Cambodia: Medical Placement

Introduction

A medical internship is a fantastic way to travel the world while still developing your skills in your chosen profession. It can provide unique experiences that will help you to become a more rounded professional, and provide opportunities that could take your career anywhere in the world. A tropical climate will present you with challenges and experiences that you have never faced before. You will learn valuable techniques and skills that you can’t learn anywhere else.

Cambodia is a country of incredible beauty and interesting history best known for its monumental temples and captivating nature. It was once known as the Khmer empire and later was a French protectorate for almost 100 years until 1953 when it gained its independence. The following years of political unrest, war and corruption have not broken the spirit of the Cambodian people who remain open, welcoming and positive.

With this authentic taste of Cambodian rural culture, you will gain a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience, through your accommodation, the food and the daily interaction with the locals.

Daily Life

We’ll aim to provide the most flexible schedule we can, but you should be prepared to get up early, and come home late. Your days at Samraong hospital will start at 7:30 a.m., when you’ll join the doctor on his morning rounds until around 10:00 a.m..

Depending on your level of training, you might spend up to three days a week helping at medical outposts. Many of these are quite remote, and roads in Cambodia are often in bad condition; it might take several hours to travel from place to place.

You can choose to spend your time solely at the hospital, if you would rather not travel to the outreach programs; we can offer a more conventional internship experience.

Travel & Accom.

You will be housed in Samraong with local home-stays, or at a guesthouse when home-stays are not available. Living with a local family can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture of a country, but it if you’d rather stay in a guesthouse, this can be arranged.

Laundry facilities are limited, so you should expect to wash your clothes by hand during parts of your trip. All our visitors are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint; especially water, paper and electricity. You’ll be expected to clean up after yourself, and play your part in keeping the accommodation neat and organised.

All your meals are included during your stay; they’ll be traditional Cambodian food, including plenty of rice dishes. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let us know before you arrive, and we’ll we’ll make sure to accommodate your request.

Requirements

This placement is particularly well suited for medical students in their second to fourth years, and for electives as well as medical professionals looking to give back. The key requirements for a medical intern are initiative, enthusiasm, and readiness to work in unfamiliar circumstances.

• Min age 18
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• Experience and motivation to work in medicine
• Full travel & medical insurance
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations
• Necessary flights & visas. Full assistance in arranging all of this available with our Premium Support.

Extra Activities

Those looking to get off the beaten track should read our Top 5 Things to do in Cambodia. Sandwiched between the more touristy Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is a traveler’s hidden treasure. Explore ancient Buddhist temples and bustling outdoor markets, or simply relax with an all inclusive yoga retreat. Cambodia is waiting for you.

Visit Temples

Some people only go to Cambodia to see the amazing temples scattered around the country. Step into these holy places and experience where the ancient monks once lived. Or explore modern ones where they still live today! The most famous one is Angkor Wat, which is close to Siem Reap. Angkor Wat ruins are approximately 900 years old, and are part of an entire park that you could get lost in for hours. Two more beautiful temples that we recommend in Siem Reap are Angkor Thom and Ba Yon Temple. There you will see colossal carvings of Bodhisattva’s, elephants and intricate demons and gods. Just make sure that you don’t walk into the wrong room with shoes on!

Visit The Killing Fields

You might not want to bring the kids here, but if you want to dive into Cambodia’s past you must see the Killing Fields. This memorial in Phnom Penh commemorates a very dark part of Cambodia’s history. These unfortunate mass graves were a product of the Cambodian Genocide in the 70’s. This happened during the reign of Khmer Rouge, who murdered close to two million people. The grave is a sight that you will never forget. This is a terribly tragic, yet intriguing, window to the Cambodian culture that tourists should pay homage to.

Go to a Cambodian Market

Asian outdoor markets are often quite the eye-opener to Western visitors. Fresh vegetables, living fish and souvenirs all in one bustling place. Shop like a local but still get souvenirs, and finish the experience with some homemade noodles. We recommend The Central Market and the Night Market in Phnom Penh. Any of the markets near Angkor Wat in Siem Reap are great. You can even sometimes find tours to take you to all of them if you can’t decide on only one!

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

This entire compound is a feast for the eyes. The stunning architecture replicates the Buddhist temples you’ll see all around Asia. With glimmering golden towers contrasting white walls and expansive courtyards and walkways, you are sure to be in awe. Here you will get a full understanding of the grandeur of the royal Cambodian ancestors.

Do a Yoga Retreat

When your feet are tired from temple-hopping, finish your stay in with a relaxing yoga retreat. Cambodia has hundreds of affordable, secluded and spiritually gratifying yoga experiences. Wake up to the sound of gongs, chant your heart out and truly relax and experience real yoga. You can stay anywhere from a few days to a few months, and all yogi levels can find the right retreat for their needs.

Costs

€400 Euros per week

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.