MEDICAL EXPERIENCE
Medical Placement Program – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Observe Healthcare in Vietnam & Expand Your Medical Knowledge
The Vietnamese healthcare system offers a unique learning environment for students interested in medicine and healthcare. As a Medical Placement Volunteer, you will gain valuable insight into how healthcare is delivered in Vietnam while observing experienced medical professionals in a local hospital.
Due to government regulations, volunteers are not permitted to provide independent patient care or perform clinical procedures. Instead, you will shadow doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals, observing a variety of medical specialties and learning about the Vietnamese healthcare system.
This program is ideal for medical, nursing and allied health students seeking international clinical exposure. Qualified healthcare professionals are also welcome to participate; however, placements remain primarily observational.
Your Role
As a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to observe and assist with:
Basic triage procedures
Wound care
Rehabilitation services
Acupuncture treatments
Operating theatre procedures
Patient observation and hospital rounds
General ward activities
Daily activities vary depending on your placement, hospital department and local regulations.
Medical Specialties
Depending on availability, volunteers may observe in one or more of the following departments:
Anesthesiology
Brain Injury
Mental Health (subject to availability)
Occupational Therapy
Orthopedics
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Prosthetics
Medical Imaging / Radiology
Speech Therapy
Surgery (including spine, joint and skin graft procedures)
Ultrasound
Please note that department availability may vary throughout the year.
Why Join This Program?
By participating in the Medical Placement Program, you will:
Gain insight into Vietnam's healthcare system
Observe a wide range of medical specialties and clinical practices
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
Develop intercultural communication skills
Strengthen your medical knowledge and professional development
Experience Vietnamese culture first-hand
Explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh
Volunteer Requirements
To participate in this program, volunteers must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be studying medicine, nursing, or a closely related healthcare field.
Be able to communicate in English.
Have adequate travel insurance.
Provide a criminal background check before departure.
Qualified healthcare professionals are welcome to join; however, this remains an observational placement.
Program Fees
RProgram Fees:
Registration Fee USD 120
Program Fee (Sunday – Saturday):
1 Week: USD 360 (approximately USD 50/day)
2 Weeks: USD 560 (approximately USD 40/day)
3 Weeks: USD 840 (approximately USD 40/day)
4 Weeks: USD 980 (approximately USD 35/day)
5 Weeks: USD 1,225 (approximately USD 35/day)
6 Weeks: USD 1,470 (approximately USD 35/day)
8 Weeks: USD 1,680 (approximately USD 30/day)
Please note: A Medical Placement Surcharge of USD 50 per week applies in addition to the standard program fee.
The longer you stay, the lower your average daily program cost
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in a shared dormitory at a local tourism college, approximately 30 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City's tourist centre.
Accommodation includes
Shared rooms with 5–7 volunteers
Bunk beds
Shared bathrooms
Air conditioning
Cold-water showers
Free Wi-Fi (connection may occasionally be slow)
We recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone so you can purchase a local SIM card during orientation. Our local team will be happy to assist.
Transportation
Some hospital placements are within walking distance, while others require a 30–40-minute journey by public bus. If required, a member of the local team will accompany you during your first trip to help you become familiar with the route.
Meals
Volunteers receive:
Monday – Friday
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast usually includes toast, cereal, fresh fruit, tea and coffee.
Lunch and dinner feature traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including rice, noodles, soups, fresh vegetables, meats and herbs.
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch
Dinner
If you have dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before your arrival so suitable arrangements can be made where possible.
What's Included
✔ Volunteer accommodation
✔ Three meals per day on weekdays, plus brunch and dinner on weekends
✔ Airport pick-up for arrivals on Sunday between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM. Arrivals outside these hours or on other days will incur an additional airport transfer fee and/or an extra night's accommodation charge.
✔ Comprehensive in-country orientation
✔ 24/7 local support throughout your stay
✔ Pre-departure support
✔ Personalized preparation tools, guides and checklists
✔ Certificate of Volunteer Service upon successful completion of the program
A Typical Volunteer Schedule
07:00 – Breakfast
08:00 – 11:30 – Hospital placement
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch
13:30 – 16:30 – Hospital observation, departmental rotations or discussions with local medical staff
18:00 – Dinner
Evening – Free time to relax, explore Ho Chi Minh City or review your learning experience.
Please note that this is a sample schedule. Hospital schedules vary depending on the department, local holidays and supervisor availability. Volunteers generally attend placements from Monday to Friday, with weekends free.
Location
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest and most dynamic city, combining a rich cultural heritage with modern healthcare facilities. Outside your placement, you'll have the opportunity to discover historic landmarks, vibrant markets, local cafés and world-famous Vietnamese cuisine.
The Medical Placement Program offers an excellent opportunity to broaden your understanding of international healthcare while gaining valuable observational experience in a professional medical setting.