Medical and Dental Volunteer Quests
Volunteer Abroad Healthcare Programs: 1-52 weeks

United Planet’s unique Volunteer Abroad Quest program combines volunteering abroad, language learning, cultural activities, learning excursions, and special Cultural Awareness Projects to provide an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers and valuable support for communities in need. Medical, dental and healthcare volunteers of all ages and nationalities are invited to join from 1-52 weeks in over 40 countries worldwide to work in areas such as HIV/AIDS awareness and outreach education; dental care; patient care in pediatric hospitals and clinics; and psychological treatment for abused women and children.

Eligibility:

United Planet invites professionals and students in the healthcare field to apply for programs. Please find a list of our healthcare volunteer abroad opportunities listed below. Healthcare volunteer applicants are requested to fill out a Medical Supplemental Form along with their application.

Click here to read the blog of a UP healthcare volunteer abroad in Peru!

“My volunteer Quest was to Cusco, Peru. I volunteered in a free clinic where I joined the doctors and nurses in community outreach and Hepatitis B vaccinations. I had an amazing trip that far surpassed my expectations. I was a first time traveler abroad and was quite nervous, but from the moment I arrived I felt like I had friends and family right there with me. My host mom was great; it was like having a mom away from home. The friends that I made and the experiences I am taking with me will stay with me forever.”

Elizabeth McKay, United Planet Peru Quest Medical Volunteer

Healthcare Programs:

Short-term Quest (1-12 weeks):

Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador and Chile

• Popular with students and families during summer, winter, and spring breaks. Adventurers and retirees may join programs year-round.

Group Quests:

Universities, Schools, Corporate, Youth Groups, Spiritual Organizations

• Create your own customized Group Programs such as alternative breaks for pre-med and medical student volunteers in Latin America.

Long-term/Gap Year Quest (6 months; 1 year):
Long-term healthcare programs vary by country.

More Information:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteer Programs

• Volunteer Testimonials

• Why pay to volunteer abroad?

• About United Planet

• Parent’s Page

• Contact Us

Providing Access to Healthcare Worldwide:

United Planet engages in a range of healthcare services around the world. Click on each country to read in more detail about Quests offered as well as language and experience prerequisites.

Pre-med/medical students and healthcare professionals: Medical volunteers interact with patients and may shadow doctors or nurses at local clinics. At some clinics volunteers may also observe minor procedures.

• Locations: Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador

Nurses: Volunteer nurses may assist staff with minor procedures such as blood work, giving injections, setting up an IV, etc.

• Locations: Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador

Doctors: Volunteer doctors can work directly with patients in coordination with local staff and doctors at a clinic or rural orphanage. Pediatricians are especially welcome to apply.

• Locations: Guatemala, Ecuador, Romania, Peru

Dental Students: Volunteer dental students can help clean teeth; there may also be an opportunity to shadow a dentist.

• Locations: Peru, Guatemala

Dentists: Group Dental Quest offered summer 2009: Qualified dentists volunteer, teach and share techniques at a local children’s hospital and private dental offices in Peru. Dentists work in coordination with local staff and see patients.

• Location: Peru

Non-healthcare Professionals: Volunteers in India can help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. In Peru and Chile, volunteers with advanced Spanish knowledge can work in a clinic setting, spending time with patients.

• Locations: India, Peru, Chile

Psychology/Psychiatric Projects: Psychologists and psychology students are needed to work at women’s shelters, clinics and juvenile detention centers. Psychiatrists can also work at a psychiatric clinic in Peru.

• Locations: Peru, Guatemala, Nepal

Physical and Speech Therapy: Volunteers with no experience may assist at a physical therapy clinic by prepping the adults for and helping out with the kids’ therapy. Professional physical and speech therapists are also needed at a rehabilitation center for mentally disabled children.

• Location: Ecuador

Nutritionists: Nutritionists are needed at a rural clinic and orphanage in Cusco, Peru. In Guatemala, nutritionists can help at a women’s shelter or a small clinic.

• Locations: Peru, Guatemala

Dates, Program Fees and Fundraising
Short-term Medical Quests are available year-round with two start dates per month. Specific start dates vary by location. Long-term Quests begin in January and August of 2009.

• Short-term Quest fees start at: $1445
• Long-term Quest fees start at: $5285

Program Fees Include:

• Preparation & training before departure
• Food & lodging in-country (what’s included may vary by country, call for details)
• Airport transportation
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Emergency medical insurance
• Ongoing support from Coordinators in each country.

Fees do not include:

• Visa processing charges
• International airfare
• Any required vaccinations or immunizations
• Local transportation

Apply Now:

1. Choose your Volunteer Quest Country and then fill in the online application. 
2. Submit your deposit together with the application.
3. The Regional Coordinator in the Boston office will contact you to arrange a phone interview.