Vishal Anand (British Columbia, Canada)
Medical Program, Kathmandu, Nepal

As a third year Biology student, I was looking for a program that would provide some first-hand experience in the field of medicine. Although most such programs are only available for medical students, Cosmic Volunteers was able to create an individual program that suited my interests and gave me a first-hand look at medicine in a developing nation.

Every morning, I would visit a medical institution where I would meet a hospital representative. From that point on though, it was mostly up to me to discuss what type of volunteer role I was interested in. For example, some representatives would simply take you on a tour of their hospital, explaining the medical resources available and allowing you to converse with the patients.

More commonly, however, they would set you up with a doctor who you would shadow for the day. I spent one day at the Kathmandu Medical College, for example, accompanying a doctor on his daily rounds. With each patient, the doctor would explain to me the patient's history, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. In fact, I even got some hands-on experience as the doctors taught me how to examine for an inflamed spleen, characteristic of abdomen tuberculosis.

I also spent a few days at Kranti's Children Hospital where I would sit in with surgeons and anaesthesiologists for their morning meeting to discuss the cases they would see in the Operating Theatre that day. After the meeting, I would accompany a surgeon into the operation theatre and would stand by his side, as he would talk me through the surgery.

Again, I'd like to reiterate that it is largely up to you to set up the types of experience that you're interested in. If the doctor/representative really like you, they may ask you to spend a few days at their hospital and have you take part in a variety of different activities. However, there were many days when I would simply talk to different patients and tour different facilities.

Apart from hospitals, we also visited different local medical institutions such as natural healing clinics and kidney dialysis clinics. To learn about the true system of medicine in Nepal, I was also taken to a hospital in a small village at the foot of the Himalayas where I was able to learn what types of medical attention is available for local villagers and farmers.

In terms of the other aspects of the volunteer program, one can have no complaints. I was matched up with an incredibly kind and generous Nepalese family. Every day, we would eat breakfast and dinner together (traditional Nepalese food of course) and lunch I would purchase on my own (usually at the hospital). The family gave me my own room, which was more than comfortable. Although the family did speak English, we mostly conversed in Hindi (which most Nepalese people speak with ease). To be able to take part in the Nepalese way of life added so much more to this experience…you truly develop friendships that you'll cherish for years to come.

Cosmic Volunteers was also responsible for picking me up and dropping me off to the airport as well as getting me settled in with my host family and introducing me to their work agent in Nepal. The only extra expenses that you should expect is the cost of transportation (to and from the hospitals) and some meals. In terms of transportation you can choose between buses (which are very inexpensive but somewhat crowded and not the best of choice if you're not familiar with the language) or taxis (it would cost about 1 USD for me to get from home to the hospital).

Although I had some security concerns (because of the Maoist attacks etc), I can assure you that Cosmic Volunteers would only set up appointments in areas where it was 100% safe to travel. In Kathmandu especially, there were absolutely no problems with security.

Clearly, this was one of the best experiences of my life, as I'm sure it will be for you as well. If I can give you any advice it's simply to immerse yourself in the great culture and lifestyle while you're there…Nepal is a beautiful country with a fascinating culture and an incredible history…good luck with your endeavour!!!