About Us
PSD Nepal has more than two decades of experience hosting international university students, researchers, faculty-led groups, and academic institutions from around the world. Our International University Internship & Medical Elective Program combines academic learning with practical field experience through placements in community development, research, public health, environmental conservation, education, climate action, and healthcare.
Each internship or medical elective is tailored to the participant's academic background, learning objectives, and university requirements. Participants work alongside experienced professionals, community organizations, schools, researchers, public health practitioners, and healthcare providers, gaining valuable international experience while contributing to sustainable development initiatives in Nepal.
Whether you are completing a university placement, undertaking field research, participating in a service-learning program, or pursuing a medical elective, PSD Nepal provides meaningful learning opportunities that combine professional development, cultural immersion, and community engagement.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
Academic learning is most valuable when combined with real-world experience. Through this program, students apply their classroom knowledge by working alongside local communities, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and development practitioners.
Medical, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and public health students can undertake supervised medical electives, clinical observations, and community health activities, while students from other disciplines contribute to research, education, environmental conservation, monitoring and evaluation, communications, and community development projects.
Placements are tailored to each participant's academic background and learning objectives and are available across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, public health, environmental science, education, agriculture, forestry, business, journalism, social sciences, GIS, and sustainable development. The program helps students meet university placement, research, internship, or service-learning requirements while gaining valuable international experience.
Requirements
Applicants should be enrolled in or have recently completed a university or college program. We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD researchers, exchange students, service-learning participants, recent graduates, and faculty-led study groups.
Participants should demonstrate a willingness to learn, adapt to new cultural environments, and work collaboratively with local communities. Strong communication skills and proficiency in English are recommended. Some placements, particularly medical electives and specialized internships, may require specific academic backgrounds or prior coursework depending on project requirements.
Volunteer experience
A typical day begins with meetings and project planning at the PSD Nepal office or project site. Depending on your academic focus, you may participate in field research, community visits, hospital or health facility placements, health camps, environmental monitoring, public health activities, education projects, data collection, report writing, stakeholder meetings, monitoring and evaluation, or organizational development.
Lunch is usually shared with colleagues, fellow participants, or your host family. Afternoon activities often include project implementation, data analysis, documentation, workshops, or collaboration with local partners.
Evenings are free for independent study, cultural exchange, language learning, or exploring the local community. Every placement is tailored to support both your academic objectives and the needs of the community.
The internship fee includes airport pickup, accommodation, meals, orientation, internship placement, supervision, local coordinator support, administrative costs, and contributions toward community development projects.
Fees vary depending on the duration and type of placement. Please contact PSD Nepal for the latest fee schedule.
Interns stay with carefully selected host families or in shared volunteer accommodation, depending on the project location. Accommodation is safe, comfortable, and designed to provide an authentic cultural experience while ensuring convenient access to internship sites.
Shared rooms, bedding, electricity, bathroom facilities, and internet access (where available) are provided.
Three nutritious meals are provided each day throughout the internship. Meals typically include traditional Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, and curry), chapati, noodles, seasonal vegetables, fruit, eggs, and tea.
Vegetarian meals are always available, and most special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Outside internship hours, participants can explore Nepal's rich natural and cultural heritage. PSD Nepal staff are happy to help participants plan safe and responsible weekend travel and activities throughout the country.
Activities may include:
- Hiking and nature walks
- Visiting Langtang National Park
- Exploring Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Visiting Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples
- Learning Nepali language and culture
- Traditional cooking experiences
- Participating in local festivals and community events
- Photography and wildlife observation
- Weekend trips to Pokhara, Chitwan, and other destinations
- Yoga and meditation
- Shopping in local markets
- Meeting fellow interns, volunteers, and community members
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