Medical Volunteer Placements - Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Guanacaste
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Cartago

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Programs begin every Monday

Description: Maximo Nivel's health projects provide volunteers with the opportunity to work in hospitals, clinics, and with special projects providing healthcare to disadvantaged and at-risk people in Costa Rica and Peru. Volunteers work alongside doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals in urban or rural areas.

Medical volunteers assist with general check-ups and examinations of patients, as well as assist in triaging emergency patients. Some projects include traveling to patients homes in rural areas to help with vaccinations and care for patients who have become immobilized. Volunteers may also work firsthand with patients suffering from tropical diseases. Depending on the volunteers ability to conduct themselves in Spanish and the expertise they demonstrate, projects will let you work as independently as possible.

Here is an excerpt from a volunteer-doctor (in Peru):

"I found this both humbling and empowering. That they can practice the quality of medicine that they do with the financial restrictions they face is very impressive. I felt it was very clever (of them) to have me work in topical medicine as it is very visual given my limited to non-existent Spanish. To me, anyone volunteering at the clinic is afforded an extraordinary window into medicine in Peru and they can make a real difference. (Volunteers) bringing additional money can also make an extraordinary difference as the cost of an X-ray is only USD 6.00 and medicine is USD 1.00, yet a number of patients cannot afford these small amounts, which could be life changing."

Highlights: Of all of the places on earth, Costa Rica is by far one of the most exotic. The country offers unparalleled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests, and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism. In addition, Costa Rica has over 1,000 miles of gorgeous white-and-black sand beaches, copious amounts of sunshine, world-class sport fishing, snorkeling and surfing!

Qualifications: Placement in health projects requires notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials.

Medical placements ARE available for people without medical training. These projects work with children who have mental or physical disabilities. Volunteers help feed, bathe, and play with the children, and may be asked to assist in physical therapy.

Cost in US$: Prices vary, please contact us for more information.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: yes

Age Range: 25 - 75 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Maximo Nivel's Mission Statement: Maximo Nivel (Maximum Level) offers international study/work experiences, intensive language studies, volunteer programs, and teacher training in Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the United States. Whether you're interested in volunteering, improving your Spanish, or becoming a certified English teacher our programs are recognized worldwide. We offer comprehensive training, and a professional and fun environment. We have years of experience helping people realize their dreams of working and living internationally. Maximo Nivel is deeply committed to offering quality, client service, and first-class facilities, so your experience with us is nothing short of excellent.

Year Founded: 2003