Every Share Helps!

Interested in volunteering for healthcare? You don’t have to be a medical professional—or in med school—to help! The following volunteer programs offer placements abroad for those interested in getting some hands-on experience, but above all learning about local medical practice, and immersing oneself in the host country culture.

Global-Cultural Solution

Global-Cultural Solution provides two-week to six-month placements in Ghana working with day-to-day operations of hospitals and clinics. Volunteers do not need to be medical professionals, though depending on their level of experience, they may be welcome to assist with hands-on care along with other local doctors. Programs cost $350 to $1,200 depending on the length of stay, and include airport pickup and drop-off, orientation, accommodation with a host family or in a shared house, in-country support, a tour, and a local language crash course. More information: www.gcs-np.org

Mozvolunteers

Mozvolunteers offers placements for two to eight weeks in South Africa and Mozambique for home-based care visits and clinic assistance. While projects are crafted for medical students, volunteers who would like to simply learn more about local healthcare practices are welcome to participate. Programs range from £270 to £295 per week and cover airport pickup and drop-off, project expenses, accommodations in shared rooms, orientation, and support. More information: www.mozvolunteers.com

International Volunteer Program

You also might be interested in International Volunteer Program, which places individuals for six weeks in France, UK, and USA with hospital assistance, disabled care, elderly care, and more. Volunteers must be 18 or older, and do not need medical background to apply. Programs cost $1,500, which covers a plane ticket; accommodations in a dorm, onsite lodging, or with a host family; meals; training; and project expenses. More information: www.ivpsf.org

Mission Doctors Association

For those of you who are medical professionals, consider Mission Doctors Association, which welcomes Catholic healthcare professionals on short- and long-term projects lasting from one month to three years in Cameroon, Guatemala, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Surgeons, pediatricians, OBGYNs, dentists, internists, and family practice physicians are welcome to apply. There are no fees for Mission Doctors Association’s programs, and long-term volunteers may receive a small stipend. More information: www.missiondoctors.org

Los Médicos Voladores

And finally, Los Médicos Voladores offers short-term medical, dental, optometry, and general practice assistance throughout El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and the United States. Not a medical professional? No problem! Los Médicos Voladores also welcomes English-Spanish translators to assist with clinic operations, as well as pilots to fly their doctors to their host country project sites. Programs range from $800 to $1,450 and volunteers are housed in local accommodations. More information: www.flyingdocs.org

Update! Check out Work the World for more medical placements in Africa, Asia, and South America. Internships focus on medical care, midwifery, dentistry, physical therapy, and more. More information: www.worktheworld.com and on Twitter @WorkTheWorld

Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons users Jurgen and Spc. Johnny R. Aragon.