GoAbroad

Health Volunteer Programs

In many parts of the world, access to medical care is a dream rather than a reality; health volunteering abroad allows individuals to make healthcare a reality for those who need it most. Even if you don’t have a degree in the field, opportunities for health volunteering abound, whether assisting in med administration, providing information to patients, or simply caring for who would otherwise be neglected. The biggest threats to global health are: lack of safe drinking water, malnutrition, and lack of health education. Health volunteers can help spread information about proper nutrition and disease prevention and help with distribution of resources.
Read More
Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

420 Health Volunteer Programs

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 4 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.

See All 2 Programs

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

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.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.77

26

Top Biological Research Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

From conducting wildlife and marine research and conservation to trekking through lush rainforests to analyzing blood test results, GoEco has you covered for your biological research volunteer opportunity or internship abroad! Join us in any destination to be a part of the solution. Adding photo identifications of whale sharks to international databases, observing Africa's Big Five species and gaining experience analyzing medical test results are just a few examples of the opportunities that we offer.

See All 11 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 5 Programs

The Intern Group

9.43

58

Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

The Intern Group provides you with top internships in London! Partnering with a range of great companies and NGOs, our London internship program will fulfill your career potential. We are regularly featured in mainstream international media like CNN International. Apply now to intern in the greatest city in the world and propel your career development! Visit The Intern Group's website to get all the details!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

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

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

See All 29 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 13 Programs

Mente Argentina

9.86

7

Mente Argentina: International Volunteer Programs

Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires has been thoughtfully designed to promote change in the communities of Buenos Aires as well as in the individuals who participant in the program. Throughout the course of the program, participants will be giving the opportunity to work on locally run projects, which will improve the environment and lifestyle of community. They will also have the chance to live like a local, build relationships with the people, and dive into the rich Argentinean culture. Marte Argentina has partnered with volunteer organizations and NGO's in order to give volunteers a variety of different opportunities. Among some of those opportunities are: working with children, education, HIV/AIDS counseling, and medical/health volunteering. No matter what program volunteers choose, they will have the opportunity to engage with the people and language of the beautiful country of Argentina and be changed by the experience.

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 3 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 53 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 18 Programs

GVI

9.5

40

Volunteer to Teach English in Costa Rica

Teach English to varying age-groups in the local community of Quepos. You’ll support the improvement of vocabulary, literacy, and conduct conversational English classes. This is also an opportunity to facilitate discussions on conservation awareness, and practice your conversational Spanish. You’ll be working alongside local partners, GVI staff, and fellow participants from around the world to support sustainable objectives that have been carefully aligned with the 17 United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This includes UN SDG 4: Quality Education. GVI has child protection policies in place to ensure projects adhere to ethical best practices. When you aren’t participating in the project, explore Manuel Antonio National Park, go whitewater kayaking, or view active volcanoes from a safe distance. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit various beaches or enjoy canopy and coffee-related tours.

See All 7 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 9 Programs

Child Family Health International

9.78

9

Global Health in the Philippines

Learn about the organization of the Philippines' mostly devolved health system and the different issues in providing appropriate healthcare in the context of its unique geography while witnessing its cultural diversity and natural beauty. Many remote, hard-to-reach islands, otherwise known as geographically isolated disadvantaged areas (GIDA), hospitals, and healthcare clinics strive to deliver quality health services despite the often inadequate infrastructure, investment, supplies, and personnel. Experience first-hand the daily healthcare challenges faced by “barangays” or villages, on remote islands in the provinces of Quezon, Lubang, and Romblon. Visit premiere urban public and private health facilities in the capital city of Manila before the remote island immersion for a better appreciation of the dichotomies between public versus private and rural versus urban healthcare systems. Meet local health professionals at the Department of Health and the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office Headquarters and enjoy cultural lectures and excursions led by CFHI's on-site partners.

See All 14 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 Health Volunteering Abroad

Why Volunteer Abroad in Health

Volunteering in the health field will not only provide volunteers with feelings of satisfaction, having spread valuable information, assisted in disease prevention, or distributing essential medicines, but there is no better way to introduce yourself to a culture than person-to-person interaction with local people. Health volunteers will speak with locals every day, learn about the issues they face in caring for themselves and their families, and glean a greater understanding about life in a different part of the world.

Volunteers at hospitals and clinics are some of the most needed volunteers in the world. Though everyone, regardless of wealth or status, should receive necessary medical attention, this is not always the case; therefore, volunteers are urgently in demand, especially in low-income cities with large populations.

Medical student status isn’t necessary (or even a pre-medical student) to become a health volunteer abroad. You can make a global difference by being part in health campaigns, spreading information, and distributing supplies, such as prophylactics or mosquito nets, around the world.

However, if you’re considering applying to medical, nursing, dentistry, or any other health-related graduate program, health volunteering abroad can provide you with important first hand experience, as well as knowledge about health care in different parts of the world. This can be highlighted on your resume as well as expressed in an interview.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

IVHQ Guatemala

December 13, 2025by: Ariana Refinski - United StatesProgram: IVHQ Healthcare and Medical Volunteering in Guatemala
9

I had an amazing time volunteering with IVHQ Guatemala in their medical and healthcare program. I found the application process to be very easy and straightforward forward. Also, IVHQ staff contacts were provided for questions before and during the trip. It was an amazing way to see a new country from a lens other than just being a tourist.

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