Medicine and healthcare electives in Nepal
Joining our Medical Electives in Nepal will develop your understanding of healthcare in a global context.
We work with hospitals and health clinics in the picturesque city of Pokhara, known for its stunning backdrop of the Himalayan mountains.
Your medical elective in Nepal
Taking a medical elective abroad can be an extremely enriching experience for anyone studying medicine or other health-related subjects.
Students are placed at a local hospital in Pokhara, where you will have the opportunity to work with health professionals in a variety of different departments. You will learn about conditions that are rarely seen in hospitals in Western Europe, including snake bites, HIV, respiratory infections, TB, typhoid and many others. You will observe alternative methods of treatment and rehabilitation as you experience healthcare in a developing country first hand.
Medical elective placements in Nepal are available in the following departments: Medical, Nursing, Midwifery, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Pharmacy.
Who can join our medical elective placements in Nepal?
Anyone studying a health-related degree can join this programme.
The most popular electives are Medical, Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, but there are a number of options available so please Contact Us if you want to check your eligibility.
You must have completed at least one year of your degree to qualify for the programme.
Professional supervision and training
We ensure your elective in Nepal is professionally managed.
All medical elective students are given a weekly timetable and allocated a supervisor within the hospital department. For those that want to specialise in a particular area it is possible to stay in the same department for the duration of your elective. Those wanting a broader experience can rotate across a number of departments within the same hospital.
Before you begin your elective, our team will discuss your specific requirements and preferences in order to tailor the elective so you can get the most out of the experience.
Your work supervisor will speak English and our staff are always on hand if required.You will have a local work supervisor. This is your main daily contact for any queries about the job role you may have. They will ensure your work schedule is prepared, and you will be given your own tasks and responsibilities to help develop your career skills.
Inquire Now 
We keep our process simple to make it fast, secure and easy for you and us.
Accommodation
All our students doing Medical Electives in Nepal live with local families in beautiful Pokhara.
What better way to learn about the local Nepali culture than by living with a friendly local family during your Medical Elective in Nepal. You will immediately be made to feel welcome and at home. You’ll experience local traditions and festivals which are simply unavailable to people staying in guest houses or hotels.
You will of course have your own bedroom and you’ll be given 3 tasty meals every day. All accommodation is clean, safe and secure.
Orientations & Staff support
One of our staff in Nepal will meet you on arrival in Kathmandu to welcome you to the programme. Whatever day or time your flight lands you will find us waiting for you holding a sign with our logo and your name!
You will spend the first night in Kathmandu and then travel by bus to Pokhara the next day. This will be your first glimpse of the beautiful scenery of Nepal. On arrival in Pokhara you will be taken straight to your host family where you will have the evening to settle in.
The next day you will receive a general orientation of the city including using public transport, pointing out the banks, shops, restaurants and any other points of interest. We will also brief you about cultural differences, which will help you to adjust to life in a new and exciting culture.
The following working day you will be taken to the hospital where you will be shown around and introduced to your medical elective supervisor. You will spend the rest of the day there, shadowing your supervisor and meeting the staff with whom you will be working.
Our staff will visit you frequently to check how you’re getting on and are on hand 24/7 for emergencies. If you join as part of your degree we will also communicate directly with your University Placement Office or Employability Office when necessary.
Health and safety
Your safety is our first priority.
We complete comprehensive checks before you arrive and if you join as part of your degree, we will help ensure that your university health and safety documents are checked and signed by our partner hospital in Nepal.
This means your university is able to verify the experience placement meets their criteria. We work directly with universities on this.
Prices & what’s included
We charge a £200 Acceptance Fee to ensure your commitment to the programme. This is 100% refundable if we can’t arrange a suitable placement.
For our Medical Electives in Nepal, the programme fee depends on the duration of your elective:
- 2 weeks: £1,000
- 3 weeks: £1,150
- 4 weeks: £1,300
- 5 weeks: £1,450
- 6 weeks: £1,600
- Additional weeks: £150 per week.
Prices include the placement arrangement, your host family accommodation including 3 meals a day, 24/7 support from our local staff, airport meetings and transfers, orientation and briefing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, travel by bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Not included in our price is flights, visa, insurance, local travel and any inoculations you may need before you travel. We give you advice about the best airlines, routes and prices and we support you with your visa applications. Some universities provide insurance for overseas electives on a university insurance policy so it’s worth checking before buying your own.
How do I apply?
It's easy and quick!
Complete our short application form including uploading your CV and Cover Letter. Please clearly state in your Cover Letter which destination and type of placement you are interested in.
Got more questions? Send us a message!
How do I apply?
It's easy and quick!
Send your CV and Cover Letter to us using our inquiry form.
Please clearly state in your Cover Letter which destination and type of placement you are interested in.
Got more questions? Send us a message!
"I thank you for your support. It really was a great experience."
Fabien Shaikh, Nottingham Trent University
Nepal Business, Jan 2022
"Did a great job at finding me a placement in my chosen country and in my chosen field - especially given the difficulties of Covid and restricted travel."
Harry Moore, Loughborough University
"I always wanted to work in the UK as it has a rich culture. I have expanded my global connections. You were very helpful and informative."
Charmian Chang, University of Surrey
"I improved my communication, confidence, team work skills. Placement Year International is highly professional and organised. The communication and assistance was great, even after everything was sorted out with contracts!"
Feruza Shakir, University of Huddersfield
"Your service and that of your staff has been phenomenal!"
Geoffrey Frey, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
"It is a great established company with a lovely director who is very engaging to interns. I will recommend for my fellow Bournemouth University students."
Mei Smith, Bournemouth University
"I definitely enjoyed my placement in Nepal and the process for applying was made very easy by the team at Placement Year International."
Sam Galloway, University of Glasgow
