Ruma Village in Western Nepal is a remote mountain community where few foreigners have ever been. In 2024, a brand-new medical post was established here, now serving both the people of Ruma and those from surrounding areas who come with a wide range of health concerns. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to put your skills to use in a setting with minimal Western influence and to learn directly about the Nepalese way of life.
The village is absolutely stunning. Nestled at the foot of Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh-highest mountain, it offers a backdrop as inspiring as the work itself.
You’ll assist in all aspects of healthcare at the medical post, with far more freedom and flexibility than you’d typically experience in a city hospital. Outside of work, there’s plenty to explore: incredible hiking trails nearby, opportunities to learn Nepali, or even try your hand at traditional crafts, such as churning butter and knitting using natural materials.
You’ll usually wake around 7am, where your hosts will have fresh bread and tea waiting for you. By 8:30, you’ll walk five minutes to the medical post to support the doctor with whatever is needed that day. Keep in mind that no two days are the same! At 11am, it’s time for a hearty lunch of traditional dal bhat (rice and lentil soup). Your workday finishes around 2:30pm, leaving the afternoon free for hiking, relaxing, or connecting with the locals. Dinner is another round of dal bhat at 6pm, shared with your host family.
Akkelien
De organisatie Vrijwillig Wereldwijd is erg behulpzaam, goed bereikbaar en proberen zo snel mogelijk al je vragen te beantwoorden. Hetzelfde geldt voor de contactpersoon in Nepal.
Judith in Nepal
Word vandaag nog vrijwilliger en laat je hart veroveren door de magie van Nepal zoals mijn hart ook is veroverd 🇳🇵
Emma vrijwilliger in Nepal
Vrijwillig wereldwijd is een relatief goedkope, eerlijke organisatie met mensen die je oprecht willen helpen. Bovendien zijn volgens mij alle projecten geweldig, dus doen!
Working hours are roughly from 9:30am to 2:30pm.
You’ll be working with one doctor and three nurses. This is a brand-new project in a remote location that isn’t even listed on Google Maps, so the chances of other international volunteers being there are currently quite low.
English. A few locals speak it fluently, but in general, English is spoken at a very basic level in the community.
This project runs year-round, so volunteers are welcome any time.
You'll stay in a simple homestay (built in 2024), which has Wi-Fi (when there’s power) and good beds. Showers are taken with a tap and bucket. Rooms may be shared, though in most cases you’ll have your own. You can wash your clothes yourself or pay to have them done. Meals include a basic breakfast and two servings of dal bhat per day, you can choose between vegetarian or meat.
The medical post is a 5-minute walk from the homestay. Reaching the village itself requires a long journey, which will be organised for you.
Your journey begins in Pokhara. From there, you’ll travel by taxi and then by jeep into the mountains.
Dura Lekh! A breathtaking spot at 3,600 metres altitude where, on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest.
Make sure to check out our optional excursions to see what else you can do in your free time! Since you're already in such a stunning part of the world, it’s the perfect chance to explore more of Nepal’s natural beauty.
Hi, I’m Chiel, I’m 28 years old and I’ve been living in Nepal for the past two years. My biggest passion is travel, and I’ve completely fallen in love with the culture and the mountains here. I organise tours around the country and am also committed to contributing to a better Nepal. It’s still considered a developing country, and areas like education and healthcare face major challenges.
For this project, we’re looking for students and graduates with a background in healthcare, as well as volunteers who are eager to work in a remote area where few tourists go, a place where you can truly make a difference.
As a volunteer on this medical project, you’ll support local healthcare professionals and assist with a variety of tasks such as basic healthcare services, hygiene education, and helping with medical procedures.
This project is ideal for volunteers with a background in health or medicine, such as medical students, nurses, physiotherapists or anyone with an interest in healthcare.
Passion for Healthcare and Community Wellbeing:
A strong interest in health and care is important. Experience in the medical field is definitely a plus, but above all, a willingness to learn and help is essential.
Initiative and Proactivity:
Volunteers who can work independently and take initiative are well suited to this project. Flexibility in tasks and a willingness to take on different roles is highly valued.
Patience and Empathy:
Working with patients and vulnerable communities requires empathy and patience. The healthcare situations can be challenging, but your efforts can truly make a meaningful impact.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Respecting and understanding local customs and traditions is crucial. Nepal has a rich culture, and it’s important to approach your time there with openness and curiosity about what you can learn from the community.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Healthcare in Nepal might be very different from what you're used to at home. Volunteers should be ready to adapt, think creatively and work with limited resources.
Communication Skills:
Clear communication with local healthcare workers and patients is essential. Even if you don’t speak the local language, non-verbal communication and working through interpreters can still be highly effective.
Team Spirit:
Working closely with local doctors, nurses and fellow volunteers is key. A positive attitude and willingness to be part of a team are must-haves.
As a volunteer on this medical project, your tasks will vary depending on your skills and experience. You may assist in hygiene education, support basic health checks, and sometimes even help deliver care under the supervision of local professionals. You’ll also contribute to improving healthcare in areas where access is limited or underdeveloped.
Living and working in Nepal offers you a unique opportunity to apply your medical knowledge in real-life situations, gain both personal and professional growth, and leave a lasting impact on a community that truly needs your support.
If you have a healthcare background and are ready for a meaningful challenge in a remote setting, this project in Nepal is a fantastic opportunity. Together, we can make a genuine difference in improving healthcare and the quality of life for local people.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
Average cost for a 5 week stay: $409
1 week of volunteering: $650
2 weeks of volunteering: $1220
Each additional week: $275
*All prices are in AUD.
Before departure
Online introduction call
An info pack with cultural insights about Nepal and a checklist to help you prepare, including advice on insurance, money, and handy travel tips
Pre-departure training
Help applying for your police check (VOG)
Access to our online volunteer community
Support with your visa application
Help booking your flight (on request)
During your trip
Airport pickup and transfer to the project site
Local orientation on arrival
Support with extending your visa (if needed)
Ongoing support and guidance for the entire duration of your stay
Accommodation with our local coordinator
Three meals a day
After your trip
A post-trip debrief
Certificate of participation (on request)
Ongoing access to our WhatsApp community
Lifelong memories!
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police check (VOG)
Travel insurance
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