Top 10 Nursing Abroad Programs for Aspiring Volunteers

Don’t settle for average nursing abroad programs—pick from the best! What’s an effective way to combine helping people, traveling abroad, and even more helping people? By volunteering as a nurse abroad! When you volunteer abroad in nursing, you will get to flex your medical knowledge, travel wherever your heart desires, and help people access necessary medical care. Whether you want to aid in disaster relief, vaccinate young children, or be a guide for public health education, there are endless possibilities and endless benefits for you and for the community you work with. 

Volunteer nurse abroad programs help you find volunteer placements, and some even help with housing, visas, and everything else in between. There are programs for nursing students and new nurses, all the way up to seasoned senior nurses. The main benefit of becoming a nursing volunteer abroad is that you will gain a more compassionate and worldly perspective—and have a couple of awesome adventures along the way!

Here’s a sneak peek of the best nursing abroad programs out there:

• African Impact
• Maximo Nivel
• Mente Argentina
• Projects Abroad
• A Broader View
• Vive Peru
• ELI Abroad
• The Real Uganda
• Volunteer for the Visayans
• Naturally Africa Volunteers

The best programs to volunteer as a nurse abroad this year

1. African Impact — 9.24

“I truly enjoyed my stay in South Africa and the incredible opportunity to enter people's homes and their lives. Getting to treat those most in need and learn what home based care really entails was eye-opening and humbling. I made so many incredible memories and met countless inspiring, hard working people. I am incredibly grateful to the communities of Khula, Ezwenalisha, and Dukuduku for their hospitality and openness.”—Read more African Impact reviews here

• Where? Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa
• When? Year round, 2—12 weeks
• Why? African Impact is an African company that works hand-in-hand with local communities to create sustainable volunteer experiences. Many of African Impact’s programs focus on HIV/AIDS education and care. There are opportunities to work within hospitals and clinics, or help in home based care activities, giving volunteers a varied and exciting experience! 
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2. Maximo Nivel — 9.64

“This is a perfect opportunity for individuals to gain experience in any medical field they may choose. The hospitality and warm welcomes from the local people made this trip all that much better. I would recommend this to any group of students in our university. Our time here is something we will truly never forget; we will treasure the impact we’ve made on the local people forever. Hopefully I will be able to return as a fully practicing medical doctor!”—Read more Maximo Nivel reviews here

• Where? Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru
• When? Year round, programs run anywhere from 1 week—1 year
• Why? Ever wanted to volunteer as a nurse in Latin America? Then Maximo Nivel has the program for you! Their medical programs operate in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteers will gain professional hands-on experience, learn Spanish medical terminology, and practice communicating with Spanish-speaking patients, as part of an effort to become a more global-minded nurse.  
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3. Mente Argentina — 9.98 

“I volunteered in pediatrics. I worked with kids, helped them [and their] parents. I had a great supervisor that answered all the questions that I had and while I was there, I also got to interview kids, parents, doctors, nurses about the health system here which was very interesting to compare it to the US system. They really helped me get a more worldly view of how health care is around other countries.” — Read more Mente Argentina reviews here

• Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
• When? Year round, 4—20 weeks
• Why? Mente Argentina goes beyond just offering a volunteer nursing placement. The program offers nursing abroad volunteers an immersive experience, including the chance to live with a homestay and the opportunity to participate in planned activities and tours around the city. Program participants can even enroll in a week-long Spanish language course to get a leg up on learning the language! 
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4. Projects Abroad—9.42

“As soon as I signed up, Projects Abroad was available to answer any questions I could have. They supported me all pre- departure, on my arrival, and my departure. I was placed in one of the general hospitals. I worked in the delivery room, consultations, and emergency pediatrics. I fell in love with emergency medicine. My host family was so friendly and excited to have me. My housemate was another volunteer on a different project. She and I made so many new friends! I even had a Projects Abroad worker I could text day or night with any question I could have. She also met with me once a week to make sure I was comfortable and happy.” Read more Projects Abroad reviews here

• Where? Bolivia, Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, and Vietnam
• When? Year round, 2—4 weeks
• Why? Projects Abroad’s mission is to encourage travellers to participate in worthwhile volunteer abroad projects. Their nursing volunteer programs are tailored to nurses at any level, and they do their best to find a placement within your interests. Nurses have the chance to rotate through different positions and roles, and truly become part of the team at their medical facility!
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5. A Broader View—9.99

“I learned and saw so much that I wouldn't have been able to see as a volunteer in the U.S. I got to take vital signs, help out in wound care, and I learned to start IV leads and administer medications and vaccines. I got to witness live births and hear about the surgeries that other ABV volunteers witnessed. It was also cool to meet other volunteers also from ABV and hear about their experiences. What I loved most was learning from the doctors and nurses who enjoyed teaching us despite how busy they were and who had the patience to explain to us the whys and the hows.” Read more A Broader View reviews here

• Where? Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa
• When? Year round, 1—12 weeks
• Why? A Broader View focuses on fostering bonds between volunteers and the community. They believe that volunteering is one of the best ways to create connections between nations. A Broader View is a U.S. based company with programs run all across the world—you definitely won’t run out of options! They have a variety of different programs for volunteer nursing abroad, from HIV care to midwifery.
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6. Vive Peru—9.79

