Experience report from Celina in Nepal

I'm Celina, a fourth-semester medical student, and I had the opportunity to be part of the very first Travel4med group in Nepal in the summer of 2024. As I did in Sri Lanka, I combined my nursing internship with my job at Travel4med and looked after the group on site. And what can I say? Nepal was different—but in the best possible way. 

First, the highlight: the accommodation. Sab's Villa is located in the middle of the green hills of Pokhara – with an incredible view over Lake Phewa and the highest mountains in the world. Together with Sab and her team, we built four houses where our groups stay – in small rooms for four or six people, cozy, modern, and surrounded by pure nature. 

And best of all: the entire team on site is like a family – you can feel it in every encounter. Add to that traditional Nepalese food three times a day, eaten together on the terrace – sometimes even with a visit from a curious horde of monkeys at breakfast. It doesn't get any more authentic than this.

A little spoiler: I am absolutely not a passionate hiker—and still had a fantastic time! There are beautiful treks for those who enjoy hiking, but also plenty of other options: 

visiting temples, a trip to the national park to see the rhinos, free yoga classes during the week, cooking classes with the team, or Nepalese festivals with music, colors, and dancing. In the evenings, we often sat together on the terrace – playing Werewolf, card games, or just chatting. 

And in the mornings? You wake up to a view of Mount Fishtail – surreal beauty. 

The trip to the hospital is a little road trip with mountain views every day – all organized by us, of course. Once there, you can expect an exciting mix of everyday medical life and cultural insights: right in the entrance area, there is a Buddha statue and a prayer wall – and behind it, everyday life at the clinic begins. 

We traveled in small groups, and I spent most of my time with a German medical student from the 10th semester, who explained a great deal to me. 

Language? No problem – you can get by just fine with basic English. 

Really exciting: the hospital is part of a large medical campus. We were also allowed to visit the teaching rooms and lecture halls of the Nepalese medical students – including participation in lectures, practical exercises, and community projects. It was impressive to see how medicine is taught and practiced there. 

As part of the Travel4med team, I know how important good organization is—especially for an adventure like Nepal. That's why we accompany you from the very beginning: with vaccinations, flight bookings, visas, packing lists, and, of course, throughout your entire stay on site. 

We do our best to be there in person, even during our semester breaks, so that you are well looked after but still have your freedom. Internship, accommodation, transportation, food, certificate—everything is included and everything is well thought out. 

Nepal was a very special experience for me. The family atmosphere, the breathtaking nature, the combination of clinic, culture, and genuine hospitality—all of this makes this location unique. 

With a maximum of 20 participants, Nepal is our smallest location – and that's exactly what makes it so special. 

My tip: Embrace the adventure, even if you're not necessarily a hiking enthusiast. You'll be surprised how much this country will teach you, touch you, and help you grow.