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12.6 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
Grow
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Project Introduction
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As of 2022, due to enhanced measures for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and ensuring safety within local hospitals, this project is targeting students in their second year or above in related fields. For detailed information regarding eligibility and participation, please inquire directly with Korea Gap Year. (koreagapyear@gmail.com) |
This project is a medical volunteering initiative assisting healthcare professionals at a Cambodian hospital. The local institution where the project takes place is a public medical facility in Cambodia that provides treatment to residents. It's a volunteering project where participants can directly engage in and learn from various tasks, from basic assistance tailored to situations where specialized doctors treat people, to involvement in professional hospital treatment processes.
Medical volunteering may seem challenging and feel like a specialized activity, but participants will engage in tasks such as assisting with basic duties required during medical procedures or supporting direct treatment activities.
Generally, medical volunteering is typically reserved for majors or current professionals in the medical field. However, at Gap Year, anyone is welcome regardless of their major! This opportunity is particularly valuable for non-medical professionals or the general public who rarely have the chance to experience the medical field firsthand or indirectly. Even if you're not studying medicine, if you have friends or acquaintances who are ill and you're interested in the medical field or have been intrigued by medical dramas and are considering a career in medicine, you're welcome to join, provided you have the willingness to take on the challenge
It's not just about procuring medical supplies and delivering them locally! This volunteering involves assisting professional doctors and nurses at a public medical institution managed by the Cambodian Ministry of Health. Participants will directly observe the hospital's operations and overall daily routines, supporting tasks alongside healthcare professionals. With many skilled individuals from international organizations present, there's a lot to learn just by working alongside them!
As an international organization, volunteers coming for overseas service are filled with passion! Sharing and discussing their careers, future dreams, visions, and goals will broaden my perspectives and values, leading to personal growth.
| My 28-year-old American roommate, who majored in business administration but dreams of pursuing psychology therapy, mentioned that volunteering with Gap Year in Cambodia could be beneficial for his career. My 34-year-old French roommate works for a National Health Insurance Corporation in France, and he mentioned that he came for a two-week vacation and light-hearted volunteering. - Review from a 22-year-old college student participant |
Will my lack of knowledge hinder rather than help in volunteering? Put those worries to rest! In Cambodia, the medical system is still underdeveloped, leaving many patients without timely treatment. Thus, even simple tasks like assisting with basic chores or playing with sick children can make a significant impact!
Support
NOT INCLUDED
- Round-trip airfare
- Round-trip transportation costs between accommodation and internship site
- Visa issuance fee
- Medical gown (Individual preparation item)
*Upon arrival in Cambodia, purchasing is possible, and expected to cost around 6 to 8 dollars.
- Individual Traveler's Insurance Costs and Other Local Stay Express
* Please book tickets and transportation after finally being informed of the final schedule for participation in the project and departure.
Project Activities
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The project activities take place from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. If there are afternoon work activities, participants will engage in them, and the afternoon work activities run from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. |
1. Medical Assistant for Doctors/Nurses
- Volunteer activity assisting doctors/nurses with tasks necessary for patient care.
- Simple medical volunteering duties
2. For those in related fields of study
* In their respective fields, they will discuss with local doctors through interviews about their capabilities in assisting with their work and directly participate in volunteer activities.
- Specialized assistance activities such as using specialized treatment tools in assisting activities required for patient care
- Organization and recording of medications during the preparation of treatment
* The specifics of the activities may vary flexibly depending on the participants' experience and qualifications, as well as the circumstances of the local institutions.
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* The main departments of the hospital include Critical Care Surgery, Critical Care Medicine, Traumatology and Neurosurgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mental Health and Psychiatry, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Ophthalmology, etc. For other desired departments, please inquire directly. Participants can select up to three preferences from the departments listed below and may vary flexibly depending on institutional circumstances. *For more information, please contact us directly at koreagapyear@gmail.com |
■ Program Coordinator's GO -TO TIP!
