08/25/2026
Volunteer Review Dr. Daniel P. In Nepal Kathmandu at the Orphanage program and Immersion.
As a retired Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease physician with 27 years of practice, I came to Kathmandu for two reasons: to visit my son who was volunteering nearby, and because I wanted something more meaningful than pure tourism after decades of medicine. Combining Nepali language immersion with evening work at a local orphanage through A Broader View turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
The children at the orphanage were surprisingly happy, resilient, and well-adjusted despite living with far less than most American kids. It was a powerful reminder that “just enough” can sometimes create more contentment than unlimited material abundance. Reconnecting with children after years of only treating adults was both challenging and deeply grounding. Learning even basic Nepali opened doors—kids assigned me homework, people engaged more warmly, and everyday interactions became richer.
My host family treated me like one of their own. The private room with AC, attached bathroom, and reliable internet was excellent. Meals (classic dal bhat and more) were consistently good, and sharing meals at the orphanage made the experience feel real rather than observational. The local ABV support was responsive and professional—even though I contacted them only 48 hours before my flight.
Kathmandu itself is extraordinary: the temples and stupas (Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur), the food, the warm “Dai/Didi” culture, and the scenery. Practical note for medical professionals and students—monsoon season is manageable with light waterproof layers and good shoes. InDrive is cheap and reliable. A little Nepali goes a long way.
For fellow physicians, premed students, nurses, and anyone in healthcare looking for perspective beyond the clinic: this is a high-yield way to step outside your usual environment, practice cultural humility, and remember why many of us entered medicine in the first place. The combination of language study + working with children was far more valuable than I expected.
Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Program details: https://www.abroaderview.org/volunteers/nepal