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Hospital Volunteer Programs

Volunteering in hospitals abroad is a wonderful real-life opportunity to gain hands on experience in the medical field. Volunteer work in hospitals can range anywhere from pediatrics to physical therapy to mental health counseling and general patient assistance, meaning almost anyone can find a placement and contribute to the inner workings of hospitals abroad.
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206 Hospital Volunteer Programs

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Kaya Responsible Travel

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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.

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MAXIMO NIVEL

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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!

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Volunteer for the Visayans

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Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines

Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) provides a wide range of program choices for people wanting to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines through our local community partners and our very own community centers. VFV endeavors to improve the quality of life of the community by providing responsive, efficient, and high-quality community service through our programs and projects that promote self-efficiency, well-being, and prosperity of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Visayas Region. VFV has initiated programs to address issues in social welfare, education, public health, and community development in rural areas surrounding Tacloban City. The design of our programs allows prospective participants of varied skills and professions to get involved with various projects. We require that all volunteers are flexible, self-motivated, open-minded, sensitive to other cultures, and desire to challenge themselves in an unfamiliar environment!

Adelante Abroad

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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!

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African Impact

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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

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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 7 Programs

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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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 11 Programs

The Real Uganda

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Public Health Improvement in Uganda

Volunteers assist our partners with a variety of public health improvement activities that help Ugandans stay healthy and make good decisions for their families. They talk to people in schools, village meetings, private homes, and churches about health care issues directly affecting them. They also design seminars based on topics such as household hygiene, malaria prevention, HIV prevention and AIDS care, safe sex, family planning, maternal and child health, and nutrition. Other activities such as teaching, youth mentoring, and community gardening may be on offer by the host organization. Basic training and educational materials are on site, but volunteers are encouraged to bring new materials as well. This project involves walking long distances in the sun; volunteers are encouraged to bring a sleeping bag, hat, and walking shoes. As you’ll be working off-the-beaten track, expect to ride to work on the back of a motorcycle. These are the requirements to join: - Be 18 years or older - Be able to walk distances up to 2 kilometers daily - Obtain a police check from home country prior to volunteering - Sign a general waiver of liability - Have a positive and outgoing personality

International Medical Aid (IMA)

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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.

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Roots Interns

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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.

Mente Argentina

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Mente Argentina: Medical/Public Health Volunteer Program

Spend time in some of Buenos Aires' best clinics, hospitals, and public health research institutions, supporting both patients and nursing staff! Volunteers gather data and study community and clinical health challenges, including both large-scale pandemics and rare illnesses. Volunteers may have the chance to observe surgeries and attend rounds with staff, as well as assisting with public health outreach and education. Gain insight into the field of international health, and build teamwork and collaboration abilities. Through the volunteering experience, language abilities will improve tremendously and participants will be surprised how quickly they pick up on day-to-day conversation. In order to get a leg up at the start of the program, volunteers may choose to enroll in a short Spanish language course provided by Mente Argentina.

Volunteering With India

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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).

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

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Costa Rica All-in-One Program

Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist in the nursery and hatchery, join night patrols, participate in beach cleanups, and more. Cap off your experience with an unforgettable week in the lush Monteverde Rainforest, where adventure and adrenaline await!

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Projects Abroad

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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 36 Programs

Love Volunteers

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Healthcare and Medical Placements in Ghana

This program provides additional staff to a medical clinic in a small coastal town. The local community welcomes volunteers with a wide range of experience, from pre-med and med students to practicing personnel. Individuals without relevant training can apply as well. Joining this volunteer project helps students for a medical career, provided they are enthusiastic and eager to assist in Ghana's health sector. Medical volunteers undertake duties according to their interests and areas of expertise. They may shadow local doctors and nurses, learning a great deal while assisting and observing work in the clinic. They may also provide direct assistance and gain invaluable hands-on experience. Volunteers play a vital role in delivering quality healthcare to the local community.

See All 13 Programs

Child Family Health International

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Global Health in Oaxaca, Mexico

Program formerly known as "Cultural Crossroads in Health in Oaxaca, Mexico." Oaxaca, where CFHI students can explore a different culture and way of life while learning about the region's healthcare system through clinical rotations, is truly a crossroads where different cultures and healthcare practices intersect. Oaxaca City, one of the most unique cities in Mexico, is steeped in history, tradition, and the influences of a vibrant indigenous culture. Students will be immersed in the region's language and rich culture while learning about contemporary social issues facing the local population. Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico, and many of its inhabitants, especially those of the large indigenous population in rural areas, have limited access to even rudimentary healthcare services. Participants will be exposed to various elements of Oaxacan healthcare: public and private, urban and rural.

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Connect-123 Internship Programs

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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 5 Programs

Volunteering Journeys

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Medical Electives and Internships Abroad

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med volunteer abroad programs specifically for school leavers who are considering studying medicine in the future. We also offer customised placements for those seeking medical electives or medical internships abroad. Most of our medical electives abroad placement require that you spend 5-7 hours at our partner hospital or clinic as an observer of the daily routines of medical staff. You will be assigned a doctor or a department who will mentor you and may call upon you to assist with basic tasks such as taking vitals and treating minor wounds under the supervision of the local doctors. Our medical electives are offered in developing countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru and Costa Rica.

See All 8 Programs

Fundación Aldeas De Paz - Peace Villages Foundation

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Medicine and Healthcare Program

Acquire hands-on experience while working alongside fellow interns (or volunteers) and medical staff at a hospital or neighborhood health clinic in the Dominican Republic. Aldeas De Paz offers the Medicine and Healthcare program, which provides you insight into the daily operation and routines of local healthcare facilities. For a minimum of two weeks, you will experience the apparent contrast between the realities of health care in a developing country and Western medical practice. As clinics and hospitals in the country strive to become modernized, they face numerous challenges. You will witness medical conditions that have remained untreated, which in turn have developed to an advanced pathological stage. This project broadens your perspective by giving you real responsibilities. You will gain experience in different departments: maternity (only female volunteers), pediatric, emergency, diabetes, HIV prevention, and nursing. You could be assigned with hospital administration and management as well, wherein your tasks could include assisting with statistics and accountancy.

See All 2 Programs

Volunteer World

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Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

See All 14 Programs

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Hospitals

Why Volunteer Abroad in Hospitals

Being in good health is invaluable, so volunteering in hospitals abroad is an ideal way to gain work experience while helping people with some of the most important and pressing needs. Medical staff members are highly regarded in most countries, so volunteers are well respected and admired by patients. Additionally, since volunteers will interact with locals daily, they can expect to make genuine connections and get to know the local way of life.

Unfortunately, people will always be sick or need medical attention and care, so volunteer work in hospitals will always be needed around the world. The silver lining of this is that people who are interested in volunteering in hospitals will always have opportunities available.

Volunteering abroad in hospitals gives aspiring medical professionals an edge when applying to medical school or future jobs. Whether you are new to the medical field or have been in it for a while, experience volunteer work in hospitals abroad is an irreplaceable addition to your resume. Comparing different health systems throughout the world will provide medical professionals with knowledge that will better prepare them to care for their patients in the future.

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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.

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