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.

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.

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 $6.00 and medicine is $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: The volunteer experience is a commitment that includes a willingness to overcome challenges of various sorts. In cases where volunteers are experiencing difficulties, we strongly encourage creative and collaborative solutions. If you are put in an uncomfortable position, every effort will be made to accommodate you, but it is also important that volunteers remain flexible and understanding. Open-mindedness and patience will go a long way toward ensuring an enjoyable volunteer experience.

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 Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Maximo Nivel's Mission Statement: Maximo Nivel specializes in intensive language and international-experiential living and work programs. With offices in Costa Rica, Peru, and the United States, we offer some of the most exciting and diverse destinations available. We are committed to providing all of our clients and participants the highest level of service and the strongest language, culture, and adventure programs in the world. We offer the following fully-accredited programs: TEFL/TESOL Certification, Native Spanish Program, and Volunteer & Internship programs.

Year Founded: 2003