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Public Health Volunteer Programs

In an ideal world, every human being would have access to water, food, shelter, and health care. However, societies today are far from perfect, so there are still some parts of the globe that lack adequate health care services, limiting the standard of living for many. This is where public health volunteers come in, ready and eager to alleviate the many health concerns afflicting individuals suffering from insufficient resources and health services. When it comes to public health volunteering abroad, all who are willing are welcome, regardless of educational or professional background.
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361 Public Health Volunteer Programs

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The Real Uganda

9.81

16

Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between these locally requested interventions: Public health and clinical work: Volunteers work in rural clinics providing testing, treatment, counseling services, and prevention education. Nutrition, vegetable gardening, and community sanitation programs are also ongoing. We aim to support rural public health in Uganda. Teaching and childcare: Volunteers work in rural classrooms, choosing what ages and topics to teach. Art and sport are the most popular. Traditional teaching in Uganda is rote learning and memorization. We aim to encourage teamwork, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge in primary schools. Organic farming: Volunteers work alongside women and community members to maintain gardens. Depending on the season, volunteers prepare the soil, plant seeds, spread mulch, weed, harvest, and chase birds and other pests. Learn from Ugandan farmers, and share your ideas as well. We aim to teach efficient land use, organic pest control, and nutrition.

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IMA - Public Health

International Medical Aid (IMA)

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160

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare ...

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MAXIMO NIVEL

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487

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

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Volunteer for the Visayans

9.78

9

Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines

Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) provides a wide range of program choices for people wanting to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines through our local community partners and our very own community centers. VFV endeavors to improve the quality of life of the community by providing responsive, efficient, and high-quality community service through our programs and projects that promote self-efficiency, well-being, and prosperity of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Visayas Region. VFV has initiated programs to address issues in social welfare, education, public health, and community development in rural areas surrounding Tacloban City. The design of our programs allows prospective participants of varied skills and professions to get involved with various projects. We require that all volunteers are flexible, self-motivated, open-minded, sensitive to other cultures, and desire to challenge themselves in an unfamiliar environment!

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Adelante Abroad

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6

Internships in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Step out of your comfort zone with our amazing internships in Mexico, a country famous for its ancient ruins and stunning beaches! With Adelante Abroad, you will combine practical experience in your chosen field and cultural immersion through a discovery of a new country. Our internship programs in Oaxaca emphasize giving back to the community rather than pure work. Sign up for 1-12 months and choose from placements in various sectors - Arts, Social Work, Psychology, English Teaching, Culinary, Education, and more. These internships and volunteer opportunities are on a rolling basis, where assigned programs start the first week of every month! Housing will differ depending on the location of your internship, and candidates will be placed either with a local or with other international candidates. Both living options will allow you to improve your Spanish speaking level. Adelante Abroad offers internships and volunteer assignments based on the program's availability and your experience in the sector. Contact us to confirm placements in advance or inquire about other opportunities!

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African Impact

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176

Public Healthcare Volunteering in Zambia with African Impact

Healthcare access in rural Zambia is a daily struggle, with many families living far from clinics and relying on home-based care for even the most basic needs. This program places you in the heart of Livingstone, a vibrant town near Victoria Falls, where you’ll directly support caregivers and local medical teams. Whether assisting with wound care in the community or helping clinics manage long patient queues, your efforts will bring vital relief to overburdened healthcare services. Designed for both aspiring medical students and passionate volunteers, the program offers a practical way to contribute to public health while gaining unique insight into Zambia’s healthcare challenges. Over a minimum of 10 days, you’ll help spread knowledge through health education workshops, assist in rural homes, and provide companionship to vulnerable groups. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while also learning from the resilience and spirit of Zambian communities.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.67

9

Top Medical and Nursing Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Expand your horizons with a medical volunteer experience or internship abroad! Our programs are ideal for students of nursing, medicine, dentistry and public health. Our wide variety of programs allows for students in all years, with all levels of experience, to get the most out of the experience. In addition to helping those in need and lending a hand at understaffed hospitals and clinics, our volunteers and interns can receive academic credit for their time and work. We offer medical and health care placements in Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia! Many of these programs offer specific placements for students in a specific specialty and may be tailored to fit academic requirements.

