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Gain hands-on medical experience through volunteering or internships in the Dominican Republic. Work 4–40 hours weekly in departments like ER, pediatrics, and HIV prevention. Witness local healthcare challenges, compare medical practices, and observe advanced-stage conditions. Interns receive tailored work plans and academic credit. This immersive program expands your perspective while offering diverse clinical exposure.
30 hours of help per week
Elderly Care: Assisting and spending time with the elderly.
Amount: € 1250 One time
Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers and Donation to project
Description: At Aldeas de Paz, we prioritize accessibility and transparency through our open-book policy. Minimum contribution: Starts at €155 per week (from the second week). Included: Spanish classes, comfortable accommodation in fully equipped apartments, program donation, personalized welcome service, airport pickup, bus transfer, bus fare.
2 days off per week
Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.
Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.
Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Intermediate Spanish and Intermediate English
Over 18 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Travel insurance
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Immerse yourself in the reality of healthcare in the Dominican Republic with this unique opportunity. Gain invaluable hands-on experience alongside medical professionals and volunteers in hospitals or neighborhood health clinics. Witness and have the chance to observe and learn about the differences between the medical practices in your country in contrast to the realities in a hospital or health clinic in the Dominican Republic. Also, be prepared to be exposed to challenges in the Dominican Healthcare System for example you may be faced with untreated medical conditions at advanced stages. Take part in diverse experiences across hospital/clinic departments, including emergency, pediatric, maternity (for female volunteers), diabetes, HIV prevention, and nursing. Expand your perspective on healthcare while shouldering responsibilities. Combine this medical program with other projects for a comprehensive experience.
Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, ranging from a minimum of 4 hours daily up to to 40 hours per week - you decide! If you're joining as an intern, we understand that your school or university may have specific requirements. Please inform us in advance about your internship criteria, enabling us to tailor a personalized work plan to suit your needs. Share your expectations and goals with us, and we'll work together to ensure you achieve them. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the internship.
Prepare for a dynamic and immersive experience, witnessing diverse cases and tackling unique challenges. Your dedication and adaptability are vital to the program's success and the well-being of the patients we serve. Embrace the opportunity to practice and learn new skills, fostering personal and professional growth. Your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need of medical care is highly valued. Schedules may change based on patients' and clinic needs, requiring your understanding. Our primary working hours focus on mornings when physicians are available at the hospital or health clinic. Additionally, weekend shifts offer valuable work observation and experience alongside doctors and nurses. Join our program for a rewarding journey, where your passion and dedication will improve the lives of patients in need, while gaining valuable insights into the medical practices and the Dominican healthcare system.
Activities can include but are not limited to
● Observing, shadowing and assisting doctors and nurses during their work
● Participating in patient care: comforting patients and assisting with examinations
● Make swabs for disinfection
● Writing down a list of medications with the time for each patient
● Stocking up on materials and preparing or reprocessing
● Prepare and, if necessary, distribute medications (infusion, pills, ...)
● Checking on the well-being of the patients
● Empty catheters (hospital only)
● Fold and wrap compresses
Requirements
We extend a warm welcome to students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, including pre-university students aspiring for a medical career. Medical volunteers should demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and adaptability. Specialized skills enable engagement in more focused activities. B1 Spanish skills are necessary, and advanced proficiency unlocks further opportunities. Complimentary Spanish lessons are provided to enrich the experience of our valued volunteers and interns. The program is open to elective students, medical students with available holiday time, pre-university students, and individuals pursuing specialized medical courses. Kindly bring easy-to-clean scrubs and closed shoes for clinic work, as they are mandatory.
Availability
This program is ongoing throughout the whole year and is not paused even through holidays!
Time Commitment
A minimum time commitment of 2 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year
Placement Location
Samana & Las Terrenas
About your Placement Location
The Aldeas de Paz Foundation is based in the charming coastal villages of Samana and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Samana, in the north-eastern corner, has about 15,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its safety, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. The community values social responsibility and exudes a secure, small European town vibe. The Dominican Republic's countryside is widely recognized for its peacefulness, making it one of the safest regions in the Caribbean. When you join our program, you'll experience a welcoming and secure environment while contributing to meaningful projects in this picturesque part of the world.
