Medical Work Experience
Quick Overview
Medical work experience abroad is suitable for medical students and professionals from any medical background or discipline and can provide them with invaluable, hands on experience. India is a great place for medical electives to learn a lot as treatment and diagnosis, patient illness and disease and hospital and medical infrastructure is very different to the West. A lot of people are also not getting the correct medical treatments and some can’t afford to get proper care in the hospitals due to shortage of staff.
Our medical volunteer program will enable you to learn about healthcare and medicine on an international level and within a completely different setting. Working with local doctors and Indian patients will give an experience that will not only enhance your career by opening new opportunities but it will also expand your mind and broaden your horizons to medical problems in other parts of the world.
Based in either Kerala, South India or in the bustling city of Kolkata, East India, our medical volunteer program will allow you to fully immerse yourself in a whole new culture whilst getting essential work experience to grow and develop within your field, no matter what you discipline is. Taking your medical elective abroad will give you the chance to work in a structured and supervised environment whilst getting the opportunity to travel, sightsee and meet new people along the way.
What’s Involved
During your time in Kerala (South India) or Kolkata (East India), you will work under the supervision of experienced medical professionals and you will have the full support of our team throughout the program. You will work in busy hospitals and local clinics, alongside doctors, nurses and medical staff who require support and you will have the opportunity to treat and interact with the local people in your designated area.
You can choose to take part in a general placement or specialise in a particular area. You can also opt to conduct outreach work and run clinical health camps in village areas with local medical doctors and staff. The lack of funds to pay for routine medical treatment means the patients you see will often have advanced illnesses and conditions that you will rarely see in the developed world.
Our Medical Volunteer programs are suitable for professionals and med students in medical field such as Nursing, Pediatrics, Pathology, Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Accident & Emergency, Anesthetics, Biochemistry, Dentistry, ENT, General Surgery, Maternity & Midwifery, Pharmacy, or any alternative medicine such as Ayurveda.
We will ask you to choose your medical area and placement location prior to arrival. Check out our Medical Summer Placement which includes a North India Tour with your placement.
All The Details
Cochin, India
Kolkata, India
| 2017 | 2018 | ||||||
| 6th May | 8th July | 7th October | 6th January | 7th April | 7th July | 6th October | |
| 12th Ma3 | 15th July | 14th October | 13th January | 14th April | 14th July | 13th October | |
| 20th May | 22nd July | 21st October | 20th January | 21st April | 21st July | 20th October | |
| 27th May | 29th July | 28th October | 27th January | 28th April | 28th July | 27th October | |
| 3rd June | 5th August | 4th November | 3rd February | 5th May | 4th August | 3rd November | |
| 10th June | 12th August | 11th November | 10th February | 12th May | 11th August | 10th November | |
| 17th June | 19th August | 18th November | 17th February | 19th May | 18th August | 17th November | |
| 24thJune | 26th August | 25th November | 24th February | 26th May | 25th August | 24th November | |
| 1st July | 2nd September | 2nd December | 3rd March | 2nd June | 1st September | 1st December | |
| 9th September | 9th December | 10th March | 9th June | 8th September | 8th December | ||
| 16th September | 16th December | 17th March | 16th June | 15th September | 15th December | ||
| 23rd September | 23rd December | 24th March | 23rd June | 22nd September | 22nd December | ||
| 30th September | 30th December | 31st March | 30th June | 29th September | 29th December | ||
All our rates are in USD$ per person
| 1 Week | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | 9 Weeks | 10 Weeks | 11 Weeks | 12 Weeks | |
| Kerala | $849 | $999 | $1,149 | $1,299 | $1,449 | $1,599 | $1,749 | $1,899 | $2,049 | $2,199 | $2,349 | $2,499 |
| Kolkata | $749 | $999 | $1,199 | $1,349 | $1,499 | $1,649 | $1,799 | $1,949 | $2,099 | $2,249 | $2,399 | $2,549 |
What’s Included?
Program Fee Includes:
-
- Placement fees to medical institutions
- Supervisor at your place of work.
- Accommodation.
- 24/7 Emergency local numbers
- Area Orientation on arrival
- Public Transport to the projects only
- Recommendation or certificates of completion (upon request)
Whats not Included :
- Flights to the program destination
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Meals
- Vaccinations
- Personal shopping and gratuities
- Local excursions
Local Team
Geetha Raj: Kerala Program Manager
Geetha is the backbone of our programs in Kerala. Her friendliness, generosity and warmth towards every volunteer will leave you feeling extra special. Having worked as local journalist for almost 10 years, Geetha grew a passion for community development work is very forward thinking. She is instrumental in Program development and is a born leader, giving you the direction you will need to succeed as a volunteer. Her team will look after all your needs from the time you enter Kerala to the time you leave.