Generally, due to Cambodia's significantly outdated medical technology, unless you possess specialized expertise, activities primarily involve supporting or observing hospital operations. Rather than gaining hands-on experience, the focus is on gaining experience through observation. Please note that activities are conducted with local Cambodians in mind at hospitals, so even if you are proficient in English, you may still experience communication difficulties. Moreover, local medical professionals tend to be more fluent in French than English. Before participating, familiarizing yourself with basic medical terminology in Khmer would benefit the activities!
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ENGLISH SKILL REQUIREMENT ★★☆☆☆ You should be able to communicate effectively as you will assist doctors and nurses in the institution with supportive tasks(Understanding medical terminology will be necessary). |
"All the medical staff showed a lot of interest in me as the only Asian and even introduced me to the hospital residents. It felt very comfortable. I didn't even have to try hard; everyone was open and honest with me. I went thinking I would just shadow doctors, but they also gave me opportunities to practice things like changing dressings and giving injections on real patients."
“I'm not a medical-related major, so I only assisted in basic activities, but it was still an exciting opportunity to participate in medical-related activities that I wouldn't normally experience, alongside friends from other countries!!! There were many volunteers from European countries, and since the workload wasn't heavy, after volunteering, we had fun exploring new places every day and finding delicious food to eat together, which was also a lot of fun.”
* You can read detailed reviews from participants on Gap Year Story (click).
* For more participant reviews, please check the "Participant Reviews" section at the bottom of the project page.
Institution Introduction
The institution where this project is taking place is a public medical facility located in Phnom Penh.
Established in the 1950s through foreign investment, it is now managed by the Ministry of Health, serving as a specialized medical institution in Cambodia. It facilitates low-cost hospital treatment for Cambodian citizens.
Supported by various international organizations, the hospital receives aid and medical supplies, boasting a diverse range of medications compared to other facilities. It specializes particularly in treating tuberculosis patients among its many cases.
Additionally, the institution offers a wide array of medical services including dermatology, dental care, surgery, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and rehabilitation services.
* Depending on participants' experience and qualifications, they may receive recommendations for different activity organizations.
I'm Mey, the manager overseeing local volunteers. I've been running this program for a long time and have had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of international volunteers. One thing I want to emphasize to volunteers is not to hesitate to ask for help whenever they encounter difficult situations or problems. Please feel free to speak up without any hesitation!
I and our staff are dedicated to assisting volunteers in resolving various aspects, including cultural differences. The accommodations and the organizations where you will volunteer are very safe and well-established. However, please do not come with overly high expectations about Cambodia. Through this activity, you'll make new friends among fellow volunteers and never feel lonely. Keep an open mind when joining us!
Accommodation Introduction
During the project, you will stay with other participants in a guesthouse-style volunteer accommodation. Typically, the ratio of foreign participants is higher than that of Koreans, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy communal living with friends from various nationalities. The guesthouse is run by a local Cambodian family who has been operating it for a long time, and it is located in the city, ensuring a safe living environment.
Rooms accommodate up to three people and each room is equipped with a private bathroom, a fan, and basic furniture. The common area on the second floor of the guesthouse features amenities like sofas, tables, and chairs, allowing you to relax or spend time with friends in the evenings after work or on weekends.
Meals are provided three times a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose your preferred menu in advance, and lunch can be packed as a takeaway. Breakfast usually consists of simple items like bread, eggs, and fruit, accompanied by tea. Lunch and dinner offer a variety of options including sandwiches, fried rice, noodles, curry, and meats. The accommodation is located in downtown Phnom Penh, making it convenient to participate in the project during weekdays and explore the area on weekends. It takes about 30 minutes on foot or 20 minutes by tuk-tuk, a common Cambodian mode of transport, to reach the activity site from the guesthouse.
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Shared rooms / Private bathroom (hot water available) / Three meals a day (breakfast/lunch/dinner) provided / Fan available |
* Participants who wish to change their accommodation options can choose air conditioning and single/double/triple rooms for an additional fee, subject to room availability. Please note that the hottest period in Cambodia is typically from March to May, and rooms fill up quickly between July and August.
* Travel time to the activity site may vary depending on traffic conditions.
* The photos above are for illustrative purposes only; room layouts and furniture may vary depending on the time of participation and local circumstances.
