MEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE & OBSERVATION - Work side by side with medical staff at local clinics and be involved with day to day healthcare

Program Description

Immerse yourself in the reality of healthcare in the Dominican Republic with this unique opportunity. Gain invaluable hands-on experience alongside medical professionals and volunteers in hospitals or neighborhood health clinics. Witness and have the chance to observe and learn about the differences between the medical practices in your country in contrast to the realities in a hospital or health clinic in the Dominican Republic. Also, be prepared to be exposed to challenges in the Dominican Healthcare System for example you may be faced with untreated medical conditions at advanced stages. Take part in diverse experiences across hospital/clinic departments, including emergency, pediatric, maternity (for female volunteers), diabetes, HIV prevention, and nursing. Expand your perspective on healthcare while shouldering responsibilities. Combine this medical program with other projects for a comprehensive experience.

Description Video: https://youtu.be/kgXY7H0SRVU

Volunteer placement or internship

Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, ranging from a minimum of 4 hours daily up to to 40 hours per week - you decide! If you're joining as an intern, we understand that your school or university may have specific requirements. Please inform us in advance about your internship criteria, enabling us to tailor a personalized work plan to suit your needs. Share your expectations and goals with us, and we'll work together to ensure you achieve them. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the internship.

What to expect

Prepare for a dynamic and immersive experience, witnessing diverse cases and tackling unique challenges. Your dedication and adaptability are vital to the program's success and the well-being of the patients we serve. Embrace the opportunity to practice and learn new skills, fostering personal and professional growth. Your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need of medical care is highly valued. Schedules may change based on patients' and clinic needs, requiring your understanding. Our primary working hours focus on mornings when physicians are available at the hospital or health clinic. Additionally, weekend shifts offer valuable work observation and experience alongside doctors and nurses. Join our program for a rewarding journey, where your passion and dedication will improve the lives of patients in need, while gaining valuable insights into the medical practices and the Dominican healthcare system.

Holidays

Summer School Holidays: Youth Care & Community Volunteers are welcome to stay during Dominican Summer School Holidays and help out at our Children Summer Camp from July 1 to 31 , 2026. No Youth care & Community activities are planned during Christmas and New Year Holidays from December 18 to January 09, 2027.

Christmas and New Year Holidays: Volunteers and Interns who participate in Multi Media, NGO Management, Medicine & Healthcare, Dental Care, Animal Rescue are welcome to work throughout the whole year except the Christmas and New Year Holidays December 24,25, 31 and January 01, 2027.

Attention: Volunteers are welcome to stay at our Volunteer Guesthouse during Dominican Christmas and new year holidays! Even though working and business life comes to a halt through this two week period when the whole country is celebrating Christmas, our volunteers are welcome to celebrate Christmas and new year together with us and the Dominican people!

Activities can include but are not limited to

• Observing, shadowing and assisting doctors and nurses during their work
• Participating in patient care: comforting patients and assisting with examinations
• Make swabs for disinfection
• Writing down a list of medications with the time for each patient
• Stocking up on materials and preparing or reprocessing
• Prepare and, if necessary, distribute medications (infusion, pills, ...)
• Checking on the well-being of the patients
• Empty catheters (hospital only)
• Fold and wrap compresses

Note: Medical experience and understanding of staff instructions are required for direct patient assistance. Inexperienced volunteers can observe and help with small tasks. Longer stays offer more learning opportunities. Experienced individuals like medical students can assist and work independently on some tasks. Graduated medical students or nurses can work independently after proper instruction.

Requirements

We extend a warm welcome to students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, including pre-university students aspiring for a medical career. Medical volunteers should demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and adaptability. Specialized skills enable engagement in more focused activities. B1 Spanish skills are necessary, and advanced proficiency unlocks further opportunities. Complimentary Spanish lessons are provided to enrich the experience of our valued volunteers and interns. The program is open to elective students, medical students with available holiday time, pre-university students, and individuals pursuing specialized medical courses. Kindly bring easy-to-clean scrubs and closed shoes for clinic work, as they are mandatory.

