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Outstanding 4.97rating (61)
  • Good Health And Well-Being

Medical Elective

location
2 - 26 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience in a rural medical post and a semi-rural hospital in a developing country, having a real positive impact on the community.
  • There is a bursary available to contribute towards the financial contribution required by the applicant and to cover medical equipment which will be bought for the community.
  • Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.

Highlights

  • Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience in a rural medical post and a semi-rural hospital in a developing country, having a real positive impact on the community.
  • There is a bursary available to contribute towards the financial contribution required by the applicant and to cover medical equipment which will be bought for the community.
  • Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
  • Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
  • Explore other regions of Peru such as the rainforest, Machu Picchu and Lima.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    We need medical students and qualified doctors to help us in Lobitos, Peru with giving medical support and working with public health education initiatives.

    EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and ...

    About the program

    EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and international volunteer interns.

    The precarious socioeconomic and environmental conditions of Lobitos and Talara (the closest city to Lobitos) mean that the local population is exposed to a range of health problems. These include but are not limited to: respiratory problems, infections, viruses, birth control, and sanitation issues. In addition to this, the medical post in Lobitos is not functioning to capacity and the hospital in Talara is understaffed, which leads to demands for medical help and attention not being met. Additionally, there is a severe lack of public health awareness, therefore perpetuating health issues within families. 

    In order to mitigate these impacts, we have established a cooperative Medical & Dentistry volunteering program alongside the Lobitos medical post and the Talara hospital in order to combat these issues.


    The financial contribution you make as an volunteer intern helps us plant a tree with community families in Lobitos with the volunteers at EcoSwell and the families engaging as well. 

    Typical day

    As part of this volunteering position, medical, dentistry students and/or professional doctors will support the understaffed hospital in Talara and the Medical post in Lobitos in the following specialties: Respiratory, Pediatrics, Infections, Gynecology, General Practice and Dermatology. With the ...

    Typical day

    As part of this volunteering position, medical, dentistry students and/or professional doctors will support the understaffed hospital in Talara and the Medical post in Lobitos in the following specialties: Respiratory, Pediatrics, Infections, Gynecology, General Practice and Dermatology. With the guidance of the EcoSwell team, volunteers will also design and implement public health educational initiatives in Lobitos for the local population in relation to the identified challenges in order to raise awareness.

    Medical Elective interns will be supported by the EcoSwell staff and local health practitioners who will be there to supervise when required. Volunteers will need to spend at least one month with us, time in which they will spend half of their placement in Talara helping at the hospital and the second half, carrying out the public health education initiatives in Lobitos and helping at the Lobitos medical post.

    Free-time activities

    Interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:

    • Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, ...

    Free-time activities

    Interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:

    • Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.

    • Yoga classes

    • Swimming with turtles 

    • Fishing, sea-lion and whale watching trips with local fishermen

    • Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem

    • Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants 

    • Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.

    Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of the volunteer internship. 

    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 (fluently) or Spanish (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    Medicine at Final year of university level

    Required Documents

    proof of education

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    These positions are available to medical and dentistry students who are in their clinical years, and qualified doctors. We also ask for: At least an intermediate ( B1 or equivalent) level of Spanish. This is essential for communication with staff in the hospital and medical post. Minimum age 18. Basic experience or strong motivation to work as part of a team away from home. However, the most important thing is that you have an open mind, positive attitude and willingness to learn!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    You can volunteer at the project site in Lobitos between 2 weeks and 14 weeks. Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. EcoSwell will let you know about the final price during your application process.

    Deposit (18%)
    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 (82%)
    Your final payment will be agreed with EcoSwell during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    The financial contribution you make as a volunteer intern helps funds our community projects and operations, it funds our impact. For every volunteer intern that joins our program, we also plant a tree with local families to help restore the degraded forest ecosystem found in our region.

    The fees include all food, accommodation, airport pick up and on-site support and guidance during your time with us.

    Airport Pickup at Captain FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport

    We will collect you from the airport in Talara and drive you to Lobitos by car.

    Accommodation

    During your volunteer internship with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy and mostly vegetarian) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteer interns sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water and a garden.

    Food & Beverages

    Peruvian food is categorised as some of the best in world. You’ll get all your meals included; breakfast, lunch and dinner, within the EcoSwell house as part of your contribution. 

    This includes, meats, fresh seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, coffee… you name it we have it, and more (as you’ll probably try new fruits you didn’t know existed). All food is bought weekly in the nearest city of Talara fresh from the markets and supermarkets. You will also get a chance to try out local cuisine in some of the restaurants in Lobitos.

    Of course we can cater for those with dietary requirements such as vegetarians and those with lactose intolerance, for example.

    Internet Access

    Good 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 Captain FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport (TYL) in Talara. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. 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 Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    This medical & dentistry volunteer internship is available all year round and you can join us any time. However, we do ask that you stay with us for a minimum of 4 weeks in order to have enough time to work closely with the medical institutions we support, make an impact and get the most out of the experience. 

    It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.

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

    Program Fees

    $647 per week 2 - 26 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 26 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
    5.0
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2024
    10 Overall, this has been a wonderful experience. The group of volunteers has been fantastic, and the staff at the medical post have ...
    Ria Gorman

    Medical Elective

    •
    2024
    Overall, my experience was very positive. Over the four weeks, I felt incredibly welcomed by everyone. Although I faced a bit of a language ...
    Georgia Catton

    Medical Elective

    •
    2024
    I had a great time during my stay. The best part was meeting people from all over the world and participating in many activities together, ...
    Aidan Search

    Medical Elective

    •
    2024
    I've really enjoyed the past few weeks—it’s been such an interesting experience. Being part of the medical program has been eye-opening, ...
    Isabel Elkington

    Medical Elective

    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Lobitos

    Meet your project coordinator

    Michael
    61
    reviews
    4.97
    Outstanding
    2013
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Medical Training in Peru
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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