Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Great 4.45rating (58)
  • Good Health And Well-Being

Frontline Medical Care - Emergency & OPD

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 19 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Real Clinical Impact - Work directly in a high-volume hospital environment, not a placement program. Your skills genuinely contribute to patient care and hospital capacity.
  • Emergency Medicine Exposure - Experience both routine outpatient care and acute emergency situations, building diverse clinical skills in a resource-limited setting.
  • Direct Professional Mentorship - Learn from experienced Tanzanian healthcare professionals, gaining insights into how medicine is practiced in East Africa.

Highlights

  • Real Clinical Impact - Work directly in a high-volume hospital environment, not a placement program. Your skills genuinely contribute to patient care and hospital capacity.
  • Emergency Medicine Exposure - Experience both routine outpatient care and acute emergency situations, building diverse clinical skills in a resource-limited setting.
  • Direct Professional Mentorship - Learn from experienced Tanzanian healthcare professionals, gaining insights into how medicine is practiced in East Africa.
  • Home Away From Home - Stay at Arusha's most celebrated hostel, where you'll live with a supportive community of fellow volunteers and international travelers from around the world!
  • Upgrade your volunteer placement into an accredited diploma, gaining a recognised qualification that can strengthen your CV, university applications and future career opportunities.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 19+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Our Medical Care & Emergency Department Program places you on the frontlines of patient care. Work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in local hospitals.

    Medical Care & Emergency Department Program - Arusha, Tanzania

    About Boresha Maisha Projects

    The saying "Boresha Maisha" means "improving lives" in Swahili and that is exactly what we wish to accomplish with these volunteer projects – to create possibilities for communities and individuals to work ...

    About the program

    Medical Care & Emergency Department Program - Arusha, Tanzania

    About Boresha Maisha Projects

    The saying "Boresha Maisha" means "improving lives" in Swahili and that is exactly what we wish to accomplish with these volunteer projects – to create possibilities for communities and individuals to work abroad for a cause and grow and help create a better future.

    Volunteering abroad, in Tanzania, can be a challenge, especially since today there are hundreds of volunteer organizations out there and it's hard to know which one is the right one. Boresha Maisha Projects emerged from a pursuit to inspire and support community development ethically, and over the long term. Having seen the bad effects of "voluntourism" many of the volunteering programs create, we wished to find more sustainable projects and causes, where the impacts will last and, not be forgotten by the next arriving volunteers. We wish to create programs specifically for volunteers or students with the appropriate skills and motivations.

    Program Overview

    Step into the heart of Tanzania's healthcare system and experience real-world medical practice in a dynamic, high-volume hospital environment. Our Medical Care & Emergency Department Program places you on the frontlines of patient care, where you'll work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in both the Emergency Department and Outpatient Department (OPD). This isn't theoretical learning – it's hands-on experience managing the diverse medical challenges that shape healthcare delivery in East Africa.

    Target Community

    You'll be serving patients from across Arusha and surrounding regions – from young children with fevers and infections to adults seeking routine check-ups and emergency care. These are real people facing genuine health challenges, often with limited access to quality medical services. Your presence and expertise directly impact their care and outcomes.

    The Challenge

    Tanzania's healthcare system faces significant pressure, particularly in high-volume departments like the OPD and Emergency Department. Limited resources, high patient loads, and the need for efficient, compassionate care create an environment where every extra pair of skilled hands makes a measurable difference. Patients often wait in long queues, and healthcare staff are stretched thin managing everything from minor ailments to serious emergencies.

    The standard of Medical Care provided in Tanzania is also often very low, and the heart of our mission and vision as an organisation is to have people working alongside one another sharing skills, knowledge and ideas.

    Our Partnership Approach

    We work directly with the hospital to integrate qualified volunteers into their existing medical teams. Rather than creating separate volunteer programs, we ensure you're genuinely contributing to patient care while learning from experienced local healthcare professionals. This direct partnership means your work has immediate, tangible impact on the hospital's capacity and patient outcomes.

