Involvement Volunteers International Volunteering overseas in healthcare offers a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience while making a positive impact in underserved communities. IVI provides numerous opportunities for aspiring medical professionals and qualified professionals alike to immerse themselves in medical internships and healthcare projects worldwide. These programs not only foster professional growth but also offer cultural exchange, as volunteers learn about local healthcare challenges and solutions.
Here are the top 11 medical and healthcare programs abroad with IVI:
1. Medical Internship in Vietnam
This program operates within a government-managed hospital, dedicated to serving the Ho Chi Minh community. Central to this project is the process of observing, documenting, and analysing, given that it is primarily a hands-off experience.
This project is most suitable for pre-medical or medical students aiming to gain deeper insights into the Vietnamese healthcare system.
Participants will have the opportunity to shadow nurses, doctors, and therapists. Depending on their profile and availability, daily responsibilities may include preparing medication, measuring blood pressure, providing basic triage, and offering wound care.
Placement within the hospital depends on both the hospital’s schedule and your background, with possible departments including Anaesthesiology, Brain Injury, Mental Health (subject to limitations), Rehabilitation/Occupational therapy, Orthopaedics, Pharmacy (proficiency in Vietnamese required), Speech therapy (proficiency in Vietnamese required), Physiotherapy, Prosthetics workshop, Radiology (Ultrasound), Surgery (spine surgery, skin grafts, joint surgery), Traditional Medicine, Geriatrics, and Internal Medicine.
Highlights:
- Exposure to various medical specialties
- Insight into Vietnam’s public healthcare system
- Observation experience assisting in local hospitals and clinics
2. Medical Internship in the Philippines
In the Philippines, volunteers work in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Palawan, an island known for its natural beauty. The medical internship program focuses on providing much-needed support in a region where resources are limited.
Participants will gain clinical experience in general health, pediatrics, and emergency care. There are also opportunities to assist with minor surgeries, learn about tropical diseases, and participate in community health outreach initiatives. This program is ideal for students in medicine, nursing, and allied health fields who want to deepen their practical knowledge while contributing to a community in need.
Highlights:
- Work in under-resourced hospitals and clinics
- Assist in surgeries and medical procedures
- Learn about tropical diseases prevalent in the region
3. Hospital Internship in Nepal
Nepal, with its unique blend of cultural and natural beauty, offers a hospital internship program in Kathmandu. This program places volunteers in government hospitals and medical facilities where they gain hands-on experience across a range of departments, such as orthopaedics, paediatrics, and surgery.
Participants will shadow local doctors, observe surgeries, and assist with patient care. Nepal’s healthcare system, especially in public hospitals, often lacks resources, making the volunteer’s contributions highly valuable. Volunteers will learn about common medical conditions in the region, such as respiratory infections and malnutrition, and how they are treated in Nepalese hospitals.
There will not be any hands-on work unless you are very experienced. If not, then most of your learning will be through observation. Many options are available for volunteers depending on your skill level. You’ll spend the first couple days observing and being assessed for your experience level which will be discussed and agreed to with the head doctors or nurses in order to optimize your contribution to the hospital. Experienced participants can be delegated daily roles as nurses and doctors. See first hand treatments you may not have access to seeing in your home environment.
Highlights:
- Rotate through various hospital departments
- Work in a system where resources are often limited
- Shadow local doctors
4. Medical Volunteering in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the medical volunteering program offers participants the chance to work in community clinics and healthcare facilities, primarily in rural and underserved areas. Volunteers provide support to local medical staff by assisting with patient consultations, basic medical care, and health education.
This program is perfect for those who wish to work in general medicine, public health, and health promotion initiatives. Volunteers also have the opportunity to take part in health education campaigns focusing on hygiene, disease prevention, and healthy living. Working in Costa Rica allows participants to explore a different healthcare system and gain a deeper understanding of public health challenges in Central America.
Highlights:
- Work in community health clinics
- Participate in public health education
- Experience healthcare delivery in rural settings
5. Physiotherapy Internship in Ghana
Participate in important community and sports development work, on this physiotherapy placement in Ghana. You will deliver hands-on aid and care that is usually inaccessible to many injured locals, as well as dedicated local athletes. You will gain a better awareness of the hurdles many physiotherapists and medical professionals need to overcome in developing countries, whilst at the same time receive valuable advice and knowledge on local practices. This is a great opportunity to further your own skills and be put to the test!
The community clinic is understaffed and underfunded. Many of the patients’ conditions reflect the problems in Ghana: many strokes due to hypertension, car accidents, and a high level of crush injuries to the hand and tendons from cutting and grinding machinery. A hand injury in Ghana typically means no compensation and no income. Those that can afford the two-pound fee per session can receive the needed treatment, but many just simply cannot afford this. There is also a lot of facial palsy from otitis media, which is treated with electrical stimulation. The clinic does have equipment, including a hydrotherapy pool, but it has a good distance to go before the clinic can cope with the needs of the local community.
Highlights:
- Make a positive change to an often neglected area of medical care.
- Assist in patient assessments and treatment plans
- Contribute to rehabilitation programs for those with physical disabilities
6. Nutrition and Healthcare Program in Bali
Education in the areas of basic first-aid and personal hygiene such as washing hands, brushing teeth and general cleanliness are also involved. This may seem trivial to those raised in western societies; however, these services assist greatly towards the prevention of many avoidable health problems and easily communicable diseases in developing communities.
You will spend 1-2 hours each morning preparing lessons and about 2-3 hours in the afternoon teaching at a local elementary or high school/university.
