Support public hospitals and clinics that serve large local communities. You will work under the supervision of Sri Lankan doctors and nurses, gaining insight into the country’s healthcare system while assisting with basic non clinical tasks. Typical duties include observing ward rounds, assisting with patient intake, helping record vital signs where permitted, organising files, preparing simple equipment, supporting physiotherapy routines, assisting with patient comfort and helping maintain clean and orderly clinical areas. Your responsibilities depend on your level of training and always follow local guidelines. This program is ideal for medical, nursing or allied health students who want practical exposure in an international context. Volunteers must be studying a relevant field and be respectful of patient privacy, hospital procedures and cultural practices. A calm, professional attitude and willingness to learn are essential for success. In your free time you can visit temples, explore markets, enjoy hill country scenery, learn about Sri Lankan culture and experience daily life in Kandy.
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Updated May 20, 2026
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Locations
Available Terms / Availability
Eligible Nationalities
Education Levels & Language
Accommodation Options
Application Procedures
Age Requirement
18-30
Duration
1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 9-12 Weeks
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I volunteered for a week in the Kandy Hospital, in both the general surgery and obstetrics departments. It got to see such a variety of patients, and the people working there were really nice and explained so much. Everyone was also so nice where I was staying.
I would definitely recommend IVHQ to others. It’s a wonderful experience to get to know new people, experience a different culture, to learn how they practice medicine in a different culture and to help with their volunteering projects! We only went for a week and that was maybe a bit to short to really get comfortably installed, I would recommend to go 2 weeks!
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Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].
You volunteer in a teaching hospital where you observe doctors, nurses and daily medical routines. Depending on your background and hospital guidelines, you may help with simple tasks such as basic patient support, rehabilitation activities or non-clinical assistance under supervision.
Observe doctors and nurses in hospital departments
Support basic patient care tasks when permitted
Learn about healthcare practices in a teaching hospital environment
This programme is suitable for high-school students, pre-med students, medical and nursing students, and healthcare professionals. Volunteers must be at least 16. Those aged 16 or 17 need parental consent and may need character references. Volunteers 18 or older must provide a criminal background check. All volunteers must speak English and have volunteer travel insurance.
Suitable for medical or nursing students and healthcare trainees
tart dates are every Monday. You can volunteer for 1 to 12 weeks. Daily volunteering typically ranges from 3 to 5 hours.
Weekly Monday start dates
Duration from 1 to 12 weeks
Around 3 to 5 volunteer hours per day
You may be placed in different hospital departments depending on availability. This can include areas such as general medicine, surgery, paediatrics or maternity, giving you broad exposure to clinical settings and medical practices.
Experience across various hospital departments
Observe a wide range of clinical procedures and workflows
Gain insight into healthcare in a developing country
Volunteers stay in a shared volunteer house. The programme includes meals, airport pickup for eligible arrivals, orientation on arrival and ongoing in-country support.
Shared volunteer-house accommodation
Meals provided
Airport pickup, orientation and local support included
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider
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