I would absolutely recommend it. I will be coming back next year, and this trip was undoubtedly the best two weeks of my life. I made lots of wonderful friends, and immersing yourself in a new country across the world is an experience I couldn’t even imagine. All my hesitancies from the beginning completely went away, and my only regret is not staying longer.
Medical Volunteer Program in Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City
Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 2-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 6 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style within a tourism college
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.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who are studying medicine or nursing at any level and want to gain an insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system. Qualified volunteers may join this project but should not expect to be able to treat patients as local regulations prevent volunteers from providing unsupervised hands-on care to patients.
Project details
Interested in Medical volunteering in Vietnam? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical project presents a fantastic opportunity for medical students to learn about the healthcare system in Vietnam. Volunteers will gain medical experience by observing and assisting qualified local staff in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, getting exposure to a range of different specialties, treatments and clinical practices.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The healthcare system in Vietnam is run differently to many others in the western world, and volunteers can play an important role in assisting local staff. By volunteering in a local hospital, you can help in a range of departments and get exposure to a range of treatments and roles.
Government regulations prevent volunteers from carrying out independent tasks, so you can expect to be shadowing and assisting local doctors and nurses as they perform their duties. For this reason, this project is best suited to students hoping to gain an understanding of the Vietnamese healthcare system. Qualified volunteers are able to take part, but you should not expect to carry out hands-on medical care.
Medical volunteers can assist with:
- Basic triage
- Wound care
- Rehabilitation
You’ll be helped by an English-speaking coordinator, and many doctors and nurses who also speak English.
Volunteers must bring their own navy scrubs. Alternatively, you may have the option to purchase or rent them locally at an additional cost.
Why do Medical volunteering in Ho Chi Minh with IVHQ?
When you volunteer in healthcare in Vietnam you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Seeing a different medical system in action
- Observing a wide range of clinical practices
- Assisting with appropriate healthcare tasks
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining medical experience
- Immersing yourself in Vietnamese culture
- Discovering Ho Chi Minh City
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must be studying medicine, nursing, pre-med, or a closely related medical field to be eligible to join this project. Fully qualified professionals should note that this is a largely observational placement.
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 to learn more.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
To respect the local culture and customs in Vietnam, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
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?
Get personalized recommendations >
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.
Vietnam photo gallery
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer cooking class
IVHQ volunteer cooking class
IVHQ volunteer language class
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Independence Palace
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Medical specialties
On the Medical project in Vietnam you may be able to volunteer in the following areas:
- Acupuncture
- Anaesthesiology
- Autism
- Brain injury
- Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
- Electro-therapy
- Lab techs
- Medical scribe
- Mental health
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Occupational therapy
- Optometry
- Orthopedics
- Outpatient department (OPD)
- Paramedics
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacy*
- Physician’s assistant
- Physiotherapy/physical therapy
- Phlebotomist
- Prosthetics
- Radiology, X-ray techs
- Speech therapy
- Surgery
- Spinal unit
- Intensive care
- Imaging diagnostic
- Diabetic wound care unit
(*) You must be able to read, write and speak fluent Vietnamese to be placed in the Pharmacy department
Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
Location
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is home to IVHQ’s Vietnam program. With high-tech industry, upmarket hotels, skyscrapers, shopping malls and buzzing nightlife, the city has a modern, dynamic atmosphere tempered by reminders of its history under French colonial rule and of its fall during the Vietnam War. While Vietnam has made great economic strides since then, the country is still recovering from the war and many people, especially ethnic minorities and those in rural areas, live without the basic necessities of life or find them difficult to access. Volunteers are needed to support efforts that help to further reduce poverty and hunger for these vulnerable people.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday, and volunteers need to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. 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 Ho Chi Minh City. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Vietnam prior to your volunteer program, you will need to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by the Vietnam local team. There are two options for the orientation of the Vietnam Program:
One-day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Vietnam, including an introduction to the Vietnam program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the local projects, go on a walking tour of the local area, and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
5-day Culture Week The Culture Week begins on your selected start date and runs for five days. This option is very popular among IVHQ volunteers as you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese culture, a true appreciation of local life and have extra time to bond with your fellow volunteers. You’ll also get to see some of Ho Chi Minh’s notable landmarks, visit markets and take a Vietnamese cooking class. Plus, it’s a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Vietnam.
The Culture Week does incur an additional Add on for $362 (approximately $362) to cover the additional costs. If you wish to participate in the Culture Week, you can indicate this on your application form or let your Program Manager know once you have been accepted.