Highlights:
- Educate school children on nutrition and healthy living
- Establish healthy diet and lifestyle campaigns
- Teach on the importance of healthy nutrition, personal hygiene and exercise
7. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Program in Fiji
Working alongside a qualified practitioner, the aim of the outreach project is health promotion & free assessments in villages, corporate businesses, schools & community centres to increase the knowledge about nutrition and the effect of physical activity in the prevention of obesity and development of NCD’s.
In addition to various communes and villages, we work with several resorts in/around Nadi, Denerau & the Manamanuca Islands. In teams of 4 to 8, you will perform health checks adding to the data captured from previous intakes and provide encouragement to reach health goals. You may also be involved in preparing educational talks on various topics such as the dangers of sugar and other disease causing issues.
Participants will help conduct community health assessments, provide nutritional counselling, and assist with public health campaigns. This program offers valuable experience for those interested in clinical nutrition, dietetics, and public health in a tropical setting.
Highlights:
- Work with local dietitians in clinics and communities
- Conduct health assessments and provide nutritional counselling
- Participate in public health campaigns focused on nutrition
8. Community Healthcare Program in Guatemala
Guatemala’s community healthcare program allows volunteers to support local healthcare initiatives in rural and indigenous communities. Volunteers work in clinics, assist with patient consultations, and participate in public health campaigns focusing on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
This program is a fantastic opportunity to learn about healthcare delivery in a developing country while helping communities with limited access to medical care. Participants will also have the chance to contribute to health education efforts that aim to prevent the spread of common diseases.
Highlights:
- Support local healthcare providers in underserved areas
- Assist with patient consultations and public health initiatives
- Learn about healthcare challenges in rural Guatemala
9. Nutrition and Public Health Program in the Philippines
There are very few nutritional experts in the Philippines. The aim is to help reduce the current high incidence of premature deaths, hypertension, diabetes, and other illnesses, with the education around these issues.
You will also work on the feeding project, where volunteers will help plan supplementary feeding menus for the daily feeding of preschool children. Volunteers will work closely with families providing natural health services and education, implementing long term solutions to combat hunger and food security, by getting involved in local feeding kitchens and community healthcare programs.
You may also get involved in health promotion activity including education within various central and rural community centres on methods to cut back sugar and salt intake and to increase the consumption of fresh fruit & vegetables. Very little public education exists in this area and there is a massive opportunity to make a real difference!
Highlights:
- Provide nutritional education and health assessments
- Participate in feeding programs for children
- Work in rural communities with limited access to healthcare
10. Medical Hospital Internship in Goa, India
India’s medical hospital internship in Goa places volunteers in hospitals where they assist doctors and nurses in treating patients. The program allows participants to observe medical staff, assist in outpatient care, and contribute to health education campaigns.
Volunteers can choose to focus on specific departments, such as pediatrics, gynecology, or surgery. This program offers an in-depth look at healthcare delivery in India and is ideal for medical students and professionals seeking international experience.
Highlights:
- Observe and assist in various medical departments
- Participate in health education campaigns
- Gain experience in both rural and urban healthcare settings
11. Dental Internship in Kathmandu, Nepal
Gain comprehensive experience by working as an intern at a Dental Hospital in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Volunteers on the dental internship will shadow practitioners and observe practices by local dentists. You will also be able to assist the dentists and nurses when required. You will also get to work with several departments in the hospital such as Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Prosthodontics, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Department of Community Dentistry, Department of Periodontics, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics and the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology.
Highlights:
- Career development for applying and progressing skills in a foreign working environment.
- Observing trained dentists
- Assisting practitioners when required
What are the Benefits of Medical Volunteering?
Medical volunteering abroad offers unique benefits for both students and qualified healthcare professionals, contributing to personal, professional, and global healthcare development.
Hands-on Experience for Students
For medical students, volunteering provides invaluable real-world experience that complements classroom learning. By working in clinics, hospitals, and community health projects, you can gain hands-on exposure to diverse medical conditions, often in resource-limited settings. This practical experience may help you develop clinical skills, such as patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, while improving their confidence and adaptability in unpredictable environments.
You’ll also benefit from observing different healthcare systems and understanding global health challenges like infectious diseases, malnutrition, and limited access to care. This exposure broadens their perspective, allowing them to compare local practices with international healthcare standards, which is essential for their future roles in global health.
Skill Development for Qualified Professionals
Qualified doctors and nurses who volunteer abroad bring their expertise to disadvantaged communities while gaining fresh perspectives on medical care. Volunteering allows you to work with limited resources, enhancing problem-solving skills and adaptability. These experiences can help you grow, especially in areas like emergency care, tropical diseases, and working with diverse patient populations.
Additionally, the exchange of knowledge is mutual. Local healthcare workers often possess deep knowledge of region-specific conditions, such as tropical diseases or malnutrition. By collaborating, volunteers and local staff share best practices, fostering cross-cultural learning and advancing healthcare delivery on both sides.
Cultural Exchange
For both students and professionals, medical volunteering offers a chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture. Knowing that they are making a real difference in the lives of those who lack access to healthcare can be deeply rewarding. The experience also promotes cultural exchange, as you’ll learn about local customs, traditions, and healthcare practices, which can enrich their professional and personal lives.
Ultimately, medical volunteering helps build a global healthcare network, strengthens cross-cultural connections, and contributes to addressing health disparities worldwide.
Conclusion
These top medical and healthcare programs with IVI offer diverse opportunities for those seeking practical experience while making a significant contribution to global health. Whether you are a student, a healthcare professional, or someone passionate about public health, these programs provide the perfect platform to grow your skills and make a lasting impact in communities worldwide.
Check out all IVI’s medical programs abroad!
