The Healthcare Program
Cambodia is restricting entry due to the pandemic and this program cannot receive medical interns at present.
This amazing program plays an important role in supplying quality healthcare to those in need in Cambodia. It will prove to be a wonderful experience for volunteers currently studying medicine and qualified professionals alike. Love Volunteers partner in Cambodia works with two public hospitals in Phnom Penh, primarily focused in the area of children's health and pediatrics. A volunteer’s involvement will be based on their prior experience and training. It is important to note that volunteers will not be allowed to partake in serious procedures and will be job ‘shadowing’. However, depending on the volunteer’s level of experience, they may observe operations, provide assistance in basic procedures and patient check-ups. There is a high demand for volunteer nurses, doctors and health specialists in this stunning country.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the future prospects of the people of Cambodia
- Provide quality medical care to the impoverished people served by this project
- Provide an opportunity for shared learnings
- To create a better cultural understanding between all participants
Details of the hospitals we work with and departments are noted in the 'More Information' section.
How You Can Help
Volunteers will find a placement on this program to be an extremely beneficial addition to both their medical careers and their life experience. Depending on the placement and the volunteer’s prior skill, duties can include all aspects of pediatric and basic health care, counselling patients, researching and putting together health documents (e.g. on HIV/AIDS), helping ill and HIV infected patients (with feeding, dressing, teaching, playing games) and organizing educational workshops. Volunteers will be placed with a local Doctor and/or Nurse who will guide them in different tasks and activities at the placement. Volunteers will need to think outside of the square as the hospitals have limited resources and equipment and volunteers need to understand that there may be great differences in the resources available. Participants on this program will learn much about the local people and culture – experience that will prove to be invaluable and an important facet of their medical experience.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist medical staff in the treatment of patients
- Help sort medical supplies and admin duties
- Help in emergency situations
- Help on health education programs
Volunteers are required to wear scrubs while working at the hospital and you can opt to take your own or purchase them when you arrive. It is also necessary to take a passport size photo to use for your hospital ID card.
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for medical students who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Cambodian healthcare system. It is open to those currently studying medicine and preferably in their 2nd year or higher. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff, though this is not a pre-requisite. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Passport
- Resume
Project Location
Cambodia's vibrant capital has overcome the hardships of a violent past to once again become a "Pearl of Asia". Whilst tourists are still drawn by the memory of the Khmer Rouge and their horrific Killing Fields (and rightly so, this should never be forgotten), the city itself is taking a cue from it's majestic river and moving on. Chic, bustling bars and restaurants line the riverfront and streets beyond with patrons watching boats cruising, motorbikes and tuk-tuks buzzing and pedestrians strolling on by. The Cambodian people are courageous and incredibly hospitable and a stay in this city is not to be forgotten.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start the 1st and 3rd week of every month with volunteers arriving on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are met on arrival into Phnom Penh and taken to the Volunteer House to meet with the hosts and other volunteers and settle in to the new environment. An orientation session will take place the following day which covers the local area, public transport, amenities, customs, rules and recommendations and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This provides a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and fellow volunteers and ask any last questions you may have.
- Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Departure Day: SUNDAY
- Arrival Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Code: PNH)
We can arrange pick-up on Saturday if required. The extra cost for an additional night's accommodation is $22 per person.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a friendly and comfortable Guesthouse in central Phnom Penh. A great way to connect with other volunteers in a safe and social environment!
Rooms are shared by up to 3 volunteers, split by gender and each room has its own bathroom with western-style facilities and hot showers. Fans are available for comfort in the summer months and bed linen is provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries and towels. Air-conditioning is also available for an additional cost.
The second floor rooftop has been set up as a spacious communal area volunteers can utilize to relax and socialize with dining tables, sofas, hammocks, TV and DVD facilities. Wifi is available free of charge and affordable laundry services are available nearby. Everything you need in a home away from home!
Volunteers on our wonderful programs in Phnom Penh are well catered for with breakfast lunch and dinner available daily.
Breakfast at the Guesthouse comprises coffee, tea, bread and spreads, cooked eggs and fruit. Lunch and dinner can be ordered from a simple menu of local fare at the Guesthouse. Lunch can be eaten in or packed to take-away, depending on the volunteer schedule. Dinner is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of fellow volunteers in the comfort of the Guesthouse.
Volunteers are also welcome to dine out at any of the affordable and accessible local eateries. A great way to explore the local area and sample delicious local fare.
All meals in the Guesthouse are included in the program fee. Meals eaten out are at the volunteer's own expense.
If you have special dietary requirements please let us know ahead of time so that we can advise the local team. Strict vegetarians and vegans should be ready to help with the cooking and shop for additional items if necessary.
Volunteers can also request to stay with a local host family who have been carefully selected and are experienced in caring for international volunteers. Host family members will speak some English and provide comfortable, private rooms. Lockable storage will be available for valuables.
For those wishing to stay in their own accommodation the program fees are adjusted as shown the Additional Info. section.
Please note that transportation to and from the placement is not included in the program fee. The cost can range from $6 per day to $15 per day. If you are staying for an extended period it may be possible to work from 'home' for some of the time to keep the cost reasonable. Simply discuss this with the local team on arrival.
Fees
That’s just USD 44 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
For those wishing to stay in their own accommodation in Phnom Penh the program fees will be adjusted accordingly as follows:
2 weeks $235
3 weeks $253
4 weeks $299
5 weeks $315
6 weeks $330
8 weeks $418
9 weeks $445
10 weeks $473
12 weeks $484