Hospital/Clinic Medical Assistant

location
2 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Gain an in-depth knowledge of how the medical system works in Zimbabwe
  • Experience the natural beauty of Zimbabwe
  • Get to see Victoria Falls - one of the natural wonders of the world

Highlights

  • Gain an in-depth knowledge of how the medical system works in Zimbabwe
  • Experience the natural beauty of Zimbabwe
  • Get to see Victoria Falls - one of the natural wonders of the world
  • Immerse yourself in the amazing local culture
  • Experience the unique sights, sounds and tastes of Africa


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer at a Community Hospital or Clinic in Vic Falls, serving the underprivileged and supporting the staff with their daily tasks.

    In many parts of Africa people live in poor conditions, especially in rural settlements. Millions of people experience deprivation of the most basic rights to water, shelter and food. The medical infrastructure in Zimbabwe is very low and often people need to walk long distances to receive medical ...

    About the program

    In many parts of Africa people live in poor conditions, especially in rural settlements. Millions of people experience deprivation of the most basic rights to water, shelter and food. The medical infrastructure in Zimbabwe is very low and often people need to walk long distances to receive medical aid. Our hospitals and medical centers are in short of drugs, medical equipment and even health care professionals as we experience brain drain due to the poor economic environment. This project is implemented in partnership with local hospitals and clinics in Victoria Falls to give much-needed help and support to challenged healthcare institutions.

    Victoria Falls Hospital is the District hospital which supports people from Victoria Falls urban (approximately 60 000 people), Victoria Falls rural with approximately 80 000 people. Four rural clinics feed to the district hospital usually through people who are referred for further examination and treatment. 

    This program is open to all registered medical students, regardless of level of education or year of study. Volunteers mainly assist in administrative duties, basic treatment and patient support. They also participate in community health awareness programs to inform communities of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other common diseases and support the healthcare institutions. Volunteers will likely be occupied throughout their shifts which could be a morning, afternoon or overnight shift. 

    As a volunteer, you will firstly be attached at a local clinic were you will learn about primary healthcare before joining the hospital were you have the chance to go through almost all hospital departments for your learning and appreciation of the Zimbabwe healthcare system. At the hospital, volunteers will witness minor to almost major operations which include C-sections for pregnant women. 

    The hospital is merely a 5 minute walk from your accommodation which will make it easy for you to get home during tea breaks or any other times as shall be approved by your supervisor while the clinics are in a 5km radius. Volunteers should also understand that there shall be moments they shall be on call and expected to work any time depending on how the hospital gets busy.


    Typical day

    Breakfast is served between 06:30 - 07:30

    Transport departs to the project at 07:45

    General Working hours are 08:00 - 15:00 

    Afternoon Free

    Dinner is served between 19:00 - 20:00

    Typical day

    Breakfast is served between 06:30 - 07:30

    Transport departs to the project at 07:45

    General Working hours are 08:00 - 15:00 

    Afternoon Free

    Dinner is served between 19:00 - 20:00


    Free-time activities

    Victoria Falls is best known for being one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – this enormous mass of water, constantly flowing and falling over 110m (twice the height of North America’s Niagara falls), has attracted millions of travellers since its discovery in 1855. These falls, located on ...

    Free-time activities

    Victoria Falls is best known for being one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – this enormous mass of water, constantly flowing and falling over 110m (twice the height of North America’s Niagara falls), has attracted millions of travellers since its discovery in 1855. These falls, located on the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south, are known to locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”) - they have since given rise to Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe). With a population of approx. 36 000, the town’s economy is heavily dependent on the tourism industry.

