GoAbroad

Health Care Volunteer Programs

International volunteer work provides the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others regardless of the type of work being done. However, healthcare volunteers may have the largest and most noticeable impact of all. The lack of access to quality healthcare across the world today is an enormous problem, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Through healthcare volunteering abroad, you can use your skills and knowledge, whether you are a new student or a fully licensed physician, to help bring healthcare to those who truly need it most.
Read More

436 Health Care Volunteer Programs

IVHQ - jump shot - VA

Featured Provider of the Month

IVHQ Volunteer health care workers

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

795

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

See All 31 Programs
African Impact logo

African Impact

9.39

176

Public Healthcare Volunteering in Zambia with African Impact

Healthcare access in rural Zambia is a daily struggle, with many families living far from clinics and relying on home-based care for even the most basic needs. This program places you in the heart of Livingstone, a vibrant town near Victoria Falls, where you’ll directly support caregivers and local medical teams. Whether assisting with wound care in the community or helping clinics manage long patient queues, your efforts will bring vital relief to overburdened healthcare services. Designed for both aspiring medical students and passionate volunteers, the program offers a practical way to contribute to public health while gaining unique insight into Zambia’s healthcare challenges. Over a minimum of 10 days, you’ll help spread knowledge through health education workshops, assist in rural homes, and provide companionship to vulnerable groups. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while also learning from the resilience and spirit of Zambian communities.

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.5

487

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

See All 8 Programs

Volunteer for the Visayans

8

1

Volunteer in a Community Health Clinic

Volunteer at a health clinic in the Philippines and help augment support to understaffed and underfunded health clinics in rural towns outside Tacloban City. This volunteer project is ideal for volunteers looking to experience the Philippines' healthcare industry or implement their professional medical skills in a rewarding environment. Rural Health Unit clinics serve as the only source of free healthcare for impoverished communities in rural towns around Tacloban City. It is at these clinics where one doctor and a handful of nurses have the sole responsibility of looking after a community of thousands of people while at the same time having only a limited number of resources at their disposal. Clinics benefit from volunteer medical professionals and students. Duties vary by qualification and may include taking vitals, medical history, vaccinations, surgery, delivery, and medical screenings. Services provided at the clinic; outreach services to outlying areas. The initiative is a major trait that volunteers need to possess to participate in this project.

Adelante Abroad

9.5

6

Internships in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Step out of your comfort zone with our amazing internships in Mexico, a country famous for its ancient ruins and stunning beaches! With Adelante Abroad, you will combine practical experience in your chosen field and cultural immersion through a discovery of a new country. Our internship programs in Oaxaca emphasize giving back to the community rather than pure work. Sign up for 1-12 months and choose from placements in various sectors - Arts, Social Work, Psychology, English Teaching, Culinary, Education, and more. These internships and volunteer opportunities are on a rolling basis, where assigned programs start the first week of every month! Housing will differ depending on the location of your internship, and candidates will be placed either with a local or with other international candidates. Both living options will allow you to improve your Spanish speaking level. Adelante Abroad offers internships and volunteer assignments based on the program's availability and your experience in the sector. Contact us to confirm placements in advance or inquire about other opportunities!

See All 2 Programs

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.67

9

Top Medical and Nursing Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Expand your horizons with a medical volunteer experience or internship abroad! Our programs are ideal for students of nursing, medicine, dentistry and public health. Our wide variety of programs allows for students in all years, with all levels of experience, to get the most out of the experience. In addition to helping those in need and lending a hand at understaffed hospitals and clinics, our volunteers and interns can receive academic credit for their time and work. We offer medical and health care placements in Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia! Many of these programs offer specific placements for students in a specific specialty and may be tailored to fit academic requirements.

See All 9 Programs

Kaya Responsible Travel

0

0

Clinical Medical Volunteer Program in Ghana

RECRUITING NOW! Our Volunteering in Hospitals in Ghana placement is based in a hospital or clinic in Cape Coast, and participants assist doctors and nurses as they care for low-income patients. This is a fully functioning hospital supporting the communities around Cape Coast and, like any hospital, there are injuries, ailments, and diseases presenting themselves every day. There is a range of departments such as medical, surgical, gynecology, surgical, and the children’s ward as well as public health and dentistry. Medical volunteers can contribute through observational work, triage tasks, taking vitals and anthropometric measurements, treating injuries, shadowing nurses and doctors, sitting in on surgeries, and cleaning and preparing instruments, taking blood, and educational activities. Tasks will depend largely on experience. Volunteers who are studying or have finished a course related to health, nursing, dentistry, or medicine are preferred participants for this project. Those who are considering a career in medicine are also welcome to join. A flexible attitude is a must as well as a willingness to learn and participate wherever needed.

