Thumbnail

RCDP International Volunteer Program

Why choose RCDP International Volunteer Program?

Established in 1998, RCDP-Nepal is a recognized leader in the field of volunteering. RCDP-Nepal pioneered volunteer in Nepal and India programs. Our volunteer program offers an alternative way to enjoy the exhilarating and exotic beauty of the nature, and the people of Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. Volunteering in Nepal programs and programs in other countries comprises of language, cultural and observation tours, home stays, expeditions, trekking, and many more.... Each year, 1000 volunteers join our program in South Asia

Reviews

Default avatar
Cristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Enriching experience

I joined the medical project in SriLanka for 2 weeks and I really enjoyed it. From Monday to Friday I got to go to The Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK), where I saw different cases from the ones I'm used to see back in my country. I stayed with a host family and they couldn't be nicer. The food they cooked was so tasty and they all were very attentive. On the weekends I got to explore Sri Lanka. Michael was kind enough to organize everything and make sure I had the best time. Very enriching experience in every aspect!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
After going to the hospital, I liked to go to Dewata beach, rent a surf board for 1-2h and just enjoy surfing. Although it rained very often, there were always people surfing.
Pros
  • Different medical cases to see
  • Very welcoming people
  • Beautiful country
Cons
  • Not very hands on
Default avatar
Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Volunteer in Nepal

The medical program is really an experience, and you really get to see a lot that you wouldn’t normally see in the western countries.

I myself am a medical student from Denmark (22 years of age) and I was placed at the T. U. Teaching hospital in Kathmandu. It is the biggest government hospital here in Nepal, so they always have a lot of cases. I was living at the hostel/host family in Kalanki, which is about 20-25 minutes from the hospital (if there isn’t traffic, which in the morning there usually isn’t). I took the bus almost everyday since it was very cheap and actually quite easy once you got a hang of it. On the first day here, my country coordinator showed me everything I needed to know and how to get there.

My day at the hospital started at 8:30, and depending on the schedule I was done at around 3 pm. But in my experience this was often earlier, so on many of my workdays, I was still able to explore the city. And Saturdays were completely off-days.

I was the only one staying at the hostel/host family, but I did not feel unlucky being the only one there at the time —> then I got my own room and bathroom😀.

Didi, as I called the host mother, is the nicest and sweetest lady. She makes great and safe food, and you really feel welcome and safe. You could always have a good laugh with her.

My country coordinator (Anjana) got me in contact with another volunteer that was in Nepal, and staying at another family. So we also met, and hung out for a day.
I was traveling alone, but you shouldn’t be scared of feeling alone here. Anjana and Didi have been taking very good care of me, and are always ready with good advice and help if you need it.

I have really enjoyed it! RCDP Nepal is very reliable and has always been quick in responding and ready to help. Even when I was leaving, they still went out of their way to make sure I got safely to my next destination.

What was your funniest moment?
When me a Didi slept through a strong earthquake
Pros
  • Staying at a safe environment
  • Seeing rare medical cases
  • Eating delicious food
Cons
  • It is not very hands on - mostly just observin. But still very interesting
  • House is a little far from hospital, but this area was actually nice and calm compared to the center of Kathmandu
Default avatar
Irasema Berenice
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer in Nepal * Nunnery experience ** over 40 years old

I volunteer at Hasantar Nunnery, They have like 60 nuns. I had 2 groups, one in the morning with 6 girls from 10 to 12 years old. The English class was more about helping them to improve their conversation. They can understand vocabulary but it's hard to read and talk for them. In the afternoons I had another group, while all Nuns pray, I was taking care of the little girls, the age range was from 5 to 8 years old, and because they can't still read the prayers, I was playing and teaching English to them. They had adorable girls, but just one was kind of hyperactive but fun. The food was amazing; I loved Nepalis food.

I learned about Buddhist prayers, devotion and the way to ask for wishes to Budda. The location is so beautiful and peaceful at the end of the mountain. But sometimes it was hard to go down to the city because I went in the Monson weather and the roads were like waterfalls for some days.

I would recommend the agency RCDP and the experience,I'm already planning to go for my second experience somewhere else.

Pros
  • Lovely Girls
  • Share Love to the girls
  • Amazing location and views
Cons
  • You need to know how to control kids
  • Older nuns are shy
Default avatar
Zheting
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

RCDP Nepal Medical Volunteering in Kathmandu

I went for the RCDP Medical Volunteering program as a medical student. The greatest value for me was going to the hospital (and observing the clinical practice, including the differences from my home country).

I would especially like to thank the program coordinator, Anjana, who always provided us with timely updates and information. Everything was smooth-sailing because of her coordination and support. You will not feel lost or uncertain at any point as the support given is really amazing.

I am also deeply grateful to our host family! (We call her Didi) Her cooking was amazing and she would always tell us to make it our "home" and make ourselves comfortable. It really made the stay so pleasant. A huge thank you to all these people who made the program possible. It was definitely a good experience and very well-organized. We felt very well taken care of throughout!

Default avatar
Zheqing
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Student Volunteering in Kathmandu, Nepal

RCDP Nepal provided an amazing experience with lower fees than most other organisations. I volunteered for two weeks at Sahid Memorial Hospital in Kathmandu. I was in the hospital every day excepted Saturday, but you can ask for Sunday off as well if you prefer.

