Any cultural experience is valuable. I really appreciated having the connection with IVHQ who is able to help navigate and arrange and make sure things run smoothly. I have arranged these trips on my own in the past, which has not always been easy. It was such a comfort knowing I had the support of IVHQ and the local staff.
Medical Volunteer Program in Zambia - Livingstone
Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-16 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
This project is open to fully qualified doctors and nurses, as well as students in nursing or medical school. You’ll need plenty of initiative and enthusiasm, and be ready to volunteer in basic facilities with limited resources.
Project details
Ready to get your scrubs on and be a Medical volunteer in Zambia? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to assist in clinics in low-income communities in Zambia that aim to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Volunteers will shadow qualified doctors and nurses and may have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by helping with basic medical tasks. Local staff benefit from the extra help as well as the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and practices that comes from the involvement of international volunteers.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
For people who live in low-income communities in Zambia, healthcare is neither accessible nor affordable. There have traditionally been very few medical clinics in these communities, but this is starting to change. More and more clinics are beginning to open, and now they need medical staff and volunteers to help them provide quality healthcare.
As a Medical volunteer in Zambia, you’ll shadow and assist local medical professionals, gaining an understanding of the local healthcare system and helping to provide basic care. Language barriers and local regulations mean volunteer work needs to be supervised at all times, and the clinic you’re placed in will depend on your level of expertise and experience. Volunteer duties will also vary depending on these factors, but can include:
- Checking and updating patient files
- Taking and recording vitals
- Wound care
- Pre and post-natal work
Most clinics are located 4 to 7 miles away from the volunteer house and volunteers walk, bike or use local taxis to commute, taxis cost approximately AU$8 for a round trip.
Why do Medical volunteering in Livingstone with IVHQ?
When you volunteer in healthcare in Zambia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting clinics to provide healthcare in low-income communities
- Improving access to affordable medical care and treatment
- Observing the medical system of a developing country
- Gaining medical experience
- Immersing yourself in Zambia’s culture
- Discovering Africa’s incredible wildlife
Volunteer requirements
To join the Medical project in Zambia, volunteers need to be medical or nursing students; or qualified healthcare professionals. Volunteers in other medically-related professions who have completed at least two years of training may also be eligible to take part.
Volunteers need to be 18 years to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Zambia photo gallery
IVHQ Rural Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Elderly Care project
IVHQ Rural Teaching project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Rural Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Elderly Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Zambia on the weekend
Medical specialties
On the Medical project in Zambia it is possible to assist in a range of medical fields. If you have an interest in any of these areas, please mention that in your application, though your placement is ultimately decided by the Zambian Ministry of Health so we can’t guarantee you’ll be volunteering in your preferred department. Specialties include:
- Gynecology and family planning
- HIV/AIDS
- Maternity
- Midwifery
- Pediatrics
- Outpatient Department
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ Zambia volunteer program is based in the laid-back tourist town of Livingstone, named after the famous colonial explorer who was thought to be the first European to see and name the nearby Victoria Falls. Set in the southern edge of Zambia, Livingstone borders Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls - the world’s biggest and most breathtaking waterfall. The area is lush with national parks, abundant wildlife and the Zambezi River which provides an exciting array of outdoor activities for adventurous volunteers.
Volunteer placements are located in Livingstone and surrounding rural areas. On the Rural Teaching project, volunteers are placed and accommodated in the Makumba village, which is located 40 miles from Livingstone.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Livingstone on the Sunday before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Livingstone. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Zambia prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Livingstone on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Zambia team at the volunteer house in Livingstone. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Zambia – an introduction to Zambia, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering (the day after your orientation), you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical volunteer day is as follows:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers travel to their placements to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. |
| 12:30 PM | Work at the placement usually ends for the day and volunteers return to the volunteer house for lunch. |
| 1:30 PM | After lunch, volunteers may spend their free time as they wish or if they are looking for extra volunteering hours, there are alternatives available such as working at a homework club. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Weekends
During the weekend, volunteers in Zambia have an endless list of activities to join. The area’s major attraction, Victoria Falls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. In addition to the wealth of nearby national parks, nature lovers have the opportunity to experience a range of safaris and tours in Zambia, as well as in other neighboring countries, such as Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Thrill seekers are also well catered to in Zambia, with an abundance of activities, such as bungee jumping, devil’s pool, white water rafting, abseiling, gorge swinging, zip-lining and microlight flights. Within Livingstone itself, a range of restaurants, curio markets and various cultural activities offer a lot to take in for those wish to stay around town.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style volunteer house, approximately 10 minutes from Livingstone town centre. You can expect to share a bedroom and bathroom with 2 to 5 other volunteers of the same gender. The volunteer house has electricity, running water, western bathrooms, and a communal lounge and garden area for relaxing and socializing. It is important to note that power cuts are common in Zambia in times of drought, which in turn affects the running water supply.
If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Zambia. The local team can assist you with purchasing a SIM card during your program orientation. You can also access WiFi from cafes and restaurants located within walking distance of the volunteer house.
