25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
This program is based in a government-operated hospital, serving the community of Ho Chi Minh. Observation, recording and analysing will be a key part of this project, as it is a hands-off experience.
It’s important to note that these institutions are bound by government regulations and cannot allow international participants to perform tasks independently. For this reason, this project is best suited to pre-medical or medical students hoping to gain more insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system.
You will have the opportunity to shadow nurses, doctors, and therapists. Depending on your choice and availability, your daily tasks may consist of medication preparation, blood pressure measurement, basic triage and wound care.
The hospital has an x-ray room, a children’s ward, an adult ward, a physiotherapy department, as well as an operating theatre, all of which participants may be actively involved in. You may also have an opportunity to observe staff in the acupuncture and occupational/physical therapy departments.
It is important to keep in mind that the English level of the placement staff does differ, however you will always be supported by an English-speaking coordinator from the local team. Participants are allowed to be involved with medical issues and ask the staff questions.
After completing your observational experience, you will be awarded a certificate to reflect your learning accomplishments!
Objectives
- Gain insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system
- Observe the medical practices of local staff at the hospital in Ho Chi Minh
- Broaden your perspective of international medical care and treatment
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is located in the southeastern region of Vietnam and is the country’s largest city. During your stay, you will be living in a dorm on college campus right in the center of the city.
Itinerary
Saturday/Sunday - Arrival
Arrive at SGN (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) on Saturday or Sunday between 06:00 - 22:00 to be met upon landing by our team. Flight arrivals after 22:00 will incur an additional fee for pickup. Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation.
Monday
If this is your first week and you have signed up for Culture Week, you will start with an orientation with fellow participants consisting of a tour of Ho Chi Minh’s cultural icons, Vietnamese language and culture classes. If you did not sign up for Culture Week, you will be given a brief orientation on Monday and begin your placement on Tuesday.
Tuesday - Friday
At the beginning of your placement, you will start with a full introduction to the hospital. You will also discuss your upcoming role, as you shadow and observe local medical professionals in a variety of settings throughout the hospital in Ho Chi Minh. You may have opportunities to participate in basic triage, wound care, blood pressure measurement and medication preparation.
Saturday - Departure
Leave the accommodation Saturday morning. Take a taxi to the airport (30 mins) for earliest flights Saturday midday
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Wifi in public areas
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Departure Transfer
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age16
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredOn signup
- resume copy requiredYes
Other Requirements
- You must have an established medical background – studying on a pre-medical track, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational/physical therapy, or working in a relevant field.
- You will need to submit your qualifications ( Medical study transcripts) and CV/Resume and a copy of your passport by email to the local team at least two weeks before beginning the program. Your documents will be sent to the hospital for review.
- Blue Scrubs (any shade)
- Closed toe shoes (no flip flops allowed)
Food
Basic Vietnamese meals are provided on campus. Food include some western dishes such as sandwiches, spaghetti and bread.
Accommodation
The accommodation is located on a campus in a college dorm. As such, it follows certain campus rules such as a night curfew.
We also have a room reserved as an “office”, where you can go to if you want some peace and quiet. We have books and magazines available here for you to borrow.
There is the nice local café next to our dorm. A beautiful and peaceful place where you can enjoy fresh juices, snacks etc..