Shalini Deo: Kolkata Program Manager
Shalini has spent a decade as a corporate trainer for language and behavioural skills for IT, banking to hospitality sectors. She is founder of New Agragati, a self help group which empowers 140 women by skill training and employment. Her passion to contribute to society introduced Shalini to us. She conducts cultural orientation and immersion programs, language courses and helps volunteers adjust better in India and particularly Kolkata. Shalini is basically super awesome to have around.
Getting There
- For South India you need to arrive at Cochin International Airport (COK)
- For East India you need to arrive at Kolkata Airport (CCU)
- We recommend you apply for Visas before you arrive. India issues E-Visas for 4 Weeks only.
- For help with flights fill in this form.
- Travel Insurance is compulsory on this program. You can get in touch with our team if you need travel insurance organised.
- Vaccinations are important. We recommend you visit your local travel clinic to find out what vaccines you should take.
- We work with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel to India. Goto www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo to find out how best to avoid trouble when abroad. Packed with essential travel advice and tips, the website also offers up-to-date country information.
- We understand it can be difficult to pay for your flights, program fees and other travel costs. Many fundraise for their journey. If you need ideas and a platform for fundraising ideas Click Here
- For support on any of the above email us hello@volunteeringjourneys.com
What our Medical Placement offers:
Tailored: Our programs are 100% customised and we work with your university requirements.
Expertise: Our programs will bring you closer to experts in the medical field.
Variety: We offer an array of medical areas to choose your placement from that you can combine.
Flexibility: Our placements have varying start dates which makes it easy if you want to travel as well.
CV and Self Development: Our placement are designed to develop your personal skills and provide a broader perspective of your profession.
What Happens When I Arrive?
Living Arrangements for Medical Volunteers:
Community living is at the heart of what we do so you will get to live in shared volunteer accommodation or a guest house near your medical placement. You will be placed close to local life so you can fully immerse yourself into a new culture and make new friends for life.
Each room will be shared with a volunteer on the program and every room will have fans and en-suite bathrooms for your personal comfort. If you would like a private room during the program, contact us in advance to upgrade.
All our volunteers will have access to western style bathrooms and meals (breakfast) will be organised on your behalf. Lunch and Dinner is included and will have to be arranged yourself. Daily transport to your placement will be using public transport such as buses and auto rickshaws.
Health and Safety :
When you join our programs you can be assured we have carried out Risk Assessments to identify potential safety and health risks on project. We share this information with you in our pre departure documents. Our local staff are well trained and we provide 24/7 emergency numbers to all participants.
Volunteering Journeys Foundation:
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Volunteering Journey’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through supporting local charities, local organisations and community projects in the places that we work in. 100% of each donation goes directly to support our projects. Go to our Donation page to support us.
Why Volunteers Love Us!
-
‘My experience in India was absolutely fantastic. Having never done anything like this before, Volunteering Journeys made sure I settled in well and supported me throughout my time. Being placed with an amazing family gave me the chance to experience Indian culture first hand. I was part of the Disabled Childcare Programs for two weeks. Although short, I felt the time I spent was so valuable for the children. If this is something that you are interested in I would 100% recommend it. The memories, friendships and experiences you will develop will be ones that you will never forget.’
Fiona Kirk
Connect with Fiona via our Facebook page -
‘The teaching experience was second to none. I was overwhelmed by the respect and politeness all the children have, which made it some much easier to work with them, even with the language barrier. The amazing thing about the schools I visited was that all the children are like little sponges, they absorb everything you say, teach and do! It’s quite outstanding how much they gain from just a small conversation in the playground or in the class room.
So in general if you are questioning whether you want to volunteer and you don’t know what company to go with, it has the be Volunteering Journeys. You will be well looked after, gain an immense experience and make friends for life!!!’
