This project is open to fully qualified doctors and nurses, as well as students in nursing or medical school. You’ll need plenty of initiative and enthusiasm, and be ready to volunteer in basic facilities with limited resources.

Project details

Ready to get your scrubs on and be a Medical volunteer in Zambia? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to assist in clinics in low-income communities in Zambia that aim to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Volunteers will shadow qualified doctors and nurses and gain hands-on experience by helping with a range of appropriate medical tasks. Local staff benefit from the extra help as well as the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and practices that comes from the involvement of international volunteers.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

For people who live in low-income communities in Zambia, healthcare is neither accessible nor affordable. There have traditionally been very few medical clinics in these communities, but this is starting to change. More and more clinics are beginning to open, and now they need medical staff and volunteers to help them provide quality healthcare.

As a Medical volunteer in Zambia, you’ll shadow and assist local medical professionals, gaining an understanding of the local healthcare system and helping to provide care. Language barriers and local laws mean volunteer work needs to be supervised at all times, and the clinic you’re placed in will depend on your level of expertise and experience. Volunteer duties will also vary depending on these factors, but can include:

Checking and updating patient files
Taking and recording vitals
Wound care
Pre and post-natal work

Most clinics are located 4 to 7 miles away from the volunteer house and volunteers walk, bike or use local taxis to commute, taxis cost approximately CA$7 for a round trip.

Why do Medical volunteering in Livingstone with IVHQ?

When you volunteer in healthcare in Zambia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Supporting clinics to provide healthcare in low-income communities
Improving access to affordable medical care and treatment
Observing the medical system of a developing country
Gaining medical experience
Immersing yourself in Zambia’s culture
Discovering Africa’s incredible wildlife

Volunteer requirements

To join the Medical project in Zambia volunteers must be medical or nursing students, or qualified professionals. Volunteers who work in other medical professions may also be eligible.
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Zambia photo gallery

Volunteers having a joyful time with the local kids at the childcare project in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers having a joyful time with the elders at the childcare project in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Elderly Care project

Volunteer in Construction with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

Childcare volunteering with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteer as a teacher with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ Medical project

IVHQ volunteers doing volunteer work at the Elderly Care project in Zambia

IVHQ Elderly Care project

IVHQ volunteers doing volunteer work at the childcare project in Zambia

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteer in Childcare with IVHQ in Zambia

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Teaching project

Childcare volunteers in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

Teaching volunteers working in Zambia with IVHQ

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ Teaching project

IVHQ volunteer orientation

Free time on the weekend on a safari in Zambia

Exploring Zambia on the weekend

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Tobias Brandl

26 Sep 2024

From the perspective of a Public Health student, it was still interesting to learn about HIV therapy and the healthcare system in Zambia in general.

...

Eric Mounga Fomo

03 Sep 2024

I’ve recently completed my time in Zambia, and it was an unforgettable experience. The local team was incredibly supportive, and I felt well taken care of throughout my stay. The work at the clinic was both meaningful and rewarding, offering me valuable insights and hands-on experience in healthcare. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this program and for the guidance you and the IVHQ team provided.

...

Jessica Gibbons

20 Sep 2023

I’ve gained self confidence pushing myself out of my comfort zone as well as memories that will last a lifetime! I’ve made an impact to many children’s lives and a positive impact to my self confidence! My advice would be to go for it, it’ll be the best thing you’ll do! There will be some hard days but you get through them with support, make the most of the good times and get your self out there with all the adventures that are around you!

...

Felicia Buchanan

29 Nov 2022

The program guide and all the materials provided on the website were comprehensive and very helpful. The local team were phenomenal hosts and all the workers at the house were super friendly. This was a life-changing experience! I did not know what to expect with this being my first time traveling outside of the US. I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable it was. The cooks were excellent! They gave me an opportunity to try local cuisine while also providing familiar foods. It's very hard to pick one favorite moment because there were so many. The other volunteers and I bonded like a family. We created a WhatsApp group to keep in touch, share pics, and have opportunities to get together for activities. We worked hard and played hard together! It was unsettling at first when it took a while for me to get a local SIM card and gain internet access. Not being able to surf the web, and chat with family and friends often as I would have liked gave me an excellent opportunity for reflection. I learned a great deal but mainly how to slow down and take in each moment. If this is something that is in your heart to do, go for it!