Private rooms can be arranged at an additional cost (see upgrade options below) and are subject to availability. This can be arranged directly through the local team once you have registered for the program. Bed linens are provided and during the hot months, a sheet should be adequate cover in the evenings. During the cooler months, you may wish to bring a sleeping bag for an extra layer of warmth.
Volunteers are also asked to bring their own towels. The volunteer accommodation has a nighttime security guard and is located in a safe area protected by an electric fence. On-site staff clean the accommodation throughout the week, however volunteers are also required to keep their rooms and common areas tidy.
Upgrade to a private room with ensuite for the duration of your time on the program for only US$120 (approximately AU$194) per week. The local team have both double and twin rooms available, both with en suite bathrooms.
Extra nights of accommodation If you would like to arrive a day earlier than your recommended arrival date, or wish to spend a few extra nights after finishing your program, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you for US$52 (approximately AU$84) per person, per night, meals included, subject to availability.
If you would like to arrange an upgrade or extra nights of accommodation, just contact your IVHQ Program Manager who will be happy to assist you.
Meals
Volunteers are served three meals per day, prepared by an on-site local cook. All meals will be a mix of western and traditional Zambian food.
Breakfast may include fruit, toast, spreads and cereal with tea, coffee and juice. Lunch is usually provided in the volunteer accommodation, although packed lunches of sandwiches and fruit are provided if requested for those who choose to remain at their placement. Dinners will commonly be a combination of meat, starches and vegetables.
The local staff are happy to accommodate special dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free etc). Please let an IVHQ staff member know of any special dietary requirements in advance, so we can ensure the local staff are prepared for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Volunteer Dining room
Volunteer dining room
Typical volunteer meals
TTypical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Volunteers serving food
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$485), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$485) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $510 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 2 weeks | $660 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 3 weeks | $840 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 4 weeks | $970 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,120 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,250 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,510 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,790 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,050 Equivalent to $24/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,570 Equivalent to $23/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$485) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Volunteers staying for longer than 4 weeks will need to budget an extra US$400 (approximately) to obtain a temporary work permit from Zambian Immigration in order to stay up to 90 days.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Zambia generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- US$100 one-off surcharge to cover additional supervision and medical materials involved in the project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return airport transfer when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Livingstone
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Livingstone program.
Popular
Chobe Camping Safari (2 days, 1 night)
A memorable 2 day safari experience at the Chobe National Park, Botswana, known for its huge elephant herds.
AU$595
Top rated
Rhino Game Drive
Experience Mosi-Oa-Tunya guided game drives, home of most of Zambia’s white rhino population.
AU$214
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
AU$27
Check what's required to visit Zambia
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lusaka |
| Population | 17.86 million |
| Languages | English, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga |
| Currency | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
There are three seasons in Zambia: the dry season (mid-April to August), when temperatures drop at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to mid-November), when the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and, the wet season (mid-November to mid-April), which is ideal for bird-watching.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
SS
Sheryl Scott
...
KP
Katie Potts
I gained friendships and understanding of how a different part of the world lives. Even though it is scary because you might have no idea what to expect, Zambia was an amazing country with the friendliest people and support. I felt very safe there and have made connections with the local people.
The local team were very supportive. I loved how they let me call my boyfriend and my parents to let them know I was ok before I got a sim card. We had a thorough orientation. Our flight was delayed meaning we got there a day late but they worked around this to ensure we were settled. They also came to placement with me on my first day and were very lovely, chatty and approachable with any questions. Our toilet was broken on arrival and the local team fixed it immediately which was great.
I felt I connected to the local people and gained insight to their way of life. I feel like we learnt from each other. It was also a very eye opening experience from how things were so different from home and has left me with a more giving mentality and has made me more conscious about my future lifestyle, spending etc.
Volunteering was an amazing experience! There are other volunteers there and it was amazing sharing this experience with them and we often planned our weeks together, so you will not be alone.
...
TB
Tobias Brandl
From the perspective of a Public Health student, it was still interesting to learn about HIV therapy and the healthcare system in Zambia in general.
...
FB
Felicia Buchanan
The program guide and all the materials provided on the website were comprehensive and very helpful. The local team were phenomenal hosts and all the workers at the house were super friendly. This was a life-changing experience! I did not know what to expect with this being my first time traveling outside of the US. I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable it was. The cooks were excellent! They gave me an opportunity to try local cuisine while also providing familiar foods. It's very hard to pick one favorite moment because there were so many. The other volunteers and I bonded like a family. We created a WhatsApp group to keep in touch, share pics, and have opportunities to get together for activities. We worked hard and played hard together! It was unsettling at first when it took a while for me to get a local SIM card and gain internet access. Not being able to surf the web, and chat with family and friends often as I would have liked gave me an excellent opportunity for reflection. I learned a great deal but mainly how to slow down and take in each moment. If this is something that is in your heart to do, go for it!
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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