Dental Care Volunteering in Costa Rica

Dental work in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the US or Canada. Low dental treatment costs in the country allow one to save up to seventy percent! Costa Rica prides itself on having well-educated dentists, with a minimum of five years' training before graduation. It’s also worth noting that many dental surgeons speak English. Despite Costa Rica’s developed healthcare system there is still a large inconsistency between patients’ needs and the care they receive. International volunteers can become a tremendous benefit to local dental professionals that work with limited resources, funding and support staff. Participants can assist dentists and dental hygienists during consultations, cleanings and treatments. They will help prepare materials, sanitize tools and manage patient care. In addition, volunteers can educate low-income communities about dental hygiene.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are backed by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one to four weeks and costs $745 for one week, and $1565 for four weeks. Airport transfers, meals, three to four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Help in Cusco’s Healthcare

Peru is a country rich in cultural heritage and of great historical significance. This volunteer program is an on-site project in Cusco, Peru’s capital. Cusco was first established as the center of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though Peru’s government provides free healthcare, many areas have limited and unequal access to it. There are two different volunteer placements for this project. Licensed medical professionals and medical students in their third and fourth years can apply to be medical volunteers, while those who are unlicensed and/or are completing their medical training have access to Healthcare placements. Medical volunteers are typically placed at a national clinic, helping with primary and emergency care, or at assisted living facilities. They have the opportunity to shadow or work alongside local medical professionals. Healthcare volunteers are usually placed within assisted living facilities and help with the day-to-day care work while providing companionship to the patients. Volunteers in both programs can access in-country support, learn local therapy methods often unavailable in their home countries, and make a difference to people in underfunded facilities.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Work in NYC Office of Doctors Without Borders

Become a paid intern in the dynamic NYC office of Doctors Without Borders and thereby help MSF provide medical care to those most in need in nearly 70 countries. Internship commitment is 4 months and interns are paid $15/hour for full-time work. Interns must pay own travel and lodging to NYC. This is a competitive program, apply here. Those with less availability might consider being an unpaid volunteer.

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

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Care for Rescue Dogs in the Dominican Republic

There is an extremely large population of stray dogs in the Dominican Republic. They need food, shelter and care and population control to keep manageable numbers as to where they can all receive resources. With this trip, volunteers can assist in the rescue, treatment and home placement of the masses of stray dogs that struggle to survive there. Volunteers in veterinary school or are vets can also assist the medical team on site with procedures and medical care. However, veterinary experience is not required to attend this trip. The farm where these dogs are brought after rescue is also home to many other animals that have suffered neglect, such as horses and cats. Volunteers will also help foster a better situation for the future by raising awareness of the benefits animals can have for individuals if they are cared for properly. 

This volunteer adventure offered by Peace Villages requires a minimum of two weeks on site to maximize the impact each participant can have. It is also possible to make this program into an internship for students with an interest in medicine. Two weeks on this trip will start at $1,285 and there is an option to stay for as long as 13 weeks. 

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PEACE VILLAGES

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Practice Medicine in India’s Himalayas

This is a great opportunity for pre-med, medical and nursing students, volunteers will gain professional experience by working on a medical project in Palampur, India. Interns will assist medical professionals while treating patients through hands-on tasks that vary based on an individual's level of experience. Internships take place in hospitals, clinics, medical colleges and community clinics in Palampur, a town known for its tea gardens and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Volunteers rest in homestays located just 25 miles from Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. As an added bonus, volunteers will receive weekly yoga classes. A two-week trip costs £925 ($1,183 as of Sept. 12 with a fluctuating exchange rate), which can be extended up to 12 weeks for £2,805 (currently $3,588).

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Oyster Worldwide

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Provide Social Work in Cambodia

The “Social Work Volunteering in Cambodia” trip is an opportunity to work with nongovernmental organizations in Siem Reap that employ local social workers. Siem Reap, home to the renowned ruins of Angkor Wat, is located in northwestern Cambodia. This area is in huge need of assistance since many people struggle to feed their families. Many organizations in the area aim to provide creative solutions to help these households. Subjects such as parenting, sexual behavior, healthy relationships and violence prevention can be addressed with the help of communication and social workers. You must have a degree in social work and at least two years of experience working in the field to be able to go on this trip. The trip lasts for a minimum of four weeks and costs $1,976.

Assist Cuzco Health and Medical Care

This trip gives you the opportunity to volunteer in Cuzco, Peru at a medical center. The program offers both medical and healthcare placements, allowing students of all science-related majors to gain real experience in their field while living abroad. Additionally, this trip exposes volunteers to the Peruvian healthcare system and is a great opportunity for learning, giving back, and taking part in positive cultural exchange. The healthcare placement is for students of health science, nursing, and pre-med. Volunteers also have the option to add on additional activities for a small fee to practice or learn Spanish. The project length is minimum one week and maximum one year with costs that range up to $1,000.

GoEco

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Bring Fresh Water to Fijians

The Yasawa Islands of western Fiji, despite being surrounding by miles of beautiful ocean, often lack fresh drinking water and the shortages are usually pretty severe. Volunteers on this trip work to address each community’s individual needs. Some days are spent installing rainwater catchment systems and others working the land to plant community gardens. Days off can be spent exploring island life, from diving to hiking, or sight-seeing around Fiji’s capital city. A minimum 2 week trip costs $1,945 (£1,145) and a maximum 12 week trip costs $4,915 (£2,895). 

GLOBAL VISIONS INTERNATIONAL

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