See All 4 Programs

The Real Uganda

9.81

16

Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between these locally requested interventions: Public health and clinical work: Volunteers work in rural clinics providing testing, treatment, counseling services, and prevention education. Nutrition, vegetable gardening, and community sanitation programs are also ongoing. We aim to support rural public health in Uganda. Teaching and childcare: Volunteers work in rural classrooms, choosing what ages and topics to teach. Art and sport are the most popular. Traditional teaching in Uganda is rote learning and memorization. We aim to encourage teamwork, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge in primary schools. Organic farming: Volunteers work alongside women and community members to maintain gardens. Depending on the season, volunteers prepare the soil, plant seeds, spread mulch, weed, harvest, and chase birds and other pests. Learn from Ugandan farmers, and share your ideas as well. We aim to teach efficient land use, organic pest control, and nutrition.

See All 2 Programs

International Medical Aid (IMA)

9.96

160

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

See All 5 Programs

Roots Interns

9

1

Medical Internship in Peru

Embark on a journey to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of one of Peru's most enchanting cities while simultaneously gaining invaluable experience within the heart of a dynamic nonprofit organization. Within these picturesque surroundings, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to join an organization dedicated to fostering the comprehensive development of individuals in need through a series of innovative and impactful projects. As an intern with this organization, your primary focus will be to actively participate in daily tasks in their medical sector. These may include the pivotal role of assisting doctors in conducting thorough physical examinations and check-ups for patients, ensuring that they receive the highest quality of care. You'll also play a vital role in the administration of vaccines and injections, contributing directly to the health and well-being of the community. The dynamic nature of the organization means that you'll be exposed to a lot of healthcare-related challenges and opportunities. Your role will evolve based on the needs of the organization and your own growth as a healthcare professional. Learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference.

See All 9 Programs

help2kids

9.64

39

Inspire Young Lives with help2kids: Volunteer in Tanzania

As a volunteer with help2kids, you can choose from different educational projects in Tanzania! Make a difference in the lives of local children through various ways: * Teach small and big groups of students * Spend one-on-one time with a child * Assist teachers * Supervise children in the class and during break time * Help the cook with the preparation and distribution of porridge and lunch * Teach basic computer skills Connect with children through teaching, playing, and listening. Our dedicated team of local and international staff supports volunteers to help children excel in school and build a path to success. You will stay at our secure and welcoming Volunteer House on the scenic help2kids campus. Here, you’ll live alongside fellow participants and staff members, fostering community and collaboration. We offer dormitory-style accommodation with options for single and double rooms, daily breakfast and lunch, a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living room, and a spacious outdoor area for socializing. We also provide visa administration assistance to ensure a smooth experience. If you need more information about our program, please feel free to contact us.

Volunteering With India

9.14

7

Medical Volunteer Program

We have a program open to participants who want to help our Medical Mobile Van Team. Under this project, our prime focus is to provide for and support the population living in rural areas and slums in Jaipur. The clinic reassures them that they are not alone in this world, strengthens their self-confidence and shows that somebody is there to care for, love and support them Our mobile van, a well-equipped clinic, operates daily and caters directly to our target population to offer them counseling, health, and medical services. The clinic reassures them that they are not alone in the world. As a medical volunteer, your role will be mainly observational. If you have no experience, doctors will show you all they can as well as introduce you to many different cases. You will be given more responsibilities, including the possibility of more hands-on work if you possess a medical background. This service is generally for the children or people which are not able to afford medicine, doctor fees, not aware by the diseases and come from BPL (below poverty line).

See All 2 Programs

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

0

0

Cuba & Costa Rica – 8 Weeks Travel Adventure

This program offers a full 8-week "All In" experience combining adventure and cultural exchange in Costa Rica and Cuba. Spend one month in each country embracing the lifestyle, enjoying the best activities, and making a positive impact by supporting local communities. Start in Costa Rica with Spanish classes, surfing, and yoga in the beach town of Santa Teresa, as well as an overland cloud forest exploration in Monteverde. Then, travel to Cuba to continue improving your language skills, enjoy some salsa dancing, participate in volunteer projects, and travel around the country to learn all about its history and culture. This is an ideal program for those seeking a blend of education, cultural immersion, and unique activities in two of Latin America's most vibrant countries. Plus, you get the chance to stay in a “jungle surf camp,” nestled in a paradise setting surrounded by wildlife. Imagine spotting a howler monkey hanging on a tree branch!

See All 3 Programs

Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

See All 55 Programs

Love Volunteers

0

0

Working with Children with Disabilities in Ecuador

Love Volunteers partners with a specialist home and daycare in this program that aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the lives of infants and children with disabilities. Volunteers contribute their time and energy, ensuring that kids with special needs receive physical therapy, stimulation, care, attention, and love. The specialist home caters to infants and children, from 0-14 years old, who come from families with insufficient financial resources. Its services are geared toward treatment for chronic and incurable diseases and rehabilitation. It has a daycare center and kindergarten, where children receive therapy, food, and medical and psychological attention. Without volunteers, the home and daycare center's sustainability wouldn't be possible. International participants provide vital free labor to ensure children can continue to receive quality care and compassion.