    There are an incredible number of activities for visitors to do during their leisure time, including:

    • Zambezi River Sunset Cruise – US$55.00
    • Victoria Falls Unguided Tour – US$30.00 (additional US$20.00 for guide)
    • Elephant Encounter (no rides) – US$75.00
    • Zip-Line Canopy Tour – US$53.00
    • Bungee jump – US$160.00
    • Vic Falls Gorge Swing – US$95.00
    • Abseiling – US$65.00
    • Boma Dinner with African dance show – US$65.00
    • Devils Pool swim – US$140.00
    • Helicopter flight over falls – US$150.00
    • Zambezi Canoe tour – US$150.00
    • White-water rafting – US$120.00

    * Please note national park fees may apply – please confirm final price at time of booking
    * All prices include transport to/from volunteer house  


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Medicine/Health-care at Registered Student level

    Required Documents

    CV and Proof of registration as Medical Student

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    - A firm interest in the medical field - Positive Attitude - Ability to adapt easily to different surroundings

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Stay Africa Volunteers

    Cost includes the following:

    • All meals i.e breakfast, lunch and dinner, on weekdays (Mon - Fri).
    • Accommodation at our Volunteer House
    • Project based transport
    • Arrival and Return airport transfer
    • Orientation upon arrival
    • 24/7 emergency in country staff support
    • Internet access

    Cost excludes the following:

    • Flights
    • Laundry services charged at USD$5.00 per bag upon request
    • Bottled water & Weekend meals
    • Leisure activities which can be arranged separately
    • Medical or Health insurance cover 

    *Volunteers are required to get a 30-day Double-Entry Business Visa Stamp upon arrival at VFA airport (approx. cost USD60) - please consult your local authorities to ensure you have current/updated visa info. 

    *Volunteers wishing to volunteer in Vic Falls for more than 30 days are required to apply for a Temporary Work Permit, at a cost of approx. USD500. We advise volunteers to only go for this option, for stays of 90 days or longer (not cost-effective otherwise).

    Airport Pickup at Victoria Falls Airport

    Your airport transfers (arrival and departure), to and from Victoria Falls International Airport, are included in the package. One of our team members will be at the airport to meet you and he/she will be holding a board with your name on it - please look out for us. The airport is relatively small so it won't be hard to find each other.

    Free Airport Wi-Fi is available. 

    Accommodation

    All our volunteers will be accommodated at our volunteer house in Victoria Falls Town. The house can accommodate 20 volunteers and has the following features:

    • Located approx. 3.5kms from main town centre – 20 - 25mins walk.
    • 4 bedrooms available (one large with 4 bunk beds plus en-suite bathroom, perfect for a small group)
    • 2 full bathrooms (1 with bath tub; en-suite with shower) plus additional single toilet
    • Air-conditioning in all bedrooms
    • Large open-plan lounge and dining area (with cable tv)
    • Kitchen with stove, microwave, fridge, etc.
    • Wi-Fi available but capped at 35GB per month so only for social media, emails, etc.
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided on weekdays (Mon - Fri)
    • Very safe and quiet neighbourhood
    • 7-eleven convenience store approx. 5mins walk
    • Transport to/from projects included
    • Laundry service is provided at the volunteer house and charged at 5USD per bag

    Food & Beverages

    3 Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) per day are included in the package.

    • Breakfast: Cereal, bread/toast, butter, jams, peanut butter, tea/coffee, fruit, etc. 
    • Lunch: Cooked meal at the volunteer house or packed sandwiches to eat at your project (dependent on working hours)
    • Dinner: Cooked meal at the volunteer house. 
    *Fruit basket is always available at the volunteer house 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls. We assist you to find cheap flights to Zimbabwe. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Zimbabwe provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Zimbabwe you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Zimbabwe. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers are requested to arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) on any Sunday during this period, as orientation days are held on Mondays. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 688€
    3 weeks 848€
    4 weeks 968€
    5 weeks 1,117€
    6 weeks 1,237€
    7 weeks 1,397€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 1,476€
    Average fees 264€/week

    Program fees

    264€ per week 2 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Stay Africa Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Stay Africa Volunteers

    Excellent 4.8 rating (190 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1972

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Kevin

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Stay Africa is a non-profit organization providing high quality, affordable Volunteer programs in Cape Town.

    Meet your organization

    History

    STAY AFRICA (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was set up in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It was the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities took root in the days of Apartheid. STAY AFRICA has played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel for over 40 years and is well equipped to help students realize their travel dreams. Working with reputable and internationally recognized partners and being members of international associations. STAY AFRICA programs are run in accordance with guidelines put in place by these international organisations. Over the past 11 years, STAY AFRICA has branched out to include exciting opportunities for foreign travelers to experience South Africa by implementing Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, Groups and High School South Africa. 