*If you are sensitive to heat, you can pay an additional fee locally to switch to an air-conditioned room, subject to availability based on local conditions.
Cambodia lacks a developed transportation infrastructure, such as city buses or subways. The primary modes of transportation in Cambodia are motorcycle taxis, where passengers sit behind the driver, and three-wheeled vehicles known as "tuk-tuks," which are modified motorcycles. Motorcycle taxis are very risky in terms of safety. Therefore, despite the slightly higher cost, we recommend using tuk-tuks for your safety. Unlike regular taxis, tuk-tuks do not have a fixed fare; instead, prices are negotiated with the driver each time.
Typical one-way fares start at around 2 USD, but costs can vary widely depending on distance, time of day, and number of passengers. You might feel bewildered by the unfamiliar transportation system at first, but if you understand this relatively basic system and respect local culture, you can enjoy your time in Cambodia even more despite its relatively poor transportation infrastructure!
Location Introduction
LOCATION: CAMBODIA, Phnom Penh
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Cambodia's formal name is the 'Kingdom of Cambodia,' located in the southeastern part of the Indochina Peninsula, bordered by Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Its capital, Phnom Penh, serves as the economic and political hub where the painful past of French colonial rule coexists with modern development.
The city is full of attractions such as the National Museum, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Independence Monument, making it a fascinating destination. However, behind the rapid economic development, one can also witness the challenging lives of the Cambodian people. The country has faced economic collapse and widespread corruption in politics and business.
People live day by day without the strength to fight corruption or the motivation to drive development. This is why education for children is crucial. We believe that through education, effective solutions for economic development and national progress can be found. Therefore, we strive to provide diverse educational opportunities to children.
- Who are 18 years of age or older and healthy
- Who is interested in the field of medicine.
- Who has majored in or has a background in medical-related studies and is interested.
- Who is interested in medical volunteering.
- Who wants to help children in Cambodia.
- Anyone who wants to care for and support sick children with a warm heart.
- Who looking to have a special experience during the vacation.
- Anyone who wants to spend time with new-made international friends and do volunteer work
- Anyone with an open mind.
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*COORDINATORS: TARGET If you are interested in the medical field or dream of working in healthcare in the future! Volunteering provides a great opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the medical field! |
Schedule and Prices
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 4 weeks.
■ Project Priced
4 Weeks - 2,320,000원
8 Weeks - 3,130,000원
12 Weeks - 4,350,000원
16 Weeks - 5,570,000원
* In the case of popular projects, there may be no availability, so please apply quickly to secure a seat.
■ KGY MISSION (▶ MORE)
■ Notice Of Installment Payment
If you are unable to pay in full, please deposit 500,000 won in advance for the registration fee and deposit the balance within two weeks. The process of confirming participation in the project will be conducted based on the date of payment of the registration fee to check the availability and TO. It is important to secure a position as soon as possible to participate in the desired date and period! (No refund when confirmed participation)
*However, if the start date is imminent, the balance deposit schedule may vary depending on the situation
■ Early Bird and Late Application
We recommend that all projects be applied three months before the start date of the project participation with normal procedures and KGY's preparation periods, and in principle, you can apply at least two months before the start date. However, if you need to participate in the project urgently or urgently, we will help you with the procedure as soon as possible by paying an additional amount through the emergency application service.
*We are helping you with the quick procedure as soon as possible, but there is a basic time such as communication with local organizations and time to confirm participation, and all procedures are the same as regular participants, so those who participate through the late application service should actively cooperate with the Korea GapYear operation team.
** Those who apply 180 days before the start date can get an early bird discount.
*** The emergency late application service can be applied from the selection option at the top, and if you have any questions related to the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com .
- Provision: Automatic application for gap-year missions and notes / Full provision immediately upon confirmation of participation in OT materials / Additional emergency personnel / Support for preparation if documents are required
* If you have a hard time calculating the date, please refer to NAVER's date calculator >> 네이버 날짜 계산기 바로가기
**Note: In the case of an emergency late application, there may be no TO depending on the local situation, and subsequent procedures will be carried out in accordance with the gap year refund policy. In addition, the participant is responsible for any problems caused by the participant's non-cooperation.
