I fell in love with Nepal. Kathmandu has a vibrant, fast paced energy; Pokhara was like a touristy resort town on a lake and Nagarkot was simply breathtaking. The food & people both constantly amazed me. I wish the hospital had actual responsibilities for us instead of us just watching most of the surgeries, but even that was great. I missed out on trekking but I plan on doing that if I return.
**1. How was the local Coordinator and the staff and the support provided in-country?
**The Coordinator was great. Very knowledgeable about the local area, was talkative & suggested many activities. He was very helpful with planning something (booking rooms & such). He was always answered my calls.
**2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?
**I did not realize how lacking the infrastructure of Nepal was, especially post earthquake. Also I was surprised by the vast amount of construction going on everywhere in Nepal. Beyond that I was surprised how kind and generous so many people here to me.
**3. What was most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?
**I have traveled in Asia before so it wasn’t very difficult.
**4. Any tips for future volunteers….(clothing, travel information, packing, sightseeing, donations)
**I brought athletic shorts and shirts. You will not wear that once so don’t bring it. Rather invest in nice hiking pants and a jacket you can wear in hot or cold. I definitely advise Pokhara. Very different from Kathmandu/ Nagarkot/ Chitwan and there is a lot to do during a weekend visit.
**4.1 Other things volunteers should know:
**Most of the time I shadow Dr Swosti as I am a pre medicine student. I was able to see some surgeries like a cholecystectomy, endoscopic fluid being injected from the stomach and various suturing. It is a small hospital.
**5. Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial):
**I fell in love with Nepal. Kathmandu has a vibrant, fast paced energy; Pokhara was like a touristy resort town on a lake and Nagarkot was simply breathtaking. The food & people both constantly amazed me. I wish the hospital had actual responsibilities for us instead of us just watching most of the surgeries, but even that was great. I missed out on trekking but I plan on doing that if I return.
ABV: Premeds will shadow as they dont have any medical experience.
**6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?
**Accommodations, meals and security were all great. The breakfast & dinner was constantly great. We had to be home by 8/9 as a safety precaution but it made it challenging to experience the nightlife.
ABV: we have curfews in all our programs and locations as safety is our priority, this applies for any age.
**7. What was your memory of this trip?
**My favorite memory was heading to Pokhara during New Years with another group of ABV volunteers. There was a big festival and Pokhara is drop dead beautiful. Very fun & different from Kathmandu.
**8. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? ?
**No Complaints / Suggestions
**9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?
**Yes of course.
