Medical Intern & Hospital Assistant
Coordinator | Hannah
Coordinator | Hannah
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Assist and shadow local doctors, while gaining a greater understanding of the medical situation. Work in your chosen field or assist with health education programs.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
The program
This important medical program in Vietnam’s largest city Ho Chi Minh, provides skilled medical professionals and students alike the chance to experience a new culture and working environment while still learning and developing their specialized medical knowledge. Ho Chi Minh is a fascinating place to visit – a bustling metropolis that is also filled with an abundance of culture, activities and sights. From historic locations to amazing shopping locales and delicious street food, volunteers will be spoilt for choice on their free time in this exciting city. Volunteers on this program will get the chance to gain a greater understanding of the differences between medical systems in developed and developing countries and view situations that may never occur in their own countries. With medical resourcing sadly lacking in local hospitals, volunteers will find their experience and knowledge will be put to great use – it’s a win/win situation for all!
Goals of this Project:
- Provide quality medical care to the people of Ho Chi Minh
- Improve the future prospects of the local people by assisting with their general well-being
- Provide an opportunity for shared learning
- To create a better cultural understanding between all participants
How you can help
Volunteers will find they play an important role in providing quality medical care to the people of Ho Chi Minh. Volunteers will be placed with a local doctor or nurse who will guide them in different tasks and activities at the placement. The volunteers’ level of experience will determine the work they are allocated, with some permitted to observe operations, provide assistance in basic procedures and visit patients. All volunteers will be kept busy working on a variety of tasks and observing, and will spend time ‘job shadowing’. This placement places a large amount of emphasis on shared learning, and while volunteers are encouraged to learn as much as possible, the local staff are also very interested in gaining a better understanding of medical work in participant’s countries and to learn about the similarities and differences. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work in their chosen field, such as Paediatrics, Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, along with working with children and adults who suffer from cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, congenital motor system deformity and other disabilities. There are also opportunities to work in other specialties within a large hospital with highly skilled staff whom speak excellent English.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist medical staff in the treatment of patients as appropriate to their level of experience
- Assist medical staff in a variety of tasks
- Help in emergency situations
- Help on health education programs
Typical day
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:30am Breakfast at the Volunteer House
8:30am Travel to the hospital
8:45am Pre-start meeting with the program supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A lunch break of 1 - 2 hours is taken around 12pm
4:45pm De-brief with the program supervisor
5:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
Afternoons and evenings are free to explore, run errands, correspond with friends and family and socialise with other volunteers.
7:00pm Dinner at the Volunteer House
Free-time activities
Volunteers on this important program are fortunate enough to be based in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.
Having risen from the ashes of a turbulent past this former French colony, still known colloquially as Sai Gon, is storming into the future with panache. Visitors will be swept up in the excitement and awed by the evident extremes: modern vs traditional, past vs future and luxury vs simplicity. Ho Chi Minh has so much to offer the international traveler.
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
required
Medicine, Med-School, Pre-Med Students at University level
Emergency Contact, Passport, Resume and Medical Qualification
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff, though this is not a pre-requisite. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
- Airport pick-up on arrival & return airport transfer
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation
- Food & Meals
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Registration fee included
Volunteers are met on arrival into Ho Chi Minh and taken to the volunteer house where they can meet with their hosts and fellow volunteers. An orientation session is held on Tuesday to introduce volunteers to the programs and their new environment. The session will cover safety, transportation, basic culture and history and is a chance to get to know other volunteers and the local team and ask any questions you may have.
Volunteers on this rewarding internship are accommodated in ‘Peace House’; a 6-storey building which conveniently houses both the volunteer accommodation and the Volunteers for Peace Vietnam offices. Located in residential District 7, close to shops and a short 15 min drive to central Ho Chi Minh city it is an ideal location. Transport to and from the program is provided.
The house has 6 bedrooms over 3 floors and each room has its own bathroom with western style facilities and hot showers. Rooms are dormitory style and shared, normally by up to 4 volunteers although there may be more during busy months. Air-conditioning and fans are available during the summer months and bed linen and mosquito nets are provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries and a towel. Easy!
Wifi is available free of charge in the Volunteer House and a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and communal areas are provided for volunteers - including a rooftop terrace with great views over the city!
Volunteers in Hi Chi Minh are provided with 3 meals per day, Monday through Friday, at the Volunteer House and the food is varied and delicious. Volunteers are also welcome to explore the city and eat out at the many local restaurants and cafes serving traditional and international fare.
Vietnamese food focuses on fresh ingredients – especially fruit, herbs and vegetables. The famous noodle broth (pho) is a must try and sticky rice is another staple.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Vietnam.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Vietnam provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Vietnam you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Vietnam.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs start every MONDAY. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$987
3 weeks
$1,182
4 weeks
$1,378
6 weeks
$1,780
8 weeks
$2,160
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$2,942
Average fees
$369
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Medical Intern & Hospital Assistant
Assist and shadow local doctors, while gaining a greater understanding of the medical situation. Work in your chosen field or assist with health education programs.
$369/week
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