See All 19 Programs

GVI

9.64

33

Women’s Empowerment Volunteering In Cambodia

Travel to the magnificent Asian country of Cambodia to assist our local partners as we work towards gender equality in the Phnom Penh region. Volunteers will get involved in a range of different women's empowerment activities, depending on the needs of the community at the time. These activities typically teaching English lessons and life-skills workshops to help the local women develop personally and professionally. Your contribution will play a significant role in increasing the local females’ access to education while improving their employment opportunities and quality of life.

See All 6 Programs

World Endeavors

9.86

29

Volunteer in Ecuador with World Endeavors

Ecuador's vibrant culture, dense rainforests, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and picturesque beaches make it the premier destination in South America. Volunteers with World Endeavors are based near the beautiful southern Pacific Coast. By choosing one of the several volunteer projects, participants have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the people of Ecuador. Projects include teaching children, orphanage assistance, special education, deaf education, and wildlife conservation. Eligibility for this program includes English language fluency; a desire to help the people of Ecuador; flexibility and self-motivation; openness to a new culture, and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

See All 8 Programs

Child Family Health International

8.73

11

Global Health in Kabale, Uganda

Become a part of the community in Kabale, a town located in southwestern Uganda, and learn about their groundbreaking, integrated approach to addressing and improving maternal and child health. Due to insufficient government infrastructure and funding, nonprofit organizations have taken the lead in providing access to healthcare services, especially in remote regions. With CFHI’s local partner you will rotate through the main general clinic, as well as the newly built Maternal and Child Hospital where you will learn from physicians, nurses, medical officers, lab and ultrasound technicians. At the HIV/AIDS clinic, sit in on counseling sessions, shadow health workers who conduct testing and learn how to reduce rates of mother to child transmission. Accompany outreach local team in a rural village and explore how nutrition and HIV are closely linked. Other opportunities include rotating at a nutrition center that treats and prevents maternal and child malnutrition, visiting traditional birth attendants and healers, and joining a local radio program that provides public health education to the community.

See All 17 Programs

Connect-123 Internship Programs

9.74

101

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

See All 6 Programs

Global Leadership Adventures

9.79

63

GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

A Guide to Healthcare Volunteering Abroad

Why Volunteer Abroad

Volunteer opportunities abroad in healthcare are both readily available and very much needed. In fact, international healthcare volunteers make up a sizable proportion of health care workers in many underdeveloped nations, as they rely on outside assistance to support the medical needs of their growing populations. Certain areas of Asia, Africa, and South America are in the greatest need of healthcare volunteers, since many rural areas have just a handful of local physicians available to manage populations in the thousands. In these regions, healthcare volunteers, whether students, nurses, or licensed physicians, help to fill the gaps that simply cannot be handled by local doctors, and also bring with them medical treatments and expertise not available otherwise. 

Furthermore, healthcare volunteering abroad is not only a great way to help others, but it can certainly benefit you as well. Volunteers will have a fantastic experience to add to their resume, making healthcare volunteer programs an excellent choice for students at any point in their medical education. The hands on experience gained through healthcare volunteer placements is exactly what many employers and/or academic institutions are looking for from applicants. Tack on the international aspect of volunteering abroad and you will be able to not only show that you can apply your healthcare knowledge, but also that you can do so in an unfamiliar, foreign, and challenging setting.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Great experience volunteering in HuaHin

December 17, 2025by: Judith Hibbert - United KingdomProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I had a great time in Thailand volunteering through IVHQ. Their pre departure checklists and videos were really helpful, and gave me confidence. The handover to the local team was seamless, with pickups and transport working really well. During the placement, the accommodation was great, with a good range of extra activities to get involved in during our downtime. In my third week, I transferred to a private room, as my boyfriend joined, and this again was seamless, with local pickups and drop offs only a whatsapp away. And the placement itself was sooo rewarding! I did construction and renovation which was sometimes tough in the heat, but well worth it to see the gratitude on the faces of the pupils and teachers at the kindergarten.

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Volunteer Abroad Articles

Challenges of Volunteering
How Does Volunteering Help Communities Abroad?
Travel Inspiration
camel caravan through the desert
50+ Travel
volunteer hand touching small girl’s hand
Health & Safety Tips
sea turtle on a white sand beach
How to
Vintage red phone booth in New Zealand
Before You Go
Three adult volunteers working outside
For 30-Somethings
old woman taking a picture using an old camera
50+ Travel
husband and wife posing for cute photo in Greece
For 30-Somethings