About the Internship
Volunteers are desperately needed to assist in overcrowded and under resourced public hospitals and clinics in Cameroon's capital city of Yaoundé. With thousands of migrants entering the city to escape conflict in western regions the medical facilities are severely stretched. The program welcomes volunteers with a wide range of experience, including qualified medical personnel, medical students and pre-med students. Medical volunteers in Cameroon serve on placements in clinics and hospitals where an effort is made to tailor the placement to the volunteer’s level of experience and interests. In developing countries such as Cameroon the standard of medical care is significantly less advanced than that of developed nations and it common to see patients with advanced medical conditions. Volunteers willing to give their time on this worthwhile program will find their assistance is genuinely needed and very much appreciated.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential medical care to the impoverished people of Cameroon
- Enable shared learning between international volunteers and local medical professionals
- Raise awareness and understanding of health issues in the community
- Provide much needed assistance in under-resourced hospitals and clinics
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this medical placement will gain an amazing experience both from a medical and a life perspective. The placement offers a unique opportunity to experience medical services in a developing nation and provide very real assistance to some of the worlds poorest communities. Volunteer duties will be assigned dependent on skills and experience. Volunteers shadow and observe local medical professionals and are assigned tasks befitting their level of experience. Clinics often have very basic facilities and limited resources. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own clothing and medical equipment with them where possible. The challenges of treating patients with very limited medical supplies requires initiative and fortitude. Volunteers will gain a greater understanding of healthcare needs in Africa and put their skills to use in a meaningful and productive way.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Provide essential medical care to locals, dependent on volunteers' qualifications, skills and experience
- Provide hands-on assistance to local staff as directed
- Interact with local medical staff to share knowledge and experiences
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who
are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical
professionals and gain first-hand insight into Cameroon's healthcare
system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the
field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students.
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!
This project is available year-round. Volunteers can choose to
participate for a minimum period ranging from 2 weeks.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Cameroon's capital city is a taste of Africa with a difference. Boasting intriguing architecture and encompassing verdant hills there is much to catch the eye and invade the senses.
As a centre for governmental and administrative offices the city offers a higher standard of living than that in the rest of the country. However, the city is dealing with the impact of recent mass migration from conflict zones in the west, putting a strain on resources.
Located in the south of the country and enjoying an elevated position amidst the hills Yaoundé enjoys a tropical climate with steady and relatively pleasant temperatures year round.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every 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
Upon arrival into Cameroon (Nsimalen International Airport) volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their assigned accommodation where they will join a short welcome session. On Monday, volunteers attend the full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Cameroon. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Nsimalen International Airport, Yaounde NSI
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers will be accommodated in safe and comfortable lodgings, near to the project site.
Please keep in mind that living conditions in Cameroon are not luxurious. They do have electricity, but load shedding is common so you should expect the power to be off for a period each day. The accommodations have running water but hot water is only available if boiled. Heating and air-conditioning is also uncommon so it is very important to be well prepared for your trip. Although the accommodation is basic, this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings.
Three meals a day will be provided during your stay. Your hosts will provide you with a selection of local foods during your volunteer period, but you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. It is very common for Cameroonians to eat things like rice, stew, beans, corn and bread. The different cuisine may take some adjusting but is part of life in Cameroon.
Fees
That’s just USD 71 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.