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Kaya Responsible Travel

0

0

Clinical Medical Volunteer Program in Ghana

RECRUITING NOW! Our Volunteering in Hospitals in Ghana placement is based in a hospital or clinic in Cape Coast, and participants assist doctors and nurses as they care for low-income patients. This is a fully functioning hospital supporting the communities around Cape Coast and, like any hospital, there are injuries, ailments, and diseases presenting themselves every day. There is a range of departments such as medical, surgical, gynecology, surgical, and the children’s ward as well as public health and dentistry. Medical volunteers can contribute through observational work, triage tasks, taking vitals and anthropometric measurements, treating injuries, shadowing nurses and doctors, sitting in on surgeries, and cleaning and preparing instruments, taking blood, and educational activities. Tasks will depend largely on experience. Volunteers who are studying or have finished a course related to health, nursing, dentistry, or medicine are preferred participants for this project. Those who are considering a career in medicine are also welcome to join. A flexible attitude is a must as well as a willingness to learn and participate wherever needed.

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The Intern Group

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Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

The Intern Group provides you with top internships in London! Partnering with a range of great companies and NGOs, our London internship program will fulfill your career potential. We are regularly featured in mainstream international media like CNN International. Apply now to intern in the greatest city in the world and propel your career development! Visit The Intern Group's website to get all the details!

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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Roots Interns

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1

Media & Marketing Internship in Malawi

Dive into a fulfilling media and marketing internship in Malawi and acquire hands-on experience in communications, marketing, and public relations. Nestled in the friendly community of Nkhata Bay, situated along the scenic banks of Lake Malawi, this placement provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of Supreme, a social enterprise dedicated to breaking menstrual hygiene taboos and ensuring access to sanitary products for Malawian girls and women. Immerse yourself in the local way of life as you play a crucial role in raising awareness and working to end period poverty. As a media and marketing intern with Supreme, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful impact through various responsibilities, including managing a website, designing and executing digital marketing and fundraising campaigns, assisting with comprehensive communications and marketing strategies, and crafting compelling content such as funding proposals, social media content, grant applications, blogs, and website materials. Join in fostering positive change while gaining valuable expertise in the dynamic field of communications and marketing.

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Mente Argentina

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7

Mente Argentina: International Volunteer Programs

Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires has been thoughtfully designed to promote change in the communities of Buenos Aires as well as in the individuals who participant in the program. Throughout the course of the program, participants will be giving the opportunity to work on locally run projects, which will improve the environment and lifestyle of community. They will also have the chance to live like a local, build relationships with the people, and dive into the rich Argentinean culture. Marte Argentina has partnered with volunteer organizations and NGO's in order to give volunteers a variety of different opportunities. Among some of those opportunities are: working with children, education, HIV/AIDS counseling, and medical/health volunteering. No matter what program volunteers choose, they will have the opportunity to engage with the people and language of the beautiful country of Argentina and be changed by the experience.

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Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

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Costa Rica All-in-One Program

Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist in the nursery and hatchery, join night patrols, participate in beach cleanups, and more. Cap off your experience with an unforgettable week in the lush Monteverde Rainforest, where adventure and adrenaline await!

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Volunteering With India

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Summer Volunteering Program in Jaipur, India

Join our Summer Volunteering Program in Jaipur, the Pink City of India. We welcome participants who are eager to volunteer abroad and gain a meaningful travel experience. This is an ideal opportunity for college students looking to broaden their global views. Stay for three weeks to work on initiatives in a range of areas: Child Care, Women Empowerment, and Elephants. The program also includes a Golden Triangle Tour, taking you to places like Jaipur, Agra-Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Abhaneri, Sikandra, and Delhi. The project runs every year, from May to August. You will live with an Indian host family who will introduce you to their culture and traditions as well as prepare you purely vegetarian food. During the tour, you will stay in a hotel in Agra and Delhi.

