuries as well, and Pratima was accommodating to all of it, calling the airport everyday to locate the luggage. When we needed to find a place she told us where to go, and acted as a translator when needed. Also, the organization created a little 'tour' type thing for us and a few others staying in the hostel to see some of the well-known temples and such. We were also given a little tour of all the places we might need to go while we were in the area, like the ATM, the store, our work place, etc. so that we didn't go in blind.

The reason this has 9 stars out of 10 was because there was a little hassle with the money which was a little suspicious to me, but understandable because I think they work from both the US and Nepal, it was just unclear who I had to pay and how much.

Overall I had a great experience through this program, and would recommend it. Just be aware of working out the payments very clear. Everyone was helpful and accommodating, I plan on returning there later in life!

The monastery where I stayed was awesome. The monks were great and treated you with great respect. I would recommend this opportunity to all men regardless of the age. I am 66 and did not have a difficult time fitting in.
The supporting staff were attentive and I really found the language program beneficial. I'm convince that these people really want to make a difference.

The monastery where I stayed was awesome. The monks were great and treated you with great respect. I would recommend this opportunity to all men regardless of the age. I am 66 and did not have a difficult time fitting in.
The supporting staff were attentive and I really found the language program beneficial. I'm convince that these people really want to make a difference.

The monastery where I stayed was awesome. The monks were great and treated you with great respect. I would recommend this opportunity to all men regardless of the age. I am 66 and did not have a difficult time fitting in.
The supporting staff were attentive and I really found the language program beneficial. I'm convince that these people really want to make a difference.

I visited Nepal for a month during the summer, and it was an incredible experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Even before I left, Projects Abroad staff worked to make sure all my questions were answered. They booked my flights for me and checked in periodically before I left to make sure there were no problems. Upon my arrival in Nepal, a staff member was waiting to pick me up and drive me to the hotel, where I met up with other volunteers and felt comfortable almost immediately.

During my placement, which was at the Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital in Bharatpur, the staff checked in almost daily to ensure that every volunteer was having a beneficial experience and learning during the hospital volunteering. The volunteers had a meeting every week with the staff team to discuss weekly events, plan weekend trips, and make sure there were no problems with host families or culture shock in general. This was helpful because it allowed the volunteers to feel comfortable with the staff and discuss any issues that might be detracting from their experience.

Throughout my trip, I was continuously amazed by this beautiful country and its accepting, wonderful people. The other volunteers I met during my time are all over the world, and we still keep in touch. If you ever get a chance to visit Nepal, I would definitely recommend it.

I visited Nepal for a month during the summer, and it was an incredible experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Even before I left, Projects Abroad staff worked to make sure all my questions were answered. They booked my flights for me and checked in periodically before I left to make sure there were no problems. Upon my arrival in Nepal, a staff member was waiting to pick me up and drive me to the hotel, where I met up with other volunteers and felt comfortable almost immediately.

During my placement, which was at the Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital in Bharatpur, the staff checked in almost daily to ensure that every volunteer was having a beneficial experience and learning during the hospital volunteering. The volunteers had a meeting every week with the staff team to discuss weekly events, plan weekend trips, and make sure there were no problems with host families or culture shock in general. This was helpful because it allowed the volunteers to feel comfortable with the staff and discuss any issues that might be detracting from their experience.

Throughout my trip, I was continuously amazed by this beautiful country and its accepting, wonderful people. The other volunteers I met during my time are all over the world, and we still keep in touch. If you ever get a chance to visit Nepal, I would definitely recommend it.

Projects Abroad was an amazing experience I wouldn't change for anything. From the first moment I decided to volunteer abroad, their staff was in contact with me 24/7. They booked my flights, organized my placement, and gave me my own personal travel advisor. My travel advisor answered all my questions about what to bring and where to go once I landed. It was especially beneficial to call her and talk about any questions I had.
Arriving in a new country alone can be a bit overwhelming. However, the staff knew just where to find us volunteers. They take you straight to the hotel, where all the food and water you desire is included. In the morning another staff member meets you and goes over everything you need to know: your volunteer placement, host family accommodations, and where to get a SIM card so you can make local calls. I especially love the cultural education you receive immediately (appropriate gestures, customs, etc.).
Volunteering was wonderful. The hospital was very welcoming to its volunteers. The only downfall I'd say is the lack communication between Projects Abroad and the volunteer placement; there was only one medical coordinator for all the physical therapy/medical volunteers within Kathmandu. Although the coordinator was very busy, she did make time to check on all the volunteers in our placement regularly. We even participated in a few educational workshops during our time there.
Overall, I think Projects Abroad is fantastic for first-time travelers and people interested in volunteering across the world.

I enjoyed Nepal a lot, and I learned and felt a lot of things that I cannot learn from book and newspaper. This experience is very precious for me and never forget. Thank you.

If you are looking to visit a country that includes adventure, unforgettable experiences and volunteer work then Nepal is the country for you. Projects Abroad is organization to share the experience with. They assist you with all of your travel arrangements, your placement and allow you to experience the Nepali culture first hand. They give you freedom, are flexible and are readily available if you need them.

The Nepali people are welcoming, friendly and are very curious about you when you arrive. They are always willing to help, if it is getting to the correct bus stop, directions to a location, or just wanting to stop and have a friendly chat. The city was safe and was relatively easy to navigate through. The host family was welcoming and made you feel like you were at home.

For five weeks I volunteered at the Sahara Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal through Projects Abroad. The staff at Sahara Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Hospital were welcoming, and willing to teach. They encouraged us to ask questions and to collaborate ideas for alternative forms of treatment. The patients there were motivated and curious about the volunteers who came to visit the clinic.

When I was not working in the clinic I was meeting other volunteers in the organization. We were able to go white water rafting, hiking, jungle safari, paragliding and other tourist activities. It has been a few weeks since I have returned from Nepal and I am still in contact with everyone whom I have met. Needless to say the people you meet are friends for life.

I enjoy coming Nepal. And i also enjoy my project,teaching to the children in the school.people are nice and i love to come again.I have a great time in school,teaching and working with RCDP.