Volunteer schedule example
After the initial orientation day or week, you will work for approximately 4 to 6 hours per day. A typical schedule:
Weekdays
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the college restaurant. |
| 7:30 AM | Begin the day with a morning shift, traveling from the dormitory to the hospital. |
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Start your primary duties at the hospital. Tasks may include: Measuring blood pressure, Assisting with physical therapy, Cleaning wounds, Supporting acupuncture procedures, Accompanying specialists to monitor patient conditions, Observing orthopaedic surgeries |
| 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Afternoon break. You can choose from the following options: Option 1 - Stay at the hospital for lunch and rest, Option 2 - Return to the accommodation for lunch and rest. |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Continue your tasks or assist with and observe patient care. |
| 4:00 PM | Return to the accommodation and enjoy free time. |
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh itself boasts an incredible number of things to see and do. You could find yourself gazing up at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, or down at the lights of the city below from a bar on the rooftop of a towering skyscraper. You might pick your way through the local morning markets, sample the city’s mind-blowingly delicious street food, squeeze through the underground Cu Chi tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war or admire a selection of ornate temples and pagodas.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to engage in tourist activities, such as trekking, joining Vietnamese history tours and visiting the Mekong Delta.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in an IVHQ volunteer dormitory at a tourism college which is a 30-minute drive from the tourist area of Ho Chi Minh City.
You can expect to share a room with up to 8 other volunteers, all sleeping in bunk beds. Living conditions are basic; however, there is air conditioning and fans for the hotter months. The showers are with cold running water (nice and refreshing in the hot weather!) While bedding is provided, it is recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag/silk liner (these can be purchased in Vietnam) and a mosquito net if you wish to travel during the weekends.
WiFi is available in the volunteer dormitory, however the connection can be slow so we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Vietnam. The local team can assist you with this during your program orientation.
Some placements are located relatively close to the volunteer accommodation, however in some instances, volunteers may need to travel by public bus for 30 to 40 minutes to their placements. If this is the case, you will be accompanied by a member of the local team for the first 2 or 3 days to ensure that you know where to go and can find your way around easily.
Meals
Volunteers in Ho Chi Minh City are served three meals per day during the week.
Breakfast is usually toast, cereal, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are typically traditional Vietnamese fare and include a wide variety of rice, noodle and soup dishes with plenty of vegetables, meats and fresh herbs. On the weekends volunteers are only served brunch and dinner.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Accommodation hallway
Accommodation entrance
Accommodation dining area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $610 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 3 weeks | $825 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,020 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,215 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,410 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,800 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,190 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,580 Equivalent to $31/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh generally find US$50 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency 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
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- 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.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes and transport to and from your volunteer placement each day
- 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 Ho Chi Minh
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 Ho Chi Minh program.
Cu Chi Tunnel
Dive into a half-day exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic historical site – the Cu Chi Tunnels, a must-see attraction.
$157
Top rated
Food Tour
A Vietnam Food Tour for the food lovers! Eat like a Vietnamese for a night! We will take you to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways in the city, showing you where the locals truly love to eat! So, save your appetite, delight your palate, and let us fill your tummy with delicious and authentic Vietnamese food!
$67
Vietnam Culture Week
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Vietnamese culture.
$362
Check what's required to visit Vietnam
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Hanoi |
| Population | 96 million |
| Languages | Vietnamese |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Time zone | (UTC+7) |
Weather and climate
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with humidity averaging 84 per cent throughout the year. However, because of differences in latitude and diverse geography, the climate tends to vary considerably from place to place.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
JS
Jake Stubblefield
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AH
Anya Hemley
I was looking for a way to be able to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself - I found that the IVHQ program was the most fulfilling and rewarding way to do this.
I arrived at the program by myself, and left with so many new friends from around the world. Whilst initially daunting, the local team were very welcoming and ensured that all new participants felt comfortable within their surroundings. For those who are curious/hesitant about joining the program, I felt the exact same way and I am so grateful that I took the leap. As this was my first solo travel experience, I was quite nervous about meeting people and the potential feeling of loneliness, however the IVHQ volunteer abroad program ensures that you will make friends, both with other volunteers and locals!
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CT
Cheryl Tay
I’m more certain about a career in medicine and felt that I grew so much as a person! I learnt a lot from the healthcare professionals, had the chance to explore three cities in Vietnam on days I was not volunteering, and made the most of my 3.5 weeks in Vietnam! I took the leap of faith to volunteer alone in a foreign land in a program I have limited experience in but have gained so much! To all that are contemplating about joining IVHQ’s volunteer program, I’ve been on two in 1.5 months and I have zero regrets! Go for it, you have nothing to lose, and so so much to gain!
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TG
Tobias Gumm
The four weeks I spent on the Vietnam Program were some of the best of my life; the staff were so kind, friendly, and genuine, the city was fun, dynamic, culturally rich, and the people you meet are incredibly respectful and welcoming. Not to mention the food provided - I’m still thinking about the stir fried beef and noodles - and the clean accommodation with a beautiful view.
The Medical program was great, and I learnt so much from the doctors and staff of the hospital. Coming home from this incredible experience they have provided has been wonderful, having brought back the lessons I’ve learned, and the friendships I’ve made. Thank you for everything!
P.S. karaoke night is a must-not-miss!"
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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