GVI

9.45

101

Island Conservation Expedition to the Seychelles

Travel to Curieuse, an island surrounded by the Curieuse Marine National Park, where you can join in conservation activities to protect green sea turtle hatchlings, study the hawksbill sea turtle’s nesting behavior, and collect data on sickle fin lemon sharks for an active catch-and-release project. Learn directly from experienced conservationists on how to conduct beach profiling surveys to combat coastal erosion, tag and track lemon sharks to record their growth rate, and collect sea-turtle shell measurements to determine the age and size of the turtles. You’ll be directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 14: Life Below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land. In your free time, you could visit nearby islands, snorkel in warm clear waters, hike to access panoramic views, and meet people of varying nationalities. To be an eligible volunteer, you will need to: - Be able to swim and be physically fit - Be able to work as part of a team - Have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation - Be very enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humour and respectful of the host country's environment and culture

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Projects Abroad

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296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

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Love Volunteers

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Healthcare and Medical Placements in Ghana

This program provides additional staff to a medical clinic in a small coastal town. The local community welcomes volunteers with a wide range of experience, from pre-med and med students to practicing personnel. Individuals without relevant training can apply as well. Joining this volunteer project helps students for a medical career, provided they are enthusiastic and eager to assist in Ghana's health sector. Medical volunteers undertake duties according to their interests and areas of expertise. They may shadow local doctors and nurses, learning a great deal while assisting and observing work in the clinic. They may also provide direct assistance and gain invaluable hands-on experience. Volunteers play a vital role in delivering quality healthcare to the local community.

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Child Family Health International

8.73

11

Global Health in Kabale, Uganda

Become a part of the community in Kabale, a town located in southwestern Uganda, and learn about their groundbreaking, integrated approach to addressing and improving maternal and child health. Due to insufficient government infrastructure and funding, nonprofit organizations have taken the lead in providing access to healthcare services, especially in remote regions. With CFHI’s local partner you will rotate through the main general clinic, as well as the newly built Maternal and Child Hospital where you will learn from physicians, nurses, medical officers, lab and ultrasound technicians. At the HIV/AIDS clinic, sit in on counseling sessions, shadow health workers who conduct testing and learn how to reduce rates of mother to child transmission. Accompany outreach local team in a rural village and explore how nutrition and HIV are closely linked. Other opportunities include rotating at a nutrition center that treats and prevents maternal and child malnutrition, visiting traditional birth attendants and healers, and joining a local radio program that provides public health education to the community.

See All 19 Programs

Connect-123 Internship Programs

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101

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

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Global Leadership Adventures

9.79

63

GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

A Guide to Public Health Volunteering Abroad

Why Volunteer Abroad in Public Health

If you have a passion and a desire to help individuals sustain healthy standards of living or to prevent the next disease outbreak, volunteering in public health is likely an ideal fit for you. But, if you wish to gain experience and open a literal world of opportunities in the field, you should seek out public health volunteer opportunities abroad, where hands-on work in communities that severely lack proper resources is (unfortunately) the norm. 

Oftentimes, regions hit hardest by public health issues are made up of developing nations. It would be naive to assume that there aren’t many significant public health initiatives in your own country; however, there tends to be more urgency and a greater need for external support outside of the developed world.

Let’s start with this: people die from preventable illnesses every single day. To begin to minimize deaths caused by preventable disease, many countries need more hands, more boots on the ground, and essentially more health volunteers to devote time toward ongoing public health efforts and projects. 

Whether you are a prospective doctor or nurse or just a concerned citizen of the world, public health volunteering abroad will carry you well into your future endeavors. Future employers will recognize and laud your willingness to work in difficult, and often high-risk, situations, and consider you to be a resourceful and compassionate individual.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

IVHQ Guatemala

December 13, 2025by: Ariana Refinski - United StatesProgram: IVHQ Healthcare and Medical Volunteering in Guatemala
9

I had an amazing time volunteering with IVHQ Guatemala in their medical and healthcare program. I found the application process to be very easy and straightforward forward. Also, IVHQ staff contacts were provided for questions before and during the trip. It was an amazing way to see a new country from a lens other than just being a tourist.

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