    Your Role & Hands-On Activities

    • Patient Assessments: Assist with initial patient evaluations, taking vital signs, and documenting patient histories
    • Diagnosis Support: Observe and participate in diagnostic processes under supervision of qualified medical staff
    • Routine Check-ups: Help conduct routine health examinations and basic health screenings
    • Minor Treatments: Assist with minor wound care, dressing changes, and basic treatment procedures
    • Patient Referrals: Support the referral process for patients requiring specialist care
    • Emergency Response: Work in the Emergency Department, assisting with acute patient care and emergency situations
    • Patient Education: Provide health education and guidance to patients about their conditions and treatment

    What You'll Learn & Gain

    • Real-World Clinical Experience: Work in a high-volume, resource-limited setting that challenges and develops your clinical skills
    • Cross-Cultural Healthcare: Understand how healthcare delivery differs in Tanzania and adapt your practice accordingly
    • Emergency Medicine Exposure: Gain experience managing acute conditions and emergency situations
    • Team Collaboration: Work alongside Tanzanian healthcare professionals and learn their approaches to patient care
    • Resilience & Adaptability: Develop problem-solving skills in environments with limited resources
    • Professional Growth: Build confidence in your medical abilities while contributing to meaningful patient outcomes
    • Global Health Perspective: Deepen your understanding of healthcare challenges in low-resource settings

    Turn Your Volunteer Experience Into an Accredited Diploma

    Your time volunteering can become much more than an unforgettable experience. Alongside your placement, you have the opportunity to complete an internationally recognised accredited diploma, built entirely around the work you're already doing in Tanzania. With no exams and only a small amount of additional work completed online throughout your programme, you'll graduate with a recognised qualification that can strengthen your CV, support university applications and, in many countries, even contribute towards academic credit.


    Managing Your Expectations: The Reality of Volunteering

    Whilst we do our best to be as accurate as possible with what to expect on your program, the nature of volunteering is fundamentally about coming to one of the most challenged parts of the world, learning to understand the barriers and challenges surrounding community development, and then being flexible, adaptable, and proactive in working on solutions to how you can be of best benefit during your time there.

    Volunteering is, more than anything, a learning experience—so please always expect the unexpected. It's not a curated or meticulously planned travel experience. In fact, it's quite the opposite. You might find that some community members are incredibly welcoming from day one, eager to have you lead activities and drive initiatives. Others may be more skeptical or hesitant to have you heavily involved right away, preferring to continue with their established ways of doing things.

    Don't let this worry you, and don't be quick to assume you're in the wrong place. Take the time to adapt to a new culture and its challenges. Focus first and foremost on building rapport with those you're working with—get to know the students, teachers, NGO staff, and community members. Show respect, demonstrate that you're not there to immediately change their ways, and then slowly and respectfully introduce ideas about how you could be better involved, support classroom management, or share the workload.

    If you find you're not doing what you expected, please lean on our coordinators for support—there is almost always a solution, and that's exactly what they're there for.

    Ultimately, our volunteers are the ones who drive all of our initiatives as an organization. Our core focus is on capacity building and making sustainable improvements through sharing ideas, skills, and knowledge. As such, we cannot always provide a pre-set, specifically structured experience. We can, however, guide, support, and equip you along the way.

    The volunteers who are flexible, open-minded, adaptable, willing to work through challenges, and take the most initiative in their programs are always the ones who have the best and most enriching experiences!

    Typical day

    A Day in Your Life - Medical Care & Emergency Department Program

    8:00 AM - Arrival & Briefing

    Your day begins early as you arrive at the hospital. You'll receive a brief from the medical team about the day's expected patient load, any critical cases, and your specific assignments for the day.

    8:30 AM - ...

    Typical day

    A Day in Your Life - Medical Care & Emergency Department Program

    8:00 AM - Arrival & Briefing

    Your day begins early as you arrive at the hospital. You'll receive a brief from the medical team about the day's expected patient load, any critical cases, and your specific assignments for the day.

