Nepal — an underrated country with so much to offer 

Through travel4med, I had the opportunity to spend a month of my nursing placement in Nepal before starting my degree, specifically at Manipal Teaching Hospital in Pokhara.

When we arrived in Pokhara on Saturday afternoon after a bus ride of several hours from Kathmandu, we were warmly welcomed and taken to our accommodation. The accommodation, Sab’s Villa, is surrounded by nature and offers a great view of the city. A wonderfully kind Nepalese family takes care of the accommodation and the students there. Thanks to them, I felt very comfortable in Pokhara from day one. On Sunday, we took a city tour of the main sights, such as the World Peace Pagoda, and Monday was already our first day at the hospital. It started off relaxed with a lecture, and later on, we were given a tour of the huge hospital along with other students. Starting the next day, we were taken to the ward of our choice every morning, where we were able to gain a lot of insight and learn a great deal. Most of the doctors were very dedicated and always happy to explain things to us. In addition to visiting several different wards, I was also able to observe surgeries and blood draws on several occasions. Furthermore, one day we were given a tour of all the laboratories, and after a lecture on common diseases in Nepal and the country’s development, we were able to join the community project led by the Nepali students. I also had the opportunity to work an evening shift at the hospital. I found the hospital staff to be very respectful and friendly toward one another. Since all documentation at the hospital is in English and English is taught very early on in school there, communication was easy.

But there was plenty to do outside the hospital as well. In the afternoons, for example, we always had the chance to spend time in Lakeside or, for instance, to go to Sarangkot for an incredibly beautiful view. We also had a yoga class once a week, and I was even able to join a running group from the hospital on occasion. For longer trips, we were able to visit Chitwan National Park and go on the Mardi Himal trek; both excursions are definitely worth recommending – they were absolutely brilliant experiences.

All in all, I had an unforgettable time in Nepal, where I got to meet the warmest people and learned a great deal not only for my professional future but also for my personal life. That’s why I highly recommend Nepal as a place to do an internship, because this country is definitely worth a visit!