Description

There is a real shortage of skilled physical and occupational therapists in Cambodia. If you're currently training with at least one year of experience, recently qualified, or on a career break, you'll provide valuable treatment to babies, children, and adults with a wide range of physical problems.

The experiences you'll have on physical or occupational therapy internship abroad will give you a greater understanding of how professionals in the fields work in a developing country while providing valuable experience overseas.

All Physical Therapy interns in Cambodia must have completed at least one year of related studies or training by the time they join this project.

Interns with a year or more experience, but who are not yet fully qualified, work at the National Baby and Children's Center. Interns who are fully qualified and can commit to at least two months on the project work at the Veterans International Center.

The National Baby and Children's Center in Phnom Penh is home to over one hundred babies and children and the majority of them are physically or mentally disabled.

The Center was established in 1980 to receive orphans and abandoned children from the city and other provinces. The children at the center are very vulnerable and require constant care. It is important for volunteers to have a positive attitude and a real willingness to help children with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.

The physical therapy department has scheduled children to spend quality time in the physical therapy room as often as possible. Each child has different needs: some are learning to walk while others suffer from muscular problems. Other children need to have their joints massaged regularly to maintain their physical health. Extra assistance from interns with these tasks will allow more children to use the room and get treatment on a regular basis.

The physical therapy room is relatively well equipped and includes cushions, balls, mats, and specialized chairs.

The Veterans International Kien Khleang Center in Phnom Penh is one of three physical rehabilitation centers that Veterans International operates in Cambodia. Veterans International has been working with landmine victims and people with disabilities since 1991.

Highlights

Physical Therapy interns work alongside one of the local physical therapists and assist children and adults with a variety of conditions including landmine victims, people who have suffered from polio, people with cerebral palsy, and children with club feet. Depending on your level of knowledge and experience you may be given your own patients to work with.

The center has an outdoor undercover treatment area where patients can practice walking up steps and on a variety of surfaces.

Intern Types

• Physical Therapy

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

- Accommodation
- Food
- Medical and travel insurance
- Custom tailored placement
- 24 hour in country staff support
- Airport transfers

Experience Required

yes

One year of Physical Therapy related studies.

Volunteer Types

• Health
• Health Care
• Medicine
• Nursing

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992