Medical assistant in Community Clinic
Coordinator | Kevin
Coordinator | Kevin
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Volunteer in beautiful Cape Town!
Gain practical experience in the medical field!
Support the project team as they aim to provide medical care to people in deed!
Explore the beautiful city with fellow volunteers!
Meet like-minded volunteers from all over the world!
Volunteer at a Community Clinic serving the underprivileged and supporting the clinic's staff with their daily tasks.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
About the Program
For those able to afford it, the private healthcare system in South
Africa meets developed world standards. However, the public healthcare system,
which serves 80% of the population, faces serious challenges. The urbanization
of the country has put serious strain on the hospitals in Cape Town: many have
too few beds, doctors and medical supplies. Infectious diseases like typhoid fever and
hepatitis are prevalent, largely because of poor public health, and HIV/AIDS
remaining a devastating plague.
Volunteers work in community clinics serving poor populations. They share
their expertise and insights with the local staff and, as needed and allowed by
the local nurses and doctors, help to provide care. Volunteers live and work in
Cape Town or the surrounding areas.
Structure and Facilities
- Most of the medical projects are understaffed and there is a lack of resources and therefore this can be a very stressful and challenging environment to work in
- Government funded facilities for people who cannot afford private medical care
- No major operations are done here
Typical day
Usual working days go from 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM and include the following activities.
- Observation (doctors, nurses and pharmacy)
- Supporting the general staff
- Helping with rehabilitation
- Sharing health information and updating patient files
- Clinical Assistant and Prep-Room duties
- Baby Clinic: Taking weight, height, temperature readings,etc.
- Other tasks that might come up
Free-time activities
Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. At night, there are many excellent bars, clubs and restaurants where locals and foreigners can relax and socialize.
There are numerous cultural sites to visit, including the Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the Castle of Good Hope. They reflect Cape Town’s long history and help explain why the city is one of the most multicultural in the word. Robben Island, the infamous prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during apartheid is a difficult but necessary stop. For outdoor lovers, Cape Town has a wide mix of opportunities. Table Mountain is a breathtaking spot to visit, and there are many nearby hills, mountains and trails that make for great biking, climbing and hiking. Many, like Lion’s Head Mountain, also offer stunning views over the city and ocean below. Join in on tours down the Garden Route and a Game Drive to spot the Big 5!
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Riding
Winter 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)
Medical at University level
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
A love and passion for people, medical related experience and/or studies in the field, patience and empathy, willingness to help where help is needed.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Placement in a suitable project and volunteer house - Placement inventory information prior to arrival in South Africa - Transfer from the airport to the STAY AFRICA house - Transfer to STAY AFRICA office for Orientation - Orientation program, including welcome session and Orientation Session - Accommodation (incl. breakfast) at volunteer house
At additional cost: Weekday lunch and dinner; weekend meals; Transportation from the accommodation to the project site and back.
Volunteers will be collected at Cape Town International Airport on the Set Arrival Date. A representative from our partner transport company, Backpacker Bus, will have a signboard with STAY AFRICA VOLUNTEERS (and/or your name) on it to meet you. If you are unable to see anyone, please make your way to the information desk in the main terminal as the driver will page for you.
Volunteers are either placed at the Stay House in the house city or with a host family in the local community outside the city. The Stay Africa House can accommodate up to 30 volunteers at a time (5 dorm-style rooms sleeping between 4-8 people) , on-site, live-in Stay Africa hostel manager, fully-equipped kitchen and communal lounge area with satellite TV, fully-fitted bathroom with 4 showers and 3 toilets, individual lockers for each volunteer, WiFi internet connection, located centrally on transport route close to supermarkets, internet café, laundries, restaurants, etc.
Breakfast is provided on weekdays (Monday to Friday only). Lunch, Dinner and weekend meals are the volunteer's expense.
Breakfast is self-service and includes coffee, tea with bread/toast, eggs, at least 2 cereal types, and a selection of fresh seasonal fruits.
The volunteer house is located within walking distance of numerous restaurants (everything from steak houses and burger joints, to Sushi/Asian cuisine) and small corner cafes and coffee shops (for light meals), as well as well-known fast food outlets (KFC, McDonalds, Nandos, Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc.). Uber Eats offers a delivery service for most of these.
Volunteers also often buy groceries from the nearby supermarket and have home-cooked meals together in groups - great bonding experiences and often loads of fun!! Just try not to burn down our kitchens!!
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
The Volunteer South Africa Program begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday, so you may arrive on any Sunday of the year.
We understand that flights may be expensive and you may not always be able to secure a flight to arrive on set arrival dates, we are therefore happy to accommodate last minute bookings even participants who are only able to arrive on a day where they are able to secure an affordable flight.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$515
3 weeks
$700
4 weeks
$889
5 weeks
$1,079
6 weeks
$1,299
7 weeks
$1,510
8 weeks
$1,650
9 weeks
$1,700
10 weeks
$1,750
11 weeks
$1,800
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,850
Average fees
$206
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Stay Africa 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 Stay Africa Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Stay Africa Volunteers cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Stay Africa Volunteers.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Medical assistant in Community Clinic
Volunteer at a Community Clinic serving the underprivileged and supporting the clinic's staff with their daily tasks.
$206/week
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