Description
Location: Luang Prabang, Laos
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, maximum 6 months
Start Dates: Project is on-going, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability. Placements start each Monday
Cost: €450 per week – see Costs section for more details
Includes: all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and all project related activities
Does not include: flights, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations
Benefits:
- Get to know the amazing country of Laos, its people, culture, food and environment.
- Flexible placement, tailored according to your interests and abilities.
- Gain medical experience working in a local hospital alongside doctors and nurses
Introduction
Laos, the country once known as the ‘land of a million elephants’, can offer a lot – from underground river caves, white-water rapids and jungle zip lines for the thrill seekers, to beautiful forests for the trekkers and nature lovers and wonderful cuisine for the foodies. It is a country that has retained its authenticity and traditions and where Buddhism plays a significant role in the language, art, literature and performing arts. Nanyang Village (Ban Na Yang), where the project takes place, is located 26 km outside of Vientiane and will give you a taste of the authentic rural Laos.
This project provides medical support to the poor Laotian community. It offers you a unique insight into the day-to-day operations of a local medical rehabilitation centre focused on serving those in poorer communities in Laos with physical and neurological disabilities. You will work alongside local doctors and nurses; shadow and observe the daily routine and local practices, share medical knowledge and assist with medical treatments. You will teach the local nurses and doctors medical English, conversation skills and you will learn some useful local expressions to facilitate communication.
You will get the chance to interact with the friendly and kind Laotian people who appreciate your help, which positively impacts the lives of the members of the community. You will gain a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience!
Daily Life
On a daily basis, you will be working alongside the local doctors and nurses who are giving treatments to the patients. Depending on your medical background and experience you will be involved in shadowing/observing and exchange experience as well as assist with patient treatment, patient care and examinations.
Occupational therapists will be placed in the rehabilitation centre where they will assist with physical exercises. In the evenings, you will catch up with the other participants, have dinner and rest.
Travel & Accom.
You need to arrive at Luang Prabang airport, where you will be met by a project representative and taken to the project location.
You will be staying at a guesthouse located inside an agriculture and development facility where Laotian farmers and Thai/Lao students get their training regarding sustainable agriculture and best practice. The rooms are shared by 4 to 8 people on a single gender basis. There are no laundry facilities, so you should expect to wash your clothes by hand.
There are three meals during the day comprising of a variety of Western and delicious Laotian dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner accommodated by fruit. Please note that during the weekends only 2 meals per day are provided (brunch and dinner). You can get groceries and snacks in the village.
There are a volleyball court and a football pitch at the accommodation so you can enjoy some sport as well.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18.
- Passion and enthusiasm to get to know Laos, lots of energy and creativity!
- Designed for pre-med, current medical students or experienced medics looking to give back.
- Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
- Necessary vaccinations, flight & visas.
- Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.
Costs
€450 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.
Note: Map coordinates are approximate
