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Brilliant 4.76rating (234)
  • Good Health And Well-Being

Medical assistant in Community Clinic

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Volunteer in beautiful Cape Town!
  • Gain practical experience in the medical field!
  • Support the project team as they aim to provide medical care to people in deed!

Highlights

  • Volunteer in beautiful Cape Town!
  • Gain practical experience in the medical field!
  • Support the project team as they aim to provide medical care to people in deed!
  • Explore the beautiful city with fellow volunteers!
  • Meet like-minded volunteers from all over the world!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer at a Community Clinic serving the underprivileged and supporting the clinic's staff with their daily tasks.

    About the Program

    For those able to afford it, the private healthcare system in South Africa meets developed world standards. However, the public healthcare system, which serves 80% of the population, faces serious challenges. The urbanization of the country has put serious strain on the hospitals in ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    For those able to afford it, the private healthcare system in South Africa meets developed world standards. However, the public healthcare system, which serves 80% of the population, faces serious challenges. The urbanization of the country has put serious strain on the hospitals in Cape Town: many have too few beds, doctors and medical supplies. Infectious diseases like typhoid fever and hepatitis are prevalent, largely because of poor public health, and HIV/AIDS remaining a devastating plague.
    Volunteers work in community clinics serving poor populations. They share their expertise and insights with the local staff and, as needed and allowed by the local nurses and doctors, help to provide care. Volunteers live and work in Cape Town or the surrounding areas.

    Structure and Facilities 

    • Most of the medical projects are understaffed and there is a lack of resources and therefore this can be a very stressful and challenging environment to work in 
    • Government funded facilities for people who cannot afford private medical care 
    • No major operations are done here

    Typical day

    Usual working days go from 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM and include the following activities.
    • Observation (doctors, nurses and pharmacy) 
    • Supporting the general staff
    • Helping with rehabilitation
    • Sharing health information and updating patient files
    • Clinical Assistant and Prep-Room duties
    • Baby Clinic: Taking weight, ...

    Typical day

    Usual working days go from 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM and include the following activities.
    • Observation (doctors, nurses and pharmacy) 
    • Supporting the general staff
    • Helping with rehabilitation
    • Sharing health information and updating patient files
    • Clinical Assistant and Prep-Room duties
    • Baby Clinic: Taking weight, height, temperature readings,etc.
    • Other tasks that might come up

    Free-time activities

    Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the ...

    Free-time activities

    Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. At night, there are many excellent bars, clubs and restaurants where locals and foreigners can relax and socialize.
    There are numerous cultural sites to visit, including the Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the Castle of Good Hope. They reflect Cape Town’s long history and help explain why the city is one of the most multicultural in the word. Robben Island, the infamous prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during apartheid is a difficult but necessary stop. For outdoor lovers, Cape Town has a wide mix of opportunities. Table Mountain is a breathtaking spot to visit, and there are many nearby hills, mountains and trails that make for great biking, climbing and hiking. Many, like Lion’s Head Mountain, also offer stunning views over the city and ocean below. Join in on tours down the Garden Route and a Game Drive to spot the Big 5!

    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 (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Medical at University 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

    Volunteers on this program need to be registered as a med-student and have patience, empathy, willingness to help wherever needed, and a love and passion for people.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Placement in a suitable project and volunteer house - Placement inventory information prior to arrival in South Africa - Transfer from the airport to the STAY AFRICA house - Transfer to STAY AFRICA office for Orientation - Orientation program, including welcome session and Orientation Session - Accommodation (incl. breakfast) at volunteer house 

    At additional cost: Weekday lunch and dinner; weekend meals; Transportation from the accommodation to the project site and back. 

    Please note that once you have paid the balance of your program fee (typically 1 month prior to your arrival), cancellations will result in a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation within 7 days of your arrival. No refunds will be issued for early departures - a credit voucher will be issued to you, and you can then return to complete your program at a future date.


    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    Volunteers will be collected at Cape Town International Airport on the Set Arrival Date. A representative from our partner transport company, Backpacker Bus, will have a signboard with STAY AFRICA VOLUNTEERS (and/or your name) on it to meet you. If you are unable to see anyone, please make your way to the information desk in the main terminal as the driver will page for you.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers are either placed at the Stay House in the house city or with a host family in the local community outside the city. The Stay Africa House can accommodate up to 30 volunteers at a time (5 dorm-style rooms sleeping between 4-8 people) , on-site, live-in Stay Africa hostel manager, fully-equipped kitchen and communal lounge area with satellite TV, fully-fitted bathroom with 4 showers and 3 toilets, individual lockers for each volunteer, WiFi internet connection, located centrally on transport route close to supermarkets, internet café, laundries, restaurants, etc.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast is provided on weekdays (Monday to Friday only). Lunch, Dinner and weekend meals are the volunteer's expense. 

    Breakfast is self-service and includes coffee, tea with bread/toast, eggs, at least 2 cereal types, and a selection of fresh seasonal fruits. 

    The volunteer house is located within walking distance of numerous restaurants (everything from steak houses and burger joints, to Sushi/Asian cuisine) and small corner cafes and coffee shops (for light meals), as well as well-known fast food outlets (KFC, McDonalds, Nandos, Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc.). Uber Eats offers a delivery service for most of these.

    Volunteers also often buy groceries from the nearby supermarket and have home-cooked meals together in groups - great bonding experiences and often loads of fun!! Just try not to burn down our kitchens!! 


    Internet Access

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

    Add-ons & Experiences
    2-Day Wildlife and Safari Tour

    Go wild in the Western Cape on an overnight trip with safari from Cape Town! Travel off the beaten track to immerse yourself in the African bush. The ...

    $395 / once
    3-Day Garden Route and Safari Tour

    Looking to explore the Garden Route on one epic three-day road trip? Then you’ve found your match! This fast-paced itinerary is filled to the brim ...

    $515 / once
    Host Family Accommodation

    Even though our volunteer house is a great place to live during your volunteer program, that hostel-type of accommodation might not be for everyone. ..

    $10 / per day

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. 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 South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    The Volunteer South Africa Program begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday, so you may arrive on any Sunday of the year.  

    We understand that flights may be expensive and you may not always be able to secure a flight to arrive on set arrival dates, we are therefore happy to accommodate last minute bookings even participants who are only able to arrive on a day where they are able to secure an affordable flight.


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

    Program Fees

    $228 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 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
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Cape Town

    Meet your project coordinator

    Kevin
    234
    reviews
    4.76
    Brilliant
    1972
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Medical Training in South Africa
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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