    Volunteer Programs

    There are a vast number of interesting volunteer projects available and most of them are in the local communities surrounding and in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Volunteers can make a valuable contribution in many different facets of childcare, teaching, social, environment and medical placements in and around Cape Town. Whilst on the STAY AFRICA volunteer program, participants will stay with local host families and eat the local meals prepared by the family. They also have the option of staying in the City in a Volunteer House and eat in a local restaurant as well as use local minibus transport to their volunteer project. As a not for profit organisation run by staff of the local communities, we have extensive knowledge of the various communities of Cape Town and South Africa which enables us to offer first hand experience and advice of volunteering in the local communities. STAY AFRICA will provide a real insight into Cape Town’s culture, history, landscape through orientation and local community placement and provide the opportunity for genuine interaction with the local people.

    STAY AFRICA's aim is to offer quality, affordable volunteering experiences and the opportunity to be immersed in a local culture for clients interested in discovering Cape Town. As a non-profit organisation, STAY AFRICA is dedicated to providing young people, from all over the world, the opportunity to come to South Africa and experience our cultures and people. 

    Respect for the locals, their cultures, religion and environment are essential to operate a successful volunteer program. All our Volunteers placed in the local community have to abide by our Code of Conduct by respecting the local culture.  

    Volunteers also have the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of South Africa whereby we offer tours of Cape Town and Western Cape. Local guides and agencies are used with the understanding to offer a true cultural experience. 

    Community Development 

    STAY AFRICA works very closely with the local communities of Cape Town, to provide sustainable on-going partnerships. As a not for profit organisation, the program costs goes toward running of the program. Subject to available funding, STAY AFRICA assists community projects with donations to assist with various programs such as feeding scheme, a laptop was donated to a Daycare centre in the Farming community, end of year school functions, sports equipment for Schools etc. 

    Volunteers in the local community are placed with Community host families, within walking distance from their volunteer project. Host families are paid a stipend to cover meals and accommodation, thus STAY AFRICA giving back to the local communities by placement of volunteers at both project and host family.  

    All of our families we use are local host families and community projects started by the local people of the community that has identified a need within the local communities. Volunteers are placed at much needed community projects, NGO’S, public schools, Women run day care centres, Orphanages etc. All community projects are screened prior to placement of volunteers and factors such as economic responsibility, environmental, social responsibility and safety of the client are considered prior to approving local community projects for placement of our volunteers. In many cases volunteer assistance to these projects will assist the local people via ongoing placement of volunteers at both host family and projects. 


    190 reviews · rating4.8

    Mohd Arif rating5

    2022 at Hospital/Clinic Medical Assistant

    Two weeks in Cape Town, South Africa might seem like a long time but it was the shortest two weeks in my life ever. I had an amazing time staying in Cape Town with my host family and my fellow volunteers in the same house. We were like family and had so much fun together. The people at my project ...
    Evan Hersman rating4.6

    2022 at Hospital/Clinic Medical Assistant

    Going to Cape Town with Stay Africa was one of the best decisions of my life. I was honestly scared of traveling on my own for the first time, especially in South Africa, but my nerves were calmed immediately upon arrival. The community at the hostel was immediately extremely welcoming, and while it ...
    Jessica Serrano Moriana rating5

    2024 at Childcare at a Creche or Kindergarten

    Wonderful experience! Something you muss do at least once in your life! Kevin and Noel were always there to help you. ...
    Emma Vezzaro rating5

    2024 at Childcare at a Creche or Kindergarten

    This was among the best experiences I have ever had in my life. I only did it for 3 weeks, so relatively little, but I felt at home. The house is very clean and comfortable, the people I met were always available, especially the contact persons who were always ready to help us volunteers. I had a ...
    B. Sally Boluka rating5

    2024 at Wildlife Supporter

    It was honestly incredible, beautiful, fun and a very social environment. I had an amazing time, I would definitely go back. There were people from all around the world so it was culturally rich. We were taught many things regarding the South African big 5 and temperament specifically. Great ...

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Zimbabwe > Vic Falls

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