“This program was an awesome experience! Clinical experience involved shadowing, working with kids and parents in the community, and getting hands on at times. There are also a surgeries that can be watched at the hospitals at times. As for the staff, they are a great group of individuals who are willing to help you in any way they can and will assist you with work, illness, planning trips, and are awesome just to hang out with. The host family was amazing and made the trip so much better. They take you in with open arms and make really, really good food!” —Read more Vive Peru reviews here

• Where? Trujillo, Otuzco and Pacasmayo
• When? Year round, 1—8 weeks
• Why? Vive Peru operates volunteer programs in Northern Peru, which means they are experts in all things volunteering in Peru. They have two goals: to foster an understanding of Peruvian culture and to provide aid to Peruvian communities—this means you would get awesome cultural experience, as well as medical experience.  
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7. ELI Abroad—9.61 

“I learned so much, got to have a lot of hands on experience and had so much fun doing it. The whole team was so welcoming, friendly and willing to teach. Our mentors were so helpful, accommodating and were the most genuine people I've ever met. Overall I highly recommended this program. You wont regret it.” — Read more ELI Abroad reviews here

• Where? Argentina, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam
• When? Year round, 2—12 weeks
• Why? ELI Abroad makes the effort to tailor your volunteer program to you, so as a volunteer nurse abroad, you can apply your skills the best you can by working in a field that aligns with your goals and interests. Their programs cater to anyone from students to experienced medical professionals, and the best thing you can bring to the program is your willingness to learn and your experience! 
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8. The Real Uganda—10

“The first two months of my experience I worked in several different remote communities "Educating Educators" on how to provide health education, limit the transmission of disease and promote overall health. The last month I worked throughout the same 4 community groups on rotation. Through these experiences I learned about being an effective educator in a culturally diverse population, worked with hard-working grassroots organizations, and gained a thorough understanding of the culture, people, food, travel, and problems of Uganda. I consider this experience the most rewarding learning experience of my life and would 10/10 participate in any program as wonderful as The Real Uganda.” — Read more The Real Uganda reviews here

• Where? Mukono, Kayunga, and Buikwe Districts
• When? Year round, 2—12 weeks
• Why? The Real Uganda’s main priority is ethical volunteering. They work closely with the community to create locally-led initiatives that are mutually beneficial for both volunteers and the locals. Many of their programs include clinical work and, more importantly, empowering communities through health education. 
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9. Volunteer for the Visayans—9.65 

“Volunteering with the healthcare team at a personal and community level was a great experience. From the moment I arrived I worked directly with patients. The majority of patients presented with low acuity ailments and many mother's brought their children in for weight and growth measurements. From wound care to vital signs, vaccinations to observing physician consultation, I was able to cover nearly all aspects of the small clinic. The staff allowed me to work under my own scope of practice, always making sure I felt comfortable completing tasks… Overall, this was a great way to obtain patient contact hours, connect with the locals and an unforgettable cultural experience.” — Read more Volunteer for the Visayans reviews here

• Where? Tacloban City
• When? Year round, 4 weeks—6 months
• Why? Volunteer for the Visayans offers volunteer abroad nurses a challenging and rewarding program. You will get the chance to work at a Rural Health Unit, which is the main source of basic free healthcare for many rural communities in Tacloban City. Beyond working in the clinic, volunteers also support other health projects in the community, such as the Nutrition Project and health awareness seminars. Best of all, you will stay in a homestay during your volunteer term, for full immersion into the community!  
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10. Naturally Africa Volunteers—9.68

“I spent my mornings using my medical skills to care for a variety of wounds and infections in mobile clinics. My fellow volunteers and I brought supplies to surrounding villages that may otherwise not have the ability to receive medical care, and the community that we interacted with was so kind, welcoming, and appreciative. In the afternoons, we spent our time educating these communities about various medical issues that were relevant to their care and also taught some village leaders how to care for basic wounds themselves. Overall, I really enjoyed my time[...] and was touched by the people that I cared for, especially the children! I would suggest this program if you are looking to utilize your medical skills to enhance the lives of those who would otherwise not receive any care at all.” — Read more Naturally Africa Volunteers reviews here

• Where? Malawi and Namibia
• When? Year round, 2—12 weeks
• Why? Naturally Africa strives to go beyond the clinic; they also focus on sustainable and practical community education. Nurse volunteers have the chance to get involved in many different areas of healthcare, benefiting the community through education even beyond the clinic. Their programs allow volunteers to leave a positive impact, even after their trip is over. 
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[Browse ALL Volunteer Programs Abroad for Nurses]

Volunteer as a nurse abroad this year!

Being a nursing volunteer is beneficially for the community you work in and for you.

Taking the opportunity to volunteer as a nurse abroad is both a challenging and rewarding experience. Those who volunteer abroad in nursing come home with a better understanding of the diverse needs of their patients. There is a great demand for nurses abroad, which means you can have your pick of where you would like to go!

By volunteering as a nurse abroad, you will be helping communities who may not otherwise have access to vital medical care and health education—all while getting the chance to travel! It’s a win-win experience for everyone involved! So what are you waiting for? Time to pack up your scrubs and volunteer as a nurse abroad!

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