WHY we need you in India
- India is one of the poorest countires in the world, with 2 thirds living in poverty.
- According to UNICEF, about 25% of children in India have no access to education, with higher rates of girls not attending school.
- 43% of childen under five years are underweight and around 61 million children are stunted due to malnutrition.
- Even though there is a law about no child labour under age 14, it's estimated by aid agencies, that there could be up to 65 million children aged 6-14 working.
HOW can you help?
- This placement is particularly suitable for experienced doctors who wish to contribute to a foreign country in an authentic and fulfilling manner.
- Medical students can shadow local doctors, nurses and medical professionals in a goverment hospital.
- See first hand treatments you may not have access to seeing in your home environment.
- Interact and communicate with the local doctors for a benefical cultural exchange.
WHAT you can do?
- Smile and have lots of patience as you are working with patients with different medical conditions
- Learn more about overseas healthcare systems
- Gain valuable experience or pass on skills and practices from back home
- Progress to a more “hands on” role at the hospital, depending on experience
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: HOSPITAL INTERNSHIP
LOCATION: GOA, INDIA
START DATES: WEEKLY ARRIVALS (SAT/SUN)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 2 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
This placement provides a fantastic opportunity for doctors and nurses to apply their expertise. Depending on your experience and confidence, you will be assigned a specific role at the hospital, with support from English-speaking staff. This program welcomes doctors, nurses, and medical students, offering a comprehensive experience within the medical field. Medical students will have a less hands-on role but will be able to observe the local doctors.
Upon arrival, there will be a formal introduction where you’ll learn about the hospital’s history and discuss your designated role during the program. Initially, you’ll shadow a local doctor who speaks English to familiarise yourself with the hospital’s operations. Following this orientation, you’ll become an integral part of the staff, taking on real responsibilities and duties. Medical students will receive guidance from local doctors and have the chance to shadow assigned doctors throughout the program.
The hospital is well-equipped with facilities such as an x-ray room, operating theater, A&E room, adult and child patient rooms, and a critical ward.
Upon completing your observational experience, you will receive a certificate acknowledging your learning accomplishments.
Your Role – General Information
On the positive side, working in healthcare or the medical field offers the incredible opportunity to assist the local residents of this amazing city on a daily basis, making a significant impact on their lives in a short period. Regardless of the demanding nature of the work, being in the medical field allows you to fulfill your desire to help others and contribute to the community. In this program, you’ll need boundless patience, energy, and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability as you work with patients facing health problems and concerns.
General duties will include the following:
- Shadowing, observing and assisting at the Hospital daily operations.
- Assists Patients/residents in their health concerns with the close monitoring of the doctor / nurses in charge.
- Observe Local Doctors/nurses on duty on operations and other medical procedures.
- Observe in diagnosing and treating patients’ illnesses performed by the doctors/nurse on duty.
- Participate in basic triage, wound care, blood pressure measurement and medication preparation.
- Join healthcare campaigns (if there is any) for children at local schools or communities to increase their health awareness.
- Partake in the day-to-day activities of the hospital.
Location
Goa, Kerala
The beach goers destination with the right mix of infrastructure and order coupled with that crazy un-ordered Indian charm. Goa is a really fun destination, with plenty of party goers and a relaxed funky vibe great for the free spirited types who want a more ‘westernized’ taste of India!
Project Tasks
- Observe local doctors and nurses on their daily rounds
- Get involved in treatments, depending on experience
- Interact with the medical professionals, transferring skills across
Food & Accommodation
The Goa Volunteer centre is a large western style house with a lovely garden and large outdoor area. The house features and hot water (solar powered), WiFi, dining room, mini library and travel desk, lounge areas, television with satellite connection, safety lockers and lockable rooms, fridge and western style toilets and purified water. Bed linen is provided, however you should bring your own towel. You’ll be sharing a room with max of 2-4 volunteers at any one time in single gender rooms. You can wash your clothes by hand otherwise there is laundry services available for an additional fee. The centre is located located about 1 hour from the airport and about a 15 min walk to the nearest supermarket with ATM and personal SIM card for additional Wifi if desired as the quality of internet is not the greatest! The closest city is Mapusa.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Standard Projects
- Cultural Orientation Week, Goa
- *Buddhist Monastery Teaching, Darjeeling
- Community Construction, Darjeeling
- Hospital Internship, Goa
- Sports Coaching, Udaipur
- Kindergarten & Outreach School, Udaipur
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1 Week - $435
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2 Weeks - $595
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3 Weeks - $875
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1 Month - $1095
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2 Months - $2150
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3 Months - $3250
- Private rooms cost additional $250 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you are an aspiring medical student looking to gain some first hand experience, this is a great project, where you can watch certain prodedures, you may not have access to at home.