Availability

This program is ongoing throughout the whole year and is not paused even through holidays!

Time Commitment

A minimum time commitment of 2 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year

Placement Location

Samana & Las Terrenas

About your Placement Location

The Aldeas de Paz Foundation is based in the charming coastal villages of Samana and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Samana, in the north-eastern corner, has about 15,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its safety, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. The community values social responsibility and exudes a secure, small European town vibe. The Dominican Republic's countryside is widely recognized for its peacefulness, making it one of the safest regions in the Caribbean. When you join our program, you'll experience a welcoming and secure environment while contributing to meaningful projects in this picturesque part of the world.

Accommodation

Discover our sought-after volunteer guesthouse apartments in Samaná and Las Terrenas, offering convenience, safety, and scenic beauty. Standard accommodation includes shared rooms for bonding with fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Choose from double, single, or homestay options to immerse in local culture. Enjoy free wifi and access to a washing machine. Collaborate with volunteers worldwide for a rich cultural exchange and lifelong friendships. Join us in creating a respectful and supportive community, ensuring a personally rewarding volunteering experience. Be part of this meaningful journey and leave with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.

Travel Logistics

Volunteer safety is our top priority. Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly English-speaking driver will be there to greet you and help with your transit to the bus terminal. They'll ensure you have a direct and comfortable bus ticket to Samana, your placement location (approximately 2 hours). Once you arrive, our dedicated staff and fellow volunteers will warmly welcome you and escort you to your accommodation.

Costs and Benefits:

At Aldeas de Paz, we prioritize accessibility and transparency through our open-book policy.

• Minimum contribution: Starts at €155 per week (from the second week).
• Included: Spanish classes, comfortable accommodation in fully equipped apartments, program donation, personalized welcome service, airport pickup, bus transfer, bus fare.

This is included:

• Airport welcome service & transfer to your placement location
• Fully equipped Accommodation in Las Terrenas or Samana depending where you will be placed
• Free WiFi & access to washing machine
• Free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement
• Placement introduction, certificate & student credit
• Full support and 24/7 backup from local staff
• Information about adventure packages & in-country travel

Special Offer

Enjoy free Spanish language classes for volunteers and interns, emphasizing practical communication skills. Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities naturally, similar to learning one's mother tongue. From day one, you'll use Spanish in real-life situations with role-plays, situational dialogues, and work projects complementing the basic syllabus. Beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Dominican culture for a continuous learning experience.

Program Highlights

• Immerse in the vibrant Dominican lifestyle, embracing the rhythm of Caribbean music
• Master Spanish fluency through free classes and embrace daily life with locals.
• Fuel your passion for learning and boost your career with international experience.
• Create unforgettable memories with weekend excursions alongside fellow participants.
• Relish the stunning beaches of Samana, conquer Pico Duarte's peaks, and explore Santo Domingo's historical colonial town.

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana unique?

Samana, a captivating peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, boasts breathtaking beauty. With its lush coconut trees extending into the sea, it feels like a secluded island. The town of Samana is a picturesque and tranquil port, where friendly locals engage in tourism, agriculture, and fishing, all accompanied by the lively rhythms of Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa music. A two-kilometer-long Malecon (seaside promenade) offers delightful strolls day and night, leading to a variety of charming restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing evenings. Surrounding the peninsula, you'll find hundreds of fantastic beaches, ready to be explored on day trips or weekend getaways. Embrace the Dominican lifestyle, enjoying the soothing rhythm of Caribbean music in this idyllic destination!

Contact Information

Project/charity name: Fundación Aldeas de Paz

Address: Samana, Dominican Republic

Whatsapp: +1 829 7055 123

E-Mail: mail@peacevillages.org

Webpage: https://www.peacevillages.org/medicine-healthcare/

Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AldeasDePaz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Peacevillages