About the Internship
Gain practical, real-world experience through our Medical Internship Program in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, designed for students and early-career healthcare professionals seeking exposure to a resource-limited clinical environment. Volunteers with medical knowledge provide much needed assistance in this environment and all volunteers gain incomparable experience and knowledge.
Interns are placed within a local healthcare facility, where they observe and learn from experienced medical staff while gaining insight into the challenges and strengths of Zimbabwe’s public health system. Facilities often operate with limited supplies and staffing, and many patients travel long distances to receive care—offering interns a unique perspective on global health and service delivery.
For qualified medical professionals with at least two years of experience, there is an opportunity to take on more active responsibilities upon registration with the relevant health board. Details are provided in the Additional Information section.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the future prospects of the people of Victoria Falls
- Assist in the provision of essential medical care to the people of Victoria Falls
- Enable shared learning between international volunteers and local medical professionals
- Provide much needed support to an under-resourced public hospital.
How You Can Help
The program begins at a busy community clinic, where interns are introduced to the fundamentals of primary healthcare in Zimbabwe. From there, placements continue at a large public hospital, where interns rotate through shifts, observing and shadowing local medical professionals. Participation is tailored to each intern’s level of training and experience, with all activities supervised and aligned with local regulations.
In addition to clinical exposure, interns may engage in community outreach initiatives focused on health education, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other common conditions. These programs also support elderly individuals and communities affected by chronic illness, with a focus on care within home environments.
Qualified and experienced medical professionals who complete the required Health Board registration process (see Additional Information) may have the opportunity to take on more active clinical responsibilities alongside local staff.
Due to the resource-constrained setting, patients often present with advanced stages of illness. This provides interns with a unique learning environment—offering exposure to complex cases while contributing to patient care and benefiting from meaningful knowledge exchange with local healthcare teams.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist with day-to-day medical care, as appropriate to individual experience and training
- Network with program staff and medical staff
- Contribute on community awareness programs
- Provide resources and support to improvised medical facilities.
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 Zimbabwe's healthcare system.
Applicants to this program must be either:
- Currently studying on a pre-med, pre-nursing or pre-dental track (with this listed clearly on their resume) or,
- A medical, nursing or dental student (currently enrolled in medical, nursing or dental school) or,
- A new resident doctor, nurse or dentist.
Documentation required
Interns must provide the following documentation AT LEAST ONE MONTH in advance of their start date.
- A letter of reference from a medical related professor issued on official institutional letterhead and signed by the professor from the medicine, nursing, or healthcare department and who is currently or has recently taught you in a subject that relates to the medical field (biology, physiology etc are acceptable).
- Department preferences: 1 for each week of volunteering plus 1 extra. We will provide a list once a placement is confirmed.
- Motivation letter for each department selected.
- Copy of the University forms/requirements (if any).
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!
Scrubs are required at the hospital. Please bring your own if you have them or they can be hired on arrival for $30.
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
Victoria Falls is a town in the western portion of Zimbabwe, across the border from Livingstone, Zambia, and near Botswana. The town lies immediately next to the falls which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Although the falls are the major attraction, this popular tourist destination offers both adventure seekers and sightseers plenty of opportunities for a longer stay. While in Victoria Falls you will have the opportunity to undertake many leisure activities ranging from white water rafting and bungee jumping to canoeing, fishing and boat cruises. Your program coordinator can assist you if you wish to book one of these activities and they often get a better price for volunteers.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week 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 your arrival in Victoria Falls, you will be collected at the airport by a representative of the local project team and delivered to the volunteer house. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. 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. 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: Victoria Falls Airport, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (CODE: VFA)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers joining our team in Victoria Falls are accommodated in a spacious volunteer house located 4 kms from the city center.
The shared bedrooms have single beds and rooms are split by gender.
The bathroom is equipped with a flush toilet and a bath. The lounge has a spacious lounge suite and entertainment in the form of TV with a wide range of international news and entertainment channels. Wifi is available on site (limited use).
There is a lovely outside area where you can relax for a quiet drink. Our local partner resides on site, and a cook and cleaner are on site to cook your meals and take care of the house.
Linen in the form of blankets, sheets and pillows are provided.
On working days volunteers are provided two meals (breakfast and dinner) on a daily basis while at the volunteer house, while lunch will be provided at the partner office on weekdays. Breakfast only is provided on the weekends.
Fees
That’s just USD 53 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.
Additional Info
Qualified Medical Professionals:
Qualified medical professionals with at least 2 years experience are invited to register with the Zimbabwean government in order to be actively involved in patient care accordingly to their skill set. Our local partner will make these arrangements if you are interested in this option.
The minimum stay is 2 weeks and the cost of registering with the Zimbabwean government is factored into the program fees below:
2 weeks US$1037
3 weeks US$1188
4 weeks US$1397
5 weeks US$1689
6 weeks US$1929
7 weeks US$2216
8 weeks US$2759
9 weeks US$2865
10 weeks US$3140
11 weeks US$3415
12 weeks US$3713