Volunteer in Medical in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

My local team were so friendly and welcoming - I felt part of the family! My coordinator for the medical placement was very knowledgable and made the whole process so smooth and enjoyable. I gained so much experience and knowledge through this medical program and it was extremely eye-opening to witness the hospital conditions in a bustling city. I can't recommend volunteering through IVHQ enough!

I identify myself as a Vietnamese-American, being born in the US, but raised in a Vietnamese family and followed the culture. Vietnamese was my first language and is one of the skills I am fondly proud of being able to speak it eloquently and fluently. Through this program I able to make an impact and explore global health in Vietnam, and being able to speak the native language made the experience for me so much better. I was able to communicate with the locals and connected with them better. I was always interested in Global Health and had such a great experience with IVHQ. The meals had a variety of options! I was able to see what healthcare is like in a second world country and a non-developed country. Where people used what they have to provide the healthcare services for people. Seeing and comparing the healthcare services received in Vietnam and the US is very eye-opening and makes me more appreciative for the privlidges I have.

Simply an amazing experience! I was only in Vietnam for two weeks, but I worked with so many amazing volunteers and staff members and saw so many beautiful areas in and around the city. The program coordinators here are amazing! Not only are they good at their jobs, providing safe, meaningful volunteer opportunities, but they also are great people to spend time with and get to know. I had high expectations coming into the program, but IVHQ and Green Lion still managed to exceed those expectations! I will definitely be traveling with them again in the future. :) For the medical placement specifically, just come in with an open mind ready to observe. I learned a lot just from watching the doctors, nurses, and therapists. I even got to watch a couple of surgeries which were very interesting!

Honestly one of the best things I have ever done. My time with IVHQ was the perfect blend of travel, service, experience, and relationship building. 10/10 would recommend. Everything I did in the hospital (surgery, wound care, triage) was applicable to my field of study, and I connected with patients so well. I had the perfect amount of time to travel and explore and made so many good friendships. I would 100% do again.

My experience volunteering in Vietnam was an unforgettable time in my life, and I'll always be glad I did it. IVHQ coordinates with a fantastic local company, Green Lion, that provides exceptional housing and hosting service for volunteers. Ho Chi Minh City is a great destination, and the hospital facilities for volunteers to visit provide excellent educational opportunities. And the people there are great, too. All work and social opportunities that are afforded to the volunteers are extremely fulfilling, and I greatly recommend this location and this service to everyone.

My first trip with IVHQ was an amazing experience. As a pre med student, I was interested in seeing what the medical profession was like in a different country, specifically my family’s home country. The doctors and nurses were very friendly and happy to answer my questions. I learned so much from the different departments of the hospital and was able to determine which were my strengths and weaknesses. I also worked alongside with the other volunteers, who have become to be my friends. They were one of the main highlights of my IVHQ trip. Even though I was able to communicate to the doctors and patients in Vietnamese, I learned that laughter has no language barrier. Overall, I am thankful for this amazing opportunity to be able to learn and continue my study in medicine. I look forward to continue my trips with IVHQ!