Hospital Volunteer Programs in Africa

I had the time of my life. At first i was a really scared kid, afraid to even speak and then one night i sat with Sarah, my Coordinator and she let me feel that talking with other people is not that scary even if u have a thick accent. And i’ll never forget that night because it gave me the push to talk with people. Everybody were heartwarming, always listening. The day care was amazing, i cried so hard when i had to leave the school and also when i needed to leave the house it self. Best weeks of my life.

Throughout my placement in Croatia, IVHQ provided me with the relevant help and support needed to make my stay as stress free as possible. I would highly recommend this company and encourage anyone contemplating a placement.

My internship at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects pushed me far beyond what I expected, taking me from supporting program logistics to independently running counseling sessions and managing my own client caseload within just a few months. I was trusted with real responsibility early on, from leading a group of 45 adult learners on my own to adapting a therapeutic intervention on short notice for an urgent client referral, and that trust taught me more about clinical work and resilience than I could have learned in a classroom. This experience confirmed that clinical psychology, particularly cross-cultural and community-based care, is exactly the path I want to pursue.

Connect-123 made my experience in Ireland truly incredible. From the beginning, they did an amazing job matching me with a company that fit my personality, interests, and career goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. They also did a great job planning weekend trips around Ireland, giving me the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and make unforgettable memories along the way. Overall, Connect-123 made my time in Ireland an amazing experience both professionally and personally.

I was, probably like some of you, a bit sceptical when initially applying due to the low price compared to other organisations. However, the experience I had was absolutely amazing and I have learnt so much about not only myself, but about different cultures and etiquettes. My program manager, Marissa, was absolutely fantastic at answer all of my questions and adjusting any mistakes I submitted onto my application such as flight number and pick-up time. Despite the huge time difference between Marissa and myself, she was able to reply to my email promptly and with extreme care - I was really at ease throughout the whole process and that made the experience a bunch better. Everything on my volunteering was as described on the program guide and there were no surprises when I landed, everything that happened during my week I was prepared for. I would really recommend this company and I want to thank them once more for the fantastic and truly life-changing experience they provided for me.

I had such a wonderful experience in Split! I met so many amazing people from different countries and made memories that I will definitely never forget. The Youth Support program gave me the opportunity to connect with the local community, experience a different culture and grow personally at the same time. The local team was very welcoming and supportive and I always felt comfortable asking questions or getting help when needed. I especially loved the international atmosphere and meeting people with completely different backgrounds and stories.besides volunteering, I had enough time to explore Split, enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature and experience Croatian culture. This experience helped me step outside my comfort zone, become more independent and see things from new perspectives. I’m really grateful for all the people I met and everything I experienced during my time here. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel, volunteer, meet new people and create unforgettable memories abroad. ❤️

The support and organization of IVHQ was strong and great. Traveling and volunteering with a family of five, with 3 Jr High School kids but was amazing. Very comfortable and things were laid out well, we all felt extremely safe and comfortable the entire experience.

My internship has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. My co-workers are what made my time there so memorable. Connect-123 made the entire process smooth and easy, especially Antonella and Xena. They were both so kind, supportive, and helpful every step of the way. I’m so grateful I got to meet my program group, it was truly an amazing experience!

The preparation before trip was so detailed that I don’t have anything to worry about. It got everything listed and made it so much easier to tick off what I’ve done and what they need. The communication with the manager for the volunteer was so smooth and fast, and I was able to get a reply current evening or next morning (due to different timing in different countries). I wanted to change my volunteer from rural teaching to turtle reservation, it was so fast that there wasn’t any problems with the money nor arrangements, everything just went so smoothly, really impressed. The local team there really helped a lot, the driver, the leader, everyone was just so nice, even the cook and the receptionist. This volunteer as itself also helped me a lot on raising awareness for the sea turtles, learnt a lot and really hope to help them consistently. This is such a memorable trip and I hope to do these volunteers with IVHQ next summer with my friends.

Coming to Barcelona with Connect 123 was one of the best decisions I've made. They were incredibly helpful in helping find me an internship I felt comfortable and confident in and always very communicative. The housing they provided was amazing, and in a great location. Barcelona is now one of my favorite cities

As my time in Ireland comes to a close, I want to thank Connect-123 for partnering with Bucknell University to provide students like me with an opportunity like this. As an undergraduate, it can often feel stressful trying to gain relevant work experience while preparing for your future career. Thanks to Connect-123, I was placed with a company in a field aligned with my career goals, allowing me to grow professionally while exploring a new part of the world. This experience has given me valuable workplace experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for living and working abroad. Thank you for making it possible!

