Ho Chi Minh - Medical Placement

Serving as the country’s largest city, vibrating with energy, innovation, and traffic, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan, metropolis, HCHC’s dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future. The city is not only the leading economic center in Vietnam but also of many cultural and historical imprints during its more than 300-year history of development.

- Provides you with practical work experience in the medical field.
- Gain insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system.
- Observe the medical practices of local staff at the hospital in Ho Chi Minh.
- Broaden your perspective of international medical care and treatment.

Mandatory Orientation Day
On Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule for Introduction Day
- Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents and signing up of relevant documents.
- Vietnam Do's and Don'ts, Dress Codes, Vietnam Culture Lessons
- Project Meetings, Observations, and Preparations with assigned Local Program Coordinators.
- Tour around the compound and local area; and arrange a sim card if necessary.
- Lunch
- Basic Vietnamese Language and Culture lessons.
- Games and other Recreational Activities at the Campus.
- Family Dinner at a Local Restaurant.

Monday to Friday
Your first day in the hospital will kick off with a full intro to the facilities and your role. You’ll shadow local doctors, nurses, and therapists in different departments across the hospital. Expect to rotate through areas like surgery, pediatrics, and rehabilitation while observing real-time medical practices. You'll also get hands-on with tasks like triage, basic wound care, measuring blood pressure, and preparing medications. This is your chance to soak up the skills and knowledge of experienced professionals while getting a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s healthcare system.

Monday Afternoon/Evening
Fun games, recreational and other activities are arranged and conducted at the campus open ground together with the local coordinators. This activity aims for everyone can socialize and interact with each other, and of course, have some fun and enjoyment. Thereafter, a family dinner alongside local coordinators at the Authentic Vietnamese Restaurants or the restaurant of your choice nearby also takes place. Thus, immerse yourself in the vibrant festivity, and fun games and discover mouthwatering treasures of Vietnam’s finest flavors. From delectable local cuisines or delicacies to Western cuisines, Vietnam has it all and has some promising gastronomic adventures like no other. Finally, don't miss this opportunity to gather with fellow participants and local coordinators and experience the ultimate fun experiences, gastronomy, and culture of Ho Chi Minh.

Evenings & Weekends
During the evenings and weekends the volunteers are free to relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh has an incredible number of things to see and do, from the busy morning markets where you can taste the most incredible street food to the Cu Chi tunnels, where you can experience firsthand the conditions of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war, Ho Chi Minh is a city where modern culture meets ancient temples and you'll wish you had more time. Long weekends can also be taken to give you time to travel further afield and explore more of the country.

The project is either closed or has alternative activities on public holidays.

Public Holidays 2026
02 September

Public Holidays 2027
Please note 2027 dates are only a guideline and can change.
TBA
28 January - 11 February **

28 January - 05 February 2027: Normal work Monday to Friday

06-12 February 2027: * Lunar New Year. Monday-Wednesday, no work. Thursday and Friday is the Special Program** (see below).
**During the Lunar New Year (Tet), you can join Tet Activities: Help prepare and serve lunch for the elderly and patients (08:00 - 12:30 materials provided, nearby location).

15-19 February 2027: Normal work Monday to Friday

Minimum age of 18
Good level of English
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Passport copy required on arrival
Participants wanting to take part in this program should have a medical background such as studying medicine, nursing, pharmacy etc. You will need to provide your CV and a copy of your passport to be submitted to the hospital. You can submit your papers to your travel advisor who can forward them onwards.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering work and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. At times, alterations in activities are due to changes in local conditions. This can be part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that it is.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.