...

Sarah Buzon

18 Aug 2022

I had more autonomy at the clinic than I thought I would have, which is amazing, the medical staff is really involved and want us to learn, experience and practice as much as we can. Probably when I witnessed my first delivery was the best moment of my program, what a moment! I absolutely loved being at the clinic, every department was really welcoming. The volunteer house is really amazing! The rooms are clean and the sanitary accommodations are well kept. The food is prepared with love and most of all, the staff is always welcoming, smiling, and ready for a chat and you really bond with them into day-to-day life. Don't hesitate a second. If you can financially, this is an experience that will make you grow as a person, mature, make meet lifelong friends, and will be unforgettable!

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Ethan Crow

13 Jul 2022

My entire trip was just outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed my days in the clinics providing care and forming relationships with the other staff when it was slow. After spending the mornings at the clinic I had so many great afternoons playing soccer with the neighborhood kids. The best weekend excursion I did was hanging over the edge of Victoria Falls at Angels Pool. I learned so much from the clinics I worked at on how they provide care and the differences between health care in the US and Zambia. It was neat to learn how their treatment and prevention plans vary to adapt to their culture and environment. I learned new procedures and had the opportunity to grow my skills. I was super excited at first when I started planning the trip and then some of the unknowns started getting to me before I left. I left to drive to the airport just hoping when I landed in Zambia I would have a ride from the airport and by the time I left after three weeks I felt like I was going to have to be dragged back to the airport because I didn't want to leave. I would say to anyone hesitant to take the first step and to just come prepared to serve and keep an open mind for the new culture you will step into. If you come for the right reasons with the right attitude, you will be blow away by impact the trip will have on you and those around you.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Medical specialties

On the Medical project in Zambia it is possible to assist in a range of medical fields. If you have an interest in any of these areas, please mention that in your application, though your placement is ultimately decided by the Zambian Ministry of Health so we can’t guarantee you’ll be volunteering in your preferred department. Specialties include:

Gynecology and family planning
HIV/AIDS
Maternity
Midwifery
Pediatrics
Outpatient Department

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Location

The IVHQ Zambia volunteer program is based in the laid-back tourist town of Livingstone, named after the famous colonial explorer who was thought to be the first European to see and name the nearby Victoria Falls. Set in the southern edge of Zambia, Livingstone borders Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls - the world’s biggest and most breathtaking waterfall. The area is lush with national parks, abundant wildlife and the Zambezi River which provides an exciting array of outdoor activities for adventurous volunteers.

Volunteer placements are located in Livingstone and surrounding rural areas. On the Rural Teaching project, volunteers are placed and accommodated in the Makumba village, which is located 40 miles from Livingstone.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Livingstone on the Sunday before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Livingstone. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Zambia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Livingstone on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our Zambia team at the volunteer house in Livingstone. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Zambia – an introduction to Zambia, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On your first day of volunteering (the day after your orientation), you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays - A typical volunteer day is as follows:

7:00 AM	Breakfast at the volunteer house
8:00 AM	Volunteers travel to their placements to join local placement staff and begin work on their project.
12:30 PM	Work at the placement usually ends for the day and volunteers return to the volunteer house for lunch.
1:30 PM	After lunch, volunteers may spend their free time as they wish or if they are looking for extra volunteering hours, there are alternatives available such as working at a homework club.
7:00 PM	Dinner at the volunteer house.