This experience has been nothing short of incredible. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. My internship could not have been a more perfect match. I have gained not only new skills but also a new perspective as well. Outside of the internship, exploring this beautiful city has been so fun. Carla, the program coordinator, is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She planned the most fun activities for our group and was truly invested in our well-being!

Following this program was a unique experience that I will never forget. I thought it gave a great balance of working at my internship, meeting new people, and exploring the new country. The opportunities each weekend gave great insights and experiences to explore outside of where we were staying and i highly recommend going to each one.

My Jamaica experience was great because it allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, connect with new people, and make meaningful memories while serving others. I loved being able to learn about the culture, build relationships with the local community, and see the impact that small acts of kindness can have. The experience challenged me to grow in my faith, gratitude, and appreciation for the opportunities I have. It was rewarding to work alongside others who shared the same passion for helping people and creating a positive difference. IVHQ does a great job of creating opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful impact while also providing support and guidance throughout the experience. They help connect volunteers with local communities, organize programs, and make it possible for people to serve in a way that is safe and structured. I appreciated how they allowed us to experience the culture of Jamaica while still focusing on helping the community. Their organization made the trip feel purposeful and helped create an environment where volunteers could learn, serve, and grow.

My experience with IVHQ absolutely exceeded my expectations and was so amazing, the staff were so friendly and really created a positive and welcoming environment, i felt safe and included by all the other volunteers, my only regret is not staying longer! I will definitely be back in the future!

Here’s a version expanded to around 500 characters: I could never fully describe this experience with words, but I truly believe everyone should live something like this at least once in their life. For me, it was life-changing, especially as I will be a nurse next year. It opened my eyes on so many levels and taught me lessons that I will carry forever. Meeting new people, helping others, and seeing different realities made me more grateful for everything I have. I know I will become a better person and a more compassionate nurse because of this experience.

My volunteer medical placement in Tanzania was an incredibly rewarding experience that contributed significantly to both my personal and professional growth. Working alongside local healthcare professionals in a resource-limited environment challenged me to adapt, think critically, and develop greater confidence in my clinical and communication skills. I gained valuable insight into delivering healthcare with limited resources while maintaining compassion, dignity, and patient-centred care. The placement also enhanced my cultural awareness and understanding. Immersing myself in Tanzanian culture allowed me to appreciate different perspectives, traditions, and approaches to health and wellbeing. Interacting with patients and community members deepened my understanding of the social and cultural factors that influence health outcomes and reinforced the importance of culturally safe care. One of the most memorable aspects of the experience was the connections formed with fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Living and working together created a supportive environment where we shared knowledge, experiences, and challenges. These relationships fostered teamwork, resilience, and mutual respect, while providing opportunities to learn from one another’s professional and personal experiences. Overall, the placement broadened my worldview, strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving abilities, and reinforced my commitment to healthcare. It was a transformative experience that will continue to influence my practice and personal outlook long into the future.

My experience with MOLAC (Modern Linguistics and African Cultural Promotion Centre) was truly rewarding. The organization provides a unique opportunity to engage with local communities while experiencing the rich culture of Tanzania. The team is welcoming, supportive, and dedicated to ensuring that volunteers have a meaningful and impactful experience. I particularly appreciated the cultural immersion activities, Kiswahili language learning opportunities, and homestay programs, which allowed me to connect deeply with local traditions and daily life. MOLAC creates a friendly environment where volunteers can contribute to community projects while developing new skills and friendships. The staff were always available to assist with orientation, accommodation, and project coordination, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend MOLAC to anyone looking for an authentic volunteer experience in Tanzania that combines service, cultural exchange, and personal growth.

Overall I had an amazing experience with Ivhq. I volunteered in Cape Town South Africa and I have never been so in love with a place. The culture and the people are truly amazing. I volunteered in a town ship with grade three and loved every minute of it! The kids are so kind and you can tell they truly love the help you have to offer. This experience will forever have such a big impact on me and changed me as a person. I would definitely recommend this to anyone:)

My experience with MOLAC was truly unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed like a member of the family. Living with a local host family gave me a genuine understanding of Tanzanian culture, traditions, and daily life. The Kiswahili lessons were practical and engaging, helping me communicate confidently with local people. I especially enjoyed practicing the language during community activities and cultural visits. The volunteer experience was meaningful and well-organized. I felt that my contribution was valued, and I learned just as much from the community as I was able to give. The MOLAC team was supportive, friendly, and always available to help. This program offered the perfect combination of cultural immersion, language learning, and community engagement. I made lifelong friendships, gained new perspectives, and created memories that I will cherish forever. I highly recommend MOLAC to anyone looking for an authentic and impactful experience in Tanzania.