Medical Elective Nepal Placement

Hands for Help Nepal offers Medical Elective Placements for international medical, nursing, and healthcare students seeking meaningful clinical exposure in Nepal. Since 2002, we have welcomed students from the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, North America, and Asia for placements in teaching hospitals, children’s hospitals, community hospitals, and rural health centers.

Our program provides an opportunity to observe healthcare delivery in both urban and rural Nepal while learning from experienced doctors and healthcare professionals. Students gain insight into a wide range of medical conditions and healthcare systems while experiencing Nepal’s rich culture and hospitality.

Why Choose Nepal for Your Medical Elective?

• Affordable and rewarding elective destination
• English-speaking doctors and healthcare professionals
• Exposure to a wide range of clinical cases
• Experience healthcare delivery in developing communities
• Learn about tropical and infectious diseases
• Opportunities for rural healthcare exposure
• Safe and welcoming environment
• Rich cultural and religious heritage
• Easy access to trekking and adventure activities after placement

Placement Hospitals

Students may be placed in one of Nepal’s leading hospitals depending on their specialty interests and availability.

Kathmandu

• Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
• Kanti Children’s Hospital
• Bir Hospital
• Patan Hospital
• Manmohan Memorial Medical College and Teaching Hospital

Pokhara

• Charak Memorial Hospital

Rural Community Placements

• Nuwakot
• Chitwan
• Lamjung
• Sindhupalchok
• Other community health centers upon request

Available Departments

Students may request placement in:

• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatrics
• General Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Orthopedics
• ENT
• Psychiatry
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Community Medicine
• Public Health
• And more

Department placement depends on hospital approval and availability.

What Will You Do During Your Placement?

Students generally spend 5–7 hours per day in their assigned department, six days per week.

Activities may include:

• Ward rounds with consultants and doctors
• Observing patient consultations
• Attending clinical discussions
• Observing surgeries and procedures
• Participating in case presentations
• Learning hospital administration systems
• Visiting hospital libraries and educational facilities
• Attending workshops and seminars when available

Please note that the level of participation depends on hospital regulations, your academic level, and supervising physicians. Most placements involve observation and supervised learning.

Program Highlights

• Established in 2002
• Hundreds of international students hosted
• Placements in major teaching hospitals
• Personalized placement matching
• Airport assistance and local support
• Cultural immersion opportunities
• Flexible placement durations

Program fee

Program Fee Includes

✔ Hospital placement arrangement
✔ Hospital entrance and coordination fees
✔ Accommodation
✔ Airport pickup and drop-off
✔ Program orientation
✔ Basic Nepali language lesson
✔ Cultural orientation
✔ Local support throughout your stay
✔ Emergency assistance
✔ Certificate of participation upon request

Program Fee Does Not Include

✘ International airfare
✘ Nepal visa fee
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Lunch and personal expenses
✘ Weekend travel and adventure activities
✘ Vaccinations and medical expenses

Accommodation Options

At Hands for Help Nepal, we understand that accommodation plays an important role in your overall experience. Therefore, students can choose between Host Family Accommodation or Hostel/Hotel Accommodation depending on their interests, lifestyle, and budget.

Option 1: Host Family Accommodation (Recommended for Cultural Immersion)

Many students choose to stay with a Nepali host family because it provides a unique opportunity to experience everyday life in Nepal. Living with a local family allows students to learn about Nepali culture, traditions, customs, food, and family values while enjoying a safe and supportive environment.

Our carefully selected host families have many years of experience hosting international students and volunteers.

Host family accommodation includes:

• Private room or shared room for friends travelling together
• Comfortable bed with bedding
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Tea and snacks
• Shared bathroom facilities
• Wi-Fi access (in most homes)
• Cultural exchange and language practice opportunities

Why Choose a Host Family?

• Experience authentic Nepali family life
• Learn about local traditions and festivals
• Practice basic Nepali language skills
• Enjoy home-cooked Nepali meals
• Receive personal support from your host family
• Build lasting friendships and cultural connections

For many students, staying with a host family becomes one of the most memorable parts of their time in Nepal.

Option 2: Hostel or Hotel Accommodation

Students who prefer more independence and privacy may choose to stay in a tourist-standard hostel or hotel, usually located in Kathmandu’s popular Thamel area.

This option is particularly suitable for students who enjoy socializing with other international travellers and having easy access to restaurants, cafés, shops, and nightlife.

Accommodation includes:

• Private or shared room (depending on preference)
• Comfortable bed and bedding
• Daily breakfast
• Attached or shared bathroom
• Wi-Fi access
• Housekeeping services
• Easy access to transportation and tourist attractions

Why Choose a Hostel or Hotel?

• Greater privacy and independence
• Meet international travelers from around the world
• Convenient location in Kathmandu
• Access to restaurants, cafés, and shopping areas
• Suitable for students who prefer a flexible lifestyle
• Ideal for weekend sightseeing and exploration

Most of our medical elective students choose hotel or hostel accommodation because of its convenience and central location, while students seeking deeper cultural immersion often prefer staying with a host family.

Both accommodation options are safe, comfortable, and regularly used by international students participating in our Medical Elective Nepal Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my department?

Yes. We will do our best to arrange placement according to your interests and hospital availability.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. A certificate can be provided upon successful completion of the program.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Accommodation is included in the program fee.

Can friends stay together?

Yes. Friends or siblings may stay together depending on accommodation availability.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

Is Nepal safe for international students?

Yes. Nepal is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors.

Can I combine my placement with trekking?

Absolutely. Many students choose to trek or travel after their placement.