The Healthcare Program
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
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 white 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 pre-med and medical students to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Cambodian healthcare system. It is open to those on a pre-med track or currently studying medicine. Naturally, all applicants must 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!
White scrubs are to be worn at the hospital and volunteers can bring their own or purchase on arrival. A passport sized photo is also needed for the hospital ID.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Passport
- Police check
- References
- 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. 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 8 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team and will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
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 Guest House to settle into their new environment. An orientation session will take place on Monday and Tuesday to cover 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 in Phnom Penh are accommodated in a Volunteer House, centrally located and close to amenities.
Rooms are shared by up to 4 guests and split by gender. Fans are available for comfort in the summer months. Western style bathroom facilities, hot showers and bed linen is provided, so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries and a towel. The accommodation is basic but comfortable by local standards.
Wifi is available at the Volunteer House and laundry facilities are located nearby and cost around $1 per kg.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily and included in the program fee. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time. Strict vegetarians and vegans should be ready to help with the cooking and shop for additional items if necessary.
Host family accommodation is also available for female volunteers. Host families are carefully vetted and provide a wonderful way to experience life in Phnom Penh like a local.
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
No problem! The program fees will be adjusted to:
2 weeks $473
3 weeks $539
4 weeks $605
5 weeks $715
6 weeks $748
7 weeks $770
8 weeks $814
Wish to stay extra nights?
If you are arriving early or staying on after your volunteer placement, let us know and we will book your accommodation accordingly. Per night costs, with 3 meals are:
$13 Shared room with fan
$21 Shared room with A/C
$18 Private room with fan
$25 Private room with A/C
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.
Fees
That’s just USD 49 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.