Medical Internships and Volunteer Work in Uganda

  Uganda

• Other Cities in Uganda: 
Iganga

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Intern or volunteer in a medical clinic or hospital in Uganda. Participants work with doctors and nurses in small clinics in Eastern Uganda. International Interns will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in a general care clinic while learning first hand about the challenges facing Uganda's healthcare system. Staff at the clinics will assign tasks based on the skills and past experience of the intern. This program is open to graduate level medical, nursing, and physical therapy students. Past clinical experience is required. Interns also pursue public health projects including educational programs covering topics such as HIV/AIDS/STD prevention, hygiene practices, and nutrition.

Highlights: Uganda is the lush pearl of Africa on the northern shore of Lake Victoria where the Eastern African Savannahs meet the western rainforests. The natural wonders of the country include dramatic waterfalls, incredible wildlife including the last troops of mountain gorillas, and Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. The people of Uganda are well known for their hospitality and warmth. Uganda ranks among the world's poorest countries and has little in the way of basic infrastructure such as electricity, running water, waste management, and access to education and healthcare. ELI works with local organizations based in Iganga District, about three hours east of the capital Kampala. Iganga town lies on the Mombasa to Kampala Highway--one of East Africa's major transportation routes. The bustling highway gives the false impression that the town is teeming with traffic, but just a few hundred yards from the highway, cars become a rare sight and quiet village life takes over.
ELI volunteers and interns have the rare opportunity to fully experience Ugandan life through living with host families and working in community based organizations.

Qualifications: Participants must have completed at least one year of graduate level study in the health sciences. This program requires past clinical experience.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: starting at USD 885 for two weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Entebbe and given a ride to Iganga where the projects are based

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Uganda, registration with local authorities, using transportation, and the culture of Uganda

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Uganda coordinator has years of experience working with Ugandan NGOs and international volunteers. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay with a local host family and experience day to day Ugandan family life.

Experience Required: yes

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 21 and up

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Uganda Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001