Weekends

During the weekend, volunteers in Zambia have an endless list of activities to join. The area’s major attraction, Victoria Falls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. In addition to the wealth of nearby national parks, nature lovers have the opportunity to experience a range of safaris and tours in Zambia, as well as in other neighboring countries, such as Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Thrill seekers are also well catered to in Zambia, with an abundance of activities, such as bungee jumping, devil’s pool, white water rafting, abseiling, gorge swinging, zip-lining and microlight flights. Within Livingstone itself, a range of restaurants, curio markets and various cultural activities offer a lot to take in for those wish to stay around town.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style volunteer house, approximately 10 minutes from Livingstone town centre. You can expect to share a bedroom and bathroom with 2 to 5 other volunteers of the same gender. The volunteer house has electricity, running water, western bathrooms, and a communal lounge and garden area for relaxing and socializing. It is important to note that power cuts are common in Zambia in times of drought, which in turn affects the running water supply.

If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Zambia. The local team can assist you with purchasing a SIM card during your program orientation. You can also access WiFi from cafes and restaurants located within walking distance of the volunteer house.

Private rooms can be arranged at an additional cost (see upgrade options below) and are subject to availability. This can be arranged directly through the local team once you have registered for the program. Bed linens are provided and during the hot months, a sheet should be adequate cover in the evenings. During the cooler months, you may wish to bring a sleeping bag for an extra layer of warmth.

Volunteers are also asked to bring their own towels. The volunteer accommodation has a nighttime security guard and is located in a safe area protected by an electric fence. On-site staff clean the accommodation throughout the week, however volunteers are also required to keep their rooms and common areas tidy.

Upgrade to a private room with ensuite for the duration of your time on the program for only US$57 (approximately CA$83) per week. The local team have both double and twin rooms available, both with en suite bathrooms.

Extra nights of accommodation If you would like to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date, or wish to spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you for US$37 (approximately CA$54) per person, per night, meals included, subject to availability.

If you would like to arrange an upgrade or extra nights of accommodation, just contact your IVHQ Program Manager who will be happy to assist you.

Meals

Volunteers are served three meals per day, prepared by an on-site local cook. All meals will be a mix of western and traditional Zambian food.

Breakfast may include fruit, toast, spreads and cereal with tea, coffee and juice. Lunch is usually provided in the volunteer accommodation, although packed lunches of sandwiches and fruit are provided if requested for those who choose to remain at their placement. Dinners will commonly be a combination of meat, starches and vegetables.

The local staff are happy to accommodate special dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free etc). Please let an IVHQ staff member know of any special dietary requirements in advance, so we can ensure the local staff are prepared for you.

Volunteer accommodation

IVHQ Zambia sitting room in the volunteer house

Typical volunteer living room

Bedroom in the Zambia volunteer house with IVHQ

Typical volunteer bedroom

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer lunch

Typical volunteer dinner

Volunteers serving food

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$495 Equivalent to $71/day
2 weeks	$645 Equivalent to $46/day
3 weeks	$825 Equivalent to $39/day
4 weeks	$955 Equivalent to $34/day
5 weeks	$1,095 Equivalent to $31/day
6 weeks	$1,225 Equivalent to $29/day
8 weeks	$1,485 Equivalent to $27/day
10 weeks	$1,745 Equivalent to $25/day
12 weeks	$2,005 Equivalent to $24/day
16 weeks	$2,525 Equivalent to $23/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$436) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Volunteers staying for longer than 4 weeks will need to budget an extra US$400 (approximately) to obtain a temporary work permit from Zambian Immigration in order to stay up to 90 days.
Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Zambia generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Meals
Airport pick-up
US$100 one-off surcharge to cover additional supervision and medical materials involved in the project
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

Transport to and from your placement each day
Return airport transfer when your program finishes
Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Livingstone

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Livingstone program.

Chobe Camping Safari (2 days, 1 night)

A memorable 2 day safari experience at the Chobe National Park, Botswana, known for its huge elephant herds.

CA$536

Rhino Game Drive

Experience Mosi-Oa-Tunya guided game drives, home of most of Zambia’s white rhino population.

CA$192

Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.

CA$24

View all add-ons & experiences

Check what's required to visit Zambia

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Lusaka
Population	17.86 million
Languages	English, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga
Currency	Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
Time zone	UTC+02:00

Weather and climate

There are three seasons in Zambia: the dry season (mid-April to August), when temperatures drop at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to mid-November), when the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and, the wet season (mid-November to mid-April), which is ideal for bird-watching.

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