    8:30 AM - Outpatient Department (OPD) Begins / Emergency Department depending on the needs of the hospital

    The pace picks up significantly as the OPD opens and patients begin arriving. The queues grow quickly as people come in with general ailments – fevers, coughs, infections, minor injuries, and routine check-ups. You'll assist with initial patient evaluations, vital sign monitoring, and basic health screenings. The volume can be demanding, but this is where you'll see the real impact of your work as you help manage the flow of patients.

    You may work across both departments, depending on needs, your experience and for variety

    12:00 PM - Continued OPD & Emergency Department Work & Minor Treatments

    The OPD remains busy throughout the morning and into early afternoon. You'll continue assisting with patient assessments, help with minor treatments and wound care, and support the referral process for patients needing specialist care. You'll work closely with nurses and doctors, learning their clinical approaches and building your own medical confidence.

    1:00 PM - Lunch Break

    Take time to recharge with a lunch break, reflecting on the morning's experiences and preparing for the afternoon ahead.

    2:00 PM - Afternoon Clinical Work - Home Time

    Return to either the OPD or Emergency Department, depending on the day's needs. You might assist with additional patient care, observe emergency cases, or participate in patient education sessions. The afternoon often brings different types of cases and provides varied learning opportunities.

    Depending on how busy the Hospital is, and how you are feeling, you may depart from the hospital around mid-afternoon, often buzzing with the energy of a full day of meaningful medical work. Many volunteers spend evenings processing their experiences and preparing for the next day.

    Schedule: Monday-Friday with occasional weekend shifts depending on hospital needs and your availability.

    Free-time activities

    Discover the best of Arusha with an array of free-time activities, from thrilling African safaris to day trips and afternoon adventures. As Tanzania stands among the world's top safari destinations, seize the opportunity during your placement. At the White House, we offer several budget and group ...

    Free-time activities

    Discover the best of Arusha with an array of free-time activities, from thrilling African safaris to day trips and afternoon adventures. As Tanzania stands among the world's top safari destinations, seize the opportunity during your placement. At the White House, we offer several budget and group joining Safari Tours, fitting to your volunteer schedule and preferred parks (Arusha National Park, Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater).

     

    For nature enthusiasts, embark on hikes up Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru, and we can guide you through the planning process, suggesting routes and durations.

     

    If day trips are more your style, choose from an array of activities: hike to Mt. Meru waterfall, visit authentic Masai villages, swim in natural hot springs, explore man-made underground caves, or tour banana plantations. All these options can be easily arranged upon your arrival at the White House.

     

    Afternoons off work offer a variety of options. Cool down in a hotel swimming pool, available to outsiders for a small fee, or paddle around Lake Duluti in a rented canoe surrounded by birds and monkeys. In case of rain, explore Arusha's Museum of Nature and Wildlife or visit the Cultural Heritage Center, a gallery with diverse shops. Enhance your downtime with these enriching experiences in Arusha.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 19 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 19 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Medical Related Feilds at Enrolled in University or Qualified level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV, general criminal background check and and proof of studies or qualifications

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    At least 2nd year studies and any relevant work experience or otherwise is beneficial.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The fee covers your living expenses whilst here in Tanzania, and a percentage goes towards your placement itself, to further support the projects. During your stay, you will be living at a vibrant volunteer house, located in Njiro, only a short drive from the city centre.


    Program Inclusions:

    • Accommodation at our lively volunteer and backpacker’s house
    • 2 meals per day (Breakfast and dinner)
    • Airport pick up
    • Orientation and town tour
    • In-country program support
    • Your placement fees
    • Program Certificate
    • Access to a range of Day Tours and Safaris to experience more of Tanzania!

