volunteer abroad?

[bewell24]

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I am a current post bacc pre med student. I have free time during the winter break and am really interested in volunteering abroad. I've read lots about the pros and cons of going abroad, and just want to know the legit programs that I can volunteer for?
I understand that I can't really gain clinical experience abroad because I am not trained, but I think it would be an amazing experience to help those in need even if I was just taking vitals or talking to patients and keeping them comforted while they are waiting to see a trained medical professional.

Please give me any advice you may have. Such as good programs to go abroad with.
Thanks!

 

[milosavljevic]

I am a current post bacc pre med student. I have free time during the winter break and am really interested in volunteering abroad. I've read lots about the pros and cons of going abroad, and just want to know the legit programs that I can volunteer for?
I understand that I can't really gain clinical experience abroad because I am not trained, but I think it would be an amazing experience to help those in need even if I was just taking vitals or talking to patients and keeping them comforted while they are waiting to see a trained medical professional.

Please give me any advice you may have. Such as good programs to go abroad with.
Thanks!

Mending Kids International (have had a close friend go with this one) - http://www.mendingkids.org

Safe Mothers Safe Babies (have had another close friend go with this one) - http://www.safemotherssafebabies.org

One Heart Source (a great opportunity if you're interested in public health education, but it's not clinical)- http://www.oneheartsource.org

Child Family Health International (a lot of different global health education programs, but a lot require you to speak the language; they have some good programs if you want to learn a language abroad; you'll also be limited as a pre-med compared to med students and nursing students who go on their international rotations through this program; they do offer pretty decent scholarships though) - http://www.cfhi.org/web/index.php

 

[Starry]

I did this: International Service Learning - http://www.islonline.org/
I went to Panama. Instead of choosing to stay in the city, I selected to Hike for Humanity. This means I traveled to remote villages up in the highlands of Panama. It was an incredible adventure and I believe that I got to see things through H4H that I wouldn't have otherwise. It was a small group - only 8 people. Vs over 40 who stayed in the city. I guess we were the only ones brave (or stupid) enough. 😛

Some experiences:
- Traipsing (and slipping and falling a lot) through the muddy jungle. Hours and hours.
- Just Around the Riverbend in Pocahontas-style ....in a leaky canoe (had to keep bailing water)
- Intermingled with locals A LOT (stayed in their homes, got to enjoy the culture, it was fantastic.) This was my favorite part.
- It's really hard to convince kids that taking their temperature with a sharp-looking instrument won't hurt. Saying "no dolor" in a heavy accent doesn't help AT ALL. Lots of crying went on 🙁
- Medical emergencies up in the mountains are not fun. Neither are feminine personal emergencies.
- Giant spiders
- Fresh coconuts and plantains are amazing

Honestly, I don't know if I "helped" anyone in need. I know that taking medical supplies to them such as necessary supplements, antiparasites, and fever/allergy medication DID help. But really, most people I saw were living well, if not what we Americans would define as comfort. No electricity, no AC, no running water, no flushing toilet, etc. However, they lived in a beautiful place and didn't have to worry about applying to schools, MCATs, getting to work on time, job security, etc. Plus we didn't see any obese people. 😎

TLDR: I also wanted to help people but ended up realizing that I wasn't gonna help A LOT. I help more volunteering in the USA. However, the cultural experience was fantastic and it really throws you out of your comfort zone. But YMMV.

 

[bewell24]

I did this: International Service Learning - http://www.islonline.org/
I went to Panama. Instead of choosing to stay in the city, I selected to Hike for Humanity. This means I traveled to remote villages up in the highlands of Panama. It was an incredible adventure and I believe that I got to see things through H4H that I wouldn't have otherwise. It was a small group - only 8 people. Vs over 40 who stayed in the city. I guess we were the only ones brave (or stupid) enough. 😛

Some experiences:
- Traipsing (and slipping and falling a lot) through the muddy jungle. Hours and hours.
- Just Around the Riverbend in Pocahontas-style ....in a leaky canoe (had to keep bailing water)
- Intermingled with locals A LOT (stayed in their homes, got to enjoy the culture, it was fantastic.) This was my favorite part.
- It's really hard to convince kids that taking their temperature with a sharp-looking instrument won't hurt. Saying "no dolor" in a heavy accent doesn't help AT ALL. Lots of crying went on 🙁
- Medical emergencies up in the mountains are not fun. Neither are feminine personal emergencies.
- Giant spiders
- Fresh coconuts and plantains are amazing

Honestly, I don't know if I "helped" anyone in need. I know that taking medical supplies to them such as necessary supplements, antiparasites, and fever/allergy medication DID help. But really, most people I saw were living well, if not what we Americans would define as comfort. No electricity, no AC, no running water, no flushing toilet, etc. However, they lived in a beautiful place and didn't have to worry about applying to schools, MCATs, getting to work on time, job security, etc. Plus we didn't see any obese people. 😎

TLDR: I also wanted to help people but ended up realizing that I wasn't gonna help A LOT. I help more volunteering in the USA. However, the cultural experience was fantastic and it really throws you out of your comfort zone. But YMMV.

Awesome thanks! after looking at the website it seems like they have a lot of cool opportunities. what made you choose hiking for humanity? it says you have to be able to carry 4o pounds of weight on your back, did you find this difficult?

 

[Starry]

Awesome thanks! after looking at the website it seems like they have a lot of cool opportunities. what made you choose hiking for humanity? it says you have to be able to carry 4o pounds of weight on your back, did you find this difficult?

I replied to your PM. Feel free to ask me anything 🙂