The Medical Program
Vietnam's borders remain closed to international arrivals so this program can't get the assistance it needs right now.
This important medical program in Vietnam’s largest city Ho Chi Minh, provides skilled medical professionals and med-students alike the chance to experience a new culture and working environment while still learning and developing their 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.
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 gain knowledge and insight into medical practices in Vietnam and assist in the provision of 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 and visit patients. Volunteers primarily observe and shadow local professionals with 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. Placements are arranged by the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department at one of five busy hospitals and volunteers may have the chance to observe and shadow local professionals in 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.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways and can expect to be involved in:
- Network with local staff with the view to share learning and experiences
- Observe medical practices and procedures in unique environment abroad
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine. 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. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Passport
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
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.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every MONDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
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.
- Arrival Day: MONDAY 7AM - 10PM
- Departure Day: SUNDAY
- Arrival Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (Code: SGN)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this rewarding internship are accommodated in ‘Peace House’; a 6-storey building which conveniently houses both the volunteer accommodation and the local team's 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!
If preferred a private room can be arranged in a local guesthouse. Prices are shown in the Additional Information section.
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.
Fees
That’s just USD 36 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Scrubs
Volunteers are required to wear scrubs at the hospital. You are welcome to take your own or they can be obtained at the hospital. A deposit of US$10 is required.
Prefer a private room?
Private rooms can be arranged in a local guesthouse. Program fees are as follows:
2 weeks $616
3 weeks $821
4 weeks $1026
6 weeks $1436
8 weeks $1,846
10 weeks $2,256
12 weeks $2,666