If you are fully qualified, even better! You will able to have a more hands on role, plus communicate with the local doctors about the practices you do in your own country.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Dabolim International Airport (GOI). You must arrive between Sunday 00:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by road.
Monday
After breakfast at the accommodation, you will leave for the hospital. If this is your first week, there will be a full introduction with all the staff. At this point, you will also discuss your upcoming direct role at the project. You will be introduced to the equipment and the current operating procedures present at the hospital.
If it is not your first week, you will get straight to work in your general tasks and other duties, depending on the needs of the hospital at the time. You will have your packed lunch at the hospital and continue work.
Tuesday to Friday
You are required to provide your specialized support to the local hospital from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. as a doctor. You will have your packed lunch at the hospital and continue work.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Here are some things you can do when visiting Goa, India:
Beach Hopping: Goa is famous for its stunning beaches. From the vibrant nightlife of Baga Beach to the serene beauty of Palolem Beach, there’s a beach for every mood.
Water Sports: Try your hand at thrilling water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, and windsurfing, available at many of Goa’s beaches.
Goa Carnival: If you’re visiting during February, don’t miss the colorful and lively Goa Carnival, featuring parades, music, dance, and cultural performances.
Historical Sites: Explore the rich history of Goa by visiting ancient forts like Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort, as well as historical landmarks like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Embark on a scenic trek or take a jeep safari to witness the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls,
cascading from a height of over 300 meters amidst lush greenery.
Cruise on the Mandovi River: Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Mandovi River, offering stunning views of the Goan coastline, live music, and entertainment, especially during sunset.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary or Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to spot a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, deer, and exotic bird species.
Spice Plantations: Take a guided tour of one of the spice plantations in Goa, where you can learn about various spices, herbs, and traditional farming techniques, followed by a delicious Goan meal.
Anjuna Flea Market: Browse through the colorful stalls of Anjuna Flea Market, offering a diverse range of goods including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Additional Requirements
The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyones involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe placement.
- This project is available to those who have enrolled in a university course in any of the medical fields.
- You would be required to give us your CV and a “Letter of motivation” before being accepted into this placement.
- A reference letter authorized by your university, the hospital or clinic you are presently working at.
- Proficient understanding of healthcare principles.
- High level of efficiency, accuracy and responsibility and can work under pressure and is a team player.
- Excellent time management and self – organizing and strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
- Recommended to atleast have COVID – 19 Vaccination. You are also advised to bring with you a COVID – 19 antigen rapid test as you need to take one test per week.
- Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.
Additional Equipment
- Please bring your own scrubs and stethoscope. In addition, you can also bring your own face mask and medical glove.
- Bring comfortable working clothes and shoes (preferably medical uniform or white overcoat) and must follow the dress code policy.
- An environmentally friendly sunscreen or lotion is also advised to protect you from the heat of the sun and please carry with you preventive agents, such as mosquito repellents when having an outdoor activity.
- Moreover, bring Medicines with you especially if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis.as well as other medicines for headaches and stomach aches.
- Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day particularly during medical activities.
Dress Code:
- India is a Conservative Country, please wear modest clothing covering knees and shoulders. Loose and long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
- Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
- It is completely fine to wear western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
- Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate especially when visiting monasteries, temples or schools during your spare time.
India is an eclectic and intoxicating cultural experience like no other! Home of the famous Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the sacred Ganges river, and over 1 billion people of varying languages, cultures and beleifs, India is sure to push you to the boundaries of your comfort zone.
IVI is focused on establishing sustainable employment and education through volunteering efforts in India. Children in some of the regions we service have not had basic nutritional background. Over 950,000 newborns per year in India die from infections. Education about health for families provides a strong foundation for self-care in the communities we service in India.
India’s climte ranges from tropical down south to alpine up in the northern mountain regions.
From April until the start of October is summer, and in most places in India, is very hot. In June the monsoon rains start in Kerala down south, and move inland. Further north and in the rural areas of Rajasthan, it can get pretty cold from December to January- sometimes as low at minus 5 degrees!
Be prepared for some hot temperatures but if in the Sikkim region, bring along some warmer clothing as it can get cold in the mountains.
India is a country FULL of culture! From the beautiful colours, different religions, ancient traditions and the smells of spices- India is a country like no other. It’s the the second most populous nation after China, with over 1.2 billion people.
The most prominant religions are Hinduism and Buddhism and around 13% of the popualrtion are Muslim. Because there are so many religions, India celebrates a large number of festivals throughout the year. Some of these include Diwali, Holi, Eid and Good Friday.
In India, the cow is considered to be a Holy animal and you will see cars either driving around, or simply waiting if a cow is in the road holding up traffic! In some parts of India it is forbidden to eat meat or drink alcohol.
You will see many temples in India, as well as colourful clothing, particually the sari’s that the local women wear, and many cultural dance shows and activities.
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IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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