🏫 Kadambari Memorial College (KMC)

Kadambari Memorial College (KMC) has been a leading platform for international Social Work Student fieldwork for the past six years. As a small, non-profit private College of Social Work, we take pride in our pioneering work in Social Work education in Nepal.

We have been delivering a Bachelor of Social Work program (four-year degree) since 2005—the second college in Nepal to do so—and recently launched a Master of Social Work (two-year degree) affiliated with Purbanchal University, Nepal. We envision a just society in Nepal and play a central role in developing the university’s Social Work curriculum.

KMC is the only institution in Nepal with memberships and strong links to international bodies such as the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the Asian and Pacific Association of Social Work Education (APASWE), and the Asia Pacific University Community Engagement Network (APUCEN). We also maintain professional ties with universities in Australia, the USA, Canada, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and other South Asian countries.

Recognizing fieldwork as an integral component of social science, KMC works closely with international institutions to ensure field experiences, university supervision, and assessment requirements are met. Students broaden their knowledge, skills, and sensitivity by immersing themselves in Nepal's cultural context.

✈️ Process for International Fieldwork

KMC has extensive experience hosting students globally and works flexibly to meet the specific needs of the student’s home educational institution. The following guidelines structure the international fieldwork experience:

Pre-departure Requirements

Prior to departure, the KMC Principal welcomes communication to ensure shared expectations. We appreciate the international institution working with us on the following:

• Communication: Email expression of interest (to info@kadambari.edu.np or pradiptakadambari@gmail.com).
• Documentation: Assessment manuals, curriculum requirements, and insurance details (Certificate of Currency).
• Logistics: Flight details, accommodation needs, and arrangements for faculty contact in the home country.
• Student Profile: Information regarding the student’s areas of interest (e.g., mental health, child labor, human rights).
• Visa Info: Non-Indian students receive a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. A 90-day visa is advised.

On Arrival

• KMC staff will greet students at Tribhuvan Airport or the Gongabu Bus Park and transport them to their accommodation.
• Student "buddies" will be allocated to help students settle in, assist with purchasing mobile SIM cards, and provide local orientation.
• Students will participate in a cultural and practical induction program, followed by a cultural exchange interaction with KMC students.

During & Completion of Fieldwork

• The KMC Supervisor will provide supervision as per the home institution’s requirements, conducting online meetings mid-placement if necessary.
• Students are expected to provide the KMC Supervisor with a list of their organization’s holiday dates.
• Completion: The KMC Supervisor organizes a consolidation session where the student delivers a 15-20 minute presentation about their Nepal placement experience. A certificate of completion will be awarded.

🏔️ Nepal Facts and Cultural Aspects

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites due to its ancient cultural and religious history. Although Nepal is confronting modern challenges such as pollution and infrastructure issues, it actively celebrates its traditional culture, festivals, and unique way of life.

🏛️ Nepal and Governance

The 2021 census reports Nepal's population as 29,164,578. The country is incredibly diverse, with 125 ethnic groups and 123 languages reported as mother tongues. The nation is structured into 7 provinces and 77 districts.

Following a decade-long armed conflict (1996-2006) and the abolition of the monarchy, a new constitution was promulgated in 2015. Today, the nation is officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Significant Political Events

🎒 Practicalities

Bandha (Strikes)

While recent political stability has reduced their frequency, bandhas (strikes) can still occur with little notice, resulting in organizations closing and vehicles being prohibited on roads.

What to Wear

Women should wear conservative clothing (e.g., traditional kurta, no singlet tops or short skirts). When engaging with clients or at the college, revealing tops, grunge trousers, and shorts/skirts above the knee are strongly discouraged.

Banking & Finance

• Maximum ATM withdrawal is typically 25,000 NPR per transaction, up to 100,000 NPR per day. Always use ATMs with security guards on main roads.
• For Indian Students: Only carry INR notes of Rs. 100 or smaller. Larger notes are banned in shops, though official money exchangers can assist.

Transport Options

• Ride-sharing: Pathao and InDrive apps are highly recommended for safe, online pickup and drop-off.
• Buses: Larger green buses (like Sajha Yatayat) are recommended. Front seats are reserved for women and the elderly.
• Tempos (Three-wheelers): A cheap way to get around (approx. 20 NPR). Knock on the roof when you want to stop!

📚 Recommended Reading

• Adhikari, A. (2014). The Bullet and the Ballot Box: The Story of Nepal’s Maoist Revolution. Aleph Book Company.
• Bista, D. (1991). Fatalism and Development: Nepal’s Struggle for Modernization. Orient Blackswan Pvt Ltd.
• Gyawali, D., Thompson, M., & Verweij, M. (Eds.). (2017). Aid, Technology and Development: The Lessons from Nepal. Routledge.
• Nikku, B. (2011). Evolution of social work in Nepal: opportunities and challenges. Asian Social Work Policy Review.
• Nikku, B. (2015). Living through and responding to multiple disasters. Social Work Education.