Jemima Kershberg
Connect with Jamie via our Facebook Reviews Page -
‘I took a short sabbatical from work in November 2013 and decided to come to India. I was helping at a small school in Fort Kochi, teaching English, Maths, Science and the odd nursery rhyme. The school where I volunteered had amazing teachers and the kids were great. Ridhi and the team organised everything brilliantly – from cycling tours to the backwaters, to hosting me with a family that made my stay feel like home. If you’re going to volunteer in India then I highly recommend Volunteering Journeys’
Glyn Owen
Connect with Glyn via our Facebook Reviews Page -
“J’ai passé deux mois formidables à Kochi en travaillant comme volontaire avec Volunteering Journeys. Deux mois de ma vie que je n’oublierais jamais. J’ai rencontré des gens incroyables et participé à des projets qui me tenaient vraiment à coeur. J’ai pu voir l’aboutissement de mes efforts et le sourire sur le visage des enfants. Une expérience magique que je recommande à tous. Merci Rainbow”
Laura Prigogine
Connect with Laura via our Facebook reviews page -
‘I spent 3 wonderful weeks with the Volunteering Journeys team in Kerala, it marked the beginning of almost 2 months adventuring through India, and I can say without a doubt it was one of my favourite experiences of my time spent in incredible India! From the moment my plane landed and I was greeted by a friendly face and whisked away to a wonderful home, the local staff were incredibly welcoming, helpful, supportive and great fun to be around!
I spent my time volunteering in 2 local schools, assisting with English studies. The enthusiasm and joy with which the children approach their days will ensure you never want to leave!I cannot recommend Volunteering Journeys highly enough, it was such a joyful introduction to India – it’s culture, people and crazy beautiful way of life. You will leave with some fond memories and firm friendships’
Katie Parsons
Connect with Katie via our Facebook Reviews page -
‘I volunteered by teaching English both at a school and at an all girls’ orphanage for two months. It has been the best experience of my life so far. I really got to know the children I was teaching and seeing the children’s English improve over my time was an incredible feeling. From being introduced to yoga to tasting delicious flavoursome Indian cuisine and living in “God’s own country”, has left me eager to return. I have made friends across the World who made my time spent in Kerala unforgettable. I highly recommend volunteering with Volunteering Journeys; Kerala is beautiful and you will gain fun memories.’
Elidith Cameron
Connect with Eilidith via our Facebook Reviews Page -
‘I spent two weeks running an art workshop which was absolutely fantastic. The children were so enthusiastic and bustled about with paste and paint, putting together the most amazing creations. They were not used to producing collaborative work and were thrilled when their individual efforts achieved a glorious whole. Their personalities really shone through and I became very fond of them in the short time I was with them. Thank you to Volunteering Journeys for enabling me to have such a wonderful experience!’
Jane Daniell
Connect with Jane via our Facebook Reviews Page -
‘There is some kind of magic that happens when you’re in India. The climate, the people, the warm welcome, the happiness in every person, the culture, it’s simply inspiring. On top of that having a group of friendly, thoughtful organizers guiding me through the program made my time volunteering with Volunteering Journeys one of the most memorable moments in my life.
If anyone reading this is considering becoming a volunteer, don’t hesitate, become a volunteer. It will be the most rewarding experience and adventure of your life. I assure you that you will have a vital impact on the community, the place and the children. I would recommend Volunteering Journeys without hesitation. Well organized and hassle free adventure. You get help and guidance with everything you need. Kerala was my destination. Safe, beautiful and very friendly. Just do it and have an adventure of your life!’
Harminder Athwal
Connect with Harminder via our Facebook Reviews Page -
“Volunteering at the schools was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Once again the friendships you create are irreplaceable. Admittedly, the first few days were scary, in the sense that my partner and I were only 18 & 20 yrs old and we were teaching women and children a language that was not their first. However the persistence and willingness of Indians is not to be tested. Each of our students put in 100% and naturally we became very personal with everyone and these women and children taught us much more. We came out of this experience with more than we had ever anticipated. It can’t be put into words just how much we learnt from volunteering. Ever aspect of our lives and mindset has changed.”
Aimee Chirio
Connect with Aimee via our Facebook Reviews Page -
‘I think it was quite an eye opening experience to kind of see how people live and enjoy their lives very differently to what we do probably in UK. Even though comparatively they didn’t have as much, the children still came to school with a smile on their face and they were really keen to learn. They were ever so happy and always had a smile on their face regardless of the circumstances that they are living in, and I think that was an amazing experience for us to take back. We have comparatively much more wealth in the UK and we have much more available at our fingertips. Yet we were quite not so happy’
Andrew Davies
Connect with Andrew via our Facebook Reviews Page -
‘We decided to volunteer as part of our family vacation. It was the perfect balance: making a contribution but not being asked to do too much, with Volunteering Journeys staff with us every step of the way to help, support, clarify, etc. I was also impressed that they didn’t feed us a line about how we were changing the world in a week; I knew going in that *we* would be the ones most changed, and the staff’s perspective’s was the same: we were making an impact by showing we cared and sharing experiences, which hopefully meant something to a lot of people.’
Bob Macauley & Family
Connect with Bob via our Facebook Reviews Page