Healthcare program
This impactful program plays a vital role in providing quality healthcare services to underserved communities in Cambodia. It offers an enriching and rewarding experience for pre-medical students, medical students, and qualified healthcare professionals alike.
Love Volunteers’ partner organisation in Cambodia works closely with two public hospitals in Phnom Penh, with a primary focus on children’s health and pediatric care. Volunteers may also participate in mobile medical screenings and rural outreach initiatives, helping to extend essential healthcare services to remote communities.
Volunteer responsibilities are tailored to each individual’s qualifications, clinical experience, and level of training. While volunteers are not permitted to perform major medical procedures independently and will primarily undertake observational “shadowing” roles, those with relevant experience may have the opportunity to observe operations, assist with basic procedures, and support routine patient examinations and check-ups.
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
Medical students, pre-med students, and those considering a career in healthcare will find this experience invaluable in helping to confirm and strengthen their career aspirations.
Volunteers in Cambodia without prior medical training will be paired with local staff members, allowing them to shadow and observe daily medical practices while also assisting patients in waiting areas. Volunteers play an important supporting role by helping staff with administrative and office duties, which may include answering phones, filing documents, running errands, reception work, and data entry.
As hospitals often operate with limited resources and equipment, volunteers are encouraged to think creatively and remain adaptable in unfamiliar environments. This experience provides participants with meaningful insight into the local culture and community, offering a deeper understanding of global healthcare challenges and practices. Such exposure is both enriching and highly valuable for anyone pursuing a future in the medical field.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist medical staff in the treatment of patients
- Assist with mobile medical screening and rural outreach programs.
- Help sort medical supplies and admin duties
- Help in emergency situations
- Help on health education programs
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 Cambodia's healthcare system.
It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine including pre-med and med-school students.
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!
If you are studying medicine and are interested in a medical internship, please explore our Medical Internship in Cambodia program.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- 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 Volunteer 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 internship. 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 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 50 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.