    Airport Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport

    We provide our volunteers with airport pick-up - from both Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Domestic Airport. Just provide us with your arrival detail - date, exact time, flight number - and we will make sure our driver is waiting outside for you with a sign of your name and a big smile.

    Accommodation

    Your Home Away From Home - The White House of Tanzania

    The Heart of Your Arusha Adventure During your stay, you'll be accommodated at the coziest and most welcoming hostel in Arusha - The White House of Tanzania. This isn't just accommodation; it's where your volunteer journey truly begins, surrounded by the warmth of the Mboje family who run both the hostel and our partner organization, Fursa Projects Tanzania.
    Family-Style Living with 24/7 Support 
    Our experienced staff, led by the legendary Jonas, go above and beyond to ensure your volunteer experience is seamless. From your first day to your last, you're not just a guest - you're part of the family. This personal touch creates the supportive environment that makes volunteers feel safe, welcomed, and truly at home.
    Prime Location, Perfect Balance
    Nestled in Arusha's desirable Njiro area, you'll enjoy the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. While you're just 15 minutes from the bustling city center, you're only a 10-minute walk from Njiro Complex - your one-stop destination for ATMs, diverse restaurants, a modern gym, cinema, supermarket, and everything you need for daily life. Easy access to taxis and local dalla-dalla mini-buses means exploring Arusha is always simple and affordable.
    Comfort That Enhances Connection Every shared dorm room is spacious, clean, and features a private ensuite bathroom with hot shower - a luxury many volunteer accommodations can't match. We can offer single rooms, but sharing with fellow volunteers and international travelers creates the rich, friendship-building experience that makes this program unforgettable. Many volunteers say their roommates become lifelong friends!
    Community Spaces That Build Memories Unwind in our various indoor and outdoor common areas after your impactful days. Whether you're planning weekend safaris, sharing stories from your volunteer work, or simply relaxing with new friends, these spaces become the backdrop for the connections that define your experience.
    All-Inclusive Comfort & Connection Your accommodation includes all two daily meals, with the highlight being our nightly communal dinners where guests, volunteers, and staff come together as one big family. These evening gatherings are where experiences are shared, friendships deepen, and inspiration for weekend adventures is born. Plus, reliable Wi-Fi throughout ensures you can easily stay connected with loved ones back home.
    More Than Accommodation - It's Your Support Network At The White House, you're not just staying somewhere - you're joining a community that's invested in making your volunteer experience extraordinary. From practical support to cultural insights, the Mboje family and our staff are your local experts and supporters throughout your journey.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and Dinner is included. Breakfast is buffet style with toast, eggs, pancakes, banana bread and fruit. Dinner will be a mixture of local and western cuisine, generally consisting of rice-based dishes, pastas, stews, chicken, chips, etc! Our amazing chef Paula is very accommodating to any dietary requirements, special requests or otherwise.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Kilimanjaro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Tanzania. 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 Tanzania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    We recommend that, if possible, you arrive to Arusha during the weekend so you will have time to settle in the hostel, have time for a town orientation and get to know the city about before you begin your placement on Monday! Upon your arrival, our driver will pick you up in the airport and take you back to the hostel where we will be ready to greet you. 


    This program runs year round, so you can start on any week.

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

    Program Fees

    $240 per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 19 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.5
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I had the most amazing experience in Paje. Not only have you got the beautiful island to travel around but you meet the most amazing team ...
    Abigail Jones

    Medical Work & Support

    •
    2025
    Very happy to earned the experience! Nice people, nice enviornment and nice project. Even if things don‘t went as planned they always try ...
    Valentina Pock

    Medical Work & Support

    •
    2025
    These past weeks were without a doubt the best of my life, not because of the places I saw, but because of the people who were there every ...
    Alicia Veiga

    Medical Work & Support

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Tanzania > Arusha

    Meet your project coordinator

    Jackson
    58
    reviews
    4.45
    Great
    2014
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
    Spoken languages: English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Medical Training in Tanzania
    Contact Jackson
      Below average response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Jackson
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details