The hospital is private / semi-private as I was told that volunteers are not normally allowed in government hospitals. I spent most of my time in the emergency department, where most acute cases present for assessment, examination and investigations. All the doctors and nurses speak English, and they are all extremely friendly. While they speak with patients in Nepali, all the notes and case files are written in English, and you can always ask them to explain things to you. As a medical student, I was not allowed to do much except dressings and supervised suturing, so I spent most of my time observing. The patient load is variable and it can be quiet at times, but you can always do your own things, converse with the doctors, or ask questions. Still, I learned a lot through the variety of patient cases (including road traffic accidents, fall injuries, hanging, acute abdomen, infections, etc) as well as conversations with doctors about healthcare in Nepal. Besides, I got to observe a few different surgical operations, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. RCDP Nepal also provides other postings for qualified doctors, such as in more rural locations, and I would love to come back in the future when I can contribute more clinically.

The volunteer hostel is a ten-minute walk from the hospital and 20- to 30-minute drive from the airport. RCDP kindly provided airport transfers both ways. The hostel had simple facilities but was very comfortable - I was expecting to have bunk beds in dorm rooms but ended up in a nice two-bed room with my friend. There are mosquitoes (at least in July) so bring insect repellent if you can. Clothes are handwashed with detergent provided (no washing machine) but this was fine. There is a supermarket within walking distance which was very convenient. The mother of the host family cooked for us, the meals were tasty and you could always ask for more. They treated us like family and gave us freedom and privacy as we liked. I found it comfortable and welcoming.

A side note about Kathmandu in general is the noise and air pollution which makes it difficult to walk around outside (I'd recommend wearing a mask). The traffic is kind of chaotic but we managed by being careful and following the locals when crossing the road.

During the last weekend, we took a tourist bus to visit Pokhara. We saw the Himalayas with the sunrise at Sarangkot and tried paragliding for the first time. We also visited Thamel, a shopping district in Kathmandu, before that. While we didn't have time to explore more of Kathmandu, there are actually many places including temples to visit especially if you like culture and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

We initially wanted to do a trek near the Himalayas like Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill, but it was the monsoon season and we were told it was not the best season for trekking due to rain and landslides. If you'd like to trek, September to November would be ideal. The locals at RCDP and the hospital were very helpful and forthcoming in providing us with all this information and wanted us to experience Nepal as much as possible. They gave me a Nepal language and culture book on the first day with an introduction to the country and simple phrases.

Our country coordinator was super helpful both before and during the programme. All information was sent to us in advance and any queries were answered promptly. She was flexible with my requests (such as paying programme fees in a different currency) and checked on us regularly during our time there.

Overall, this has been an extremely educational and enriching experience! I made friends with the doctors and nurses and felt sad to leave. I would recommend this experience to anyone (especially pre-med or medical students) who wish to learn more about healthcare and medicine in developing countries.

Pros
  • Very friendly people
  • Comfortable hostel
  • Educational experience
Cons
  • Polluted city

Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 12

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Cashel Blake Canada

A California-born musician humanitarian, Cashel lives in Portland, OR. He works as a direct support professional with a local nonprofit. In his free time he likes to take his dog on walks, record music, write, or skateboard.
Cashel Blake Canada

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I thought it would be amazing to learn from the monks and the ways they choose to navigate their day to day lives. I saw an advertisement form RCDP while I was registering for my upcoming college courses. After submitting my application that day, it was only three weeks before I was actually in Nepal.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I corresponded off and on with my country coordinator regarding the specifics of my arrival & departure, and of course updated her with any changes, and she handled the rest whilst updating me promptly with any changes. Anytime I had a particular question or concern, I could easily send a message via WhatsApp and she would respond as soon as she was able to read it, which was never more than a few hours later. Very clear and proactive communication between the company and I.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Pack light & say yes to things. You'll learn more than you teach, so stay present. If you're anything like me or grew up in a similar place as I did, being stared at or spoken to out in public can feel totally unorthodox at first. Insecurities, even anger starts formulating and you realize you've been conditioned to interpret these normal human behaviors as negative or aggressive. I had to learn how to sit in that uncomfortable feeling or vulnerability & humility, and attempt to realize that the stares and comments were coming from a place of genuine curiosity & kindness. Just remember, the locals see you as their guest and it's Nepalese tradition to host properly.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

You can wake up at your own discretion, but if you'd like local breakfast, be up and at the table by 8am. Your host family should be ready to make you something insanely delicious. Afterwards, I liked to meditate quietly in my room while planning out that day's particular lesson plan. Then I'd do my little morning routine to get ready and have about an hour to spare in which case I'd read or some times I'd go pick up some juice or a snack for my class from the giant grocery store next to the volunteer headquarters. At 12pm, sister Didi would have a beautiful lunch prepared. I'd crush that meal, grab my study materials and walk up the street to catch the bus to Swayambhu, which is where the monastery I taught at was located. I'd teach for two hours, then usually play a little soccer with the boys before catching a bus home with free time for the rest of the night and dinner at 7pm.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was scared of being alone, with my own thoughts far outside my comfort zone, with no one to comfort or console in case something bad happened. I feared not having any reprieve from stimulation. I was nervous I wouldn't get through to my students and they would not learn anything. I was scared to be stared at because of what memories it may trigger from my past. I was nervous about a lot of different things to be honest. The truth is, it's not like you just go and the fears dissipate. You get there and what ends up happening is a lot of your concerns come true and were accurate assumptions. The only difference is once they happen for real you see that it is not nearly as bed as you had imagined it to be in your mind. You start acquiring a quiet confidence, knowing you are overcoming fear after fear. Pretty soon the momentum pushes you into an entirely different version of yourself. It's a beautiful process.

Anything else you wish to add?

There is lots of opportunity to explore freely and travel around. It's extremely beneficial though to be part of your local host family's circle because they are the people you want to talk to about where to go, what to avoid, what to eat, etc. No one is breathing down your neck about what you're up to or what your itinerary looks like. You'll have plenty of time to be alone or amongst your fellow travelers. Take advantage of living with locals and ask them anything about any subject. They will be more than happy to guide you. I have so many stories I'll be telling them once each for life.