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12.1 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
Grow
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This project involves medical volunteer work in hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where you will work with medical professionals to treat patients. The work is done under the guidance of local medical staff, ensuring a safe environment, and you will also have the opportunity to interact with medical students from various nationalities. Participation is possible if you have an interest in helping those in need and a warm heart to share. Your small contribution will lead to the recovery of the Ho Chi Minh community beyond just medical treatment.
This is a life-saving medical volunteer activity carried out with the medical staff and volunteers in Ho Chi Minh hospitals. It is recommended for those interested in medical volunteer work and those looking to find true meaning in their volunteer activities. You will be involved in treating wounds and illnesses and providing warm comfort. If you can convey your heart and love to our neighbors in difficult situations and add empathy and comfort, the world will become even more beautiful. This time will allow you to experience the joy of being helpful and memorable to someone through volunteering. Join in the happiness of sharing and becoming one with others.
| Participants will receive a certificate related to their participation in the medical volunteer activity. |
Join the medical volunteer work that realizes the value of 'together.' This will be a precious time where you interact with local medical staff and meet patients, experiencing daily life in a real hospital. You will have the chance to help with basic treatments or observe necessary tasks, gaining experience in a professional medical environment. Since you will be working with Vietnamese residents, having knowledge of medical terms will be even more helpful. Create one of the most special and valuable experiences of your life.
You will meet friends who have gathered to volunteer in Vietnam. It is a great time to build a global network. Through caring for and treating patients with other volunteers, you will find yourself growing further. It is a meaningful time to engage in medical-related activities with friends from other countries. Living with and talking to friends from various nationalities will help solidify your own thoughts and values. Contribute your talents through medical volunteer work, share warm touches, and create positive influence with good people.
* For popular projects, there might be no availability, so if you wish to participate on your preferred dates, please apply as soon as possible.
Support
Details of Support
- Volunteers will have their meals at the campus cafeteria provided by the local institution. Meals are primarily Vietnamese but Western options like sandwiches, spaghetti, and bread are also available.
- Transportation costs (bus) for moving to the volunteer site are included. (*Costs for travel beyond the volunteer activities are not included)
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Airport pickup after the end of the volunteer activities
- Visa issuance fee for stays longer than 45 days
- Other local living expenses
Project Activities
The project takes place at a public health institution in Ho Chi Minh City, where participants aspiring to be medical professionals will gain hands-on experience in a real hospital environment while volunteering. They will interact with medical staff and provide healthcare services to local residents.
■ Activity Dates
- On the Monday when the volunteer activity begins, an orientation and pre-training will be conducted.
- Medical volunteer work starts on Tuesday and ends on Friday.
- This project runs throughout the entire year.
* Every year, from around January 1st (Lunar New Year) for about a week, is Tet, Vietnam's largest holiday. During this period, if you participate, the schedule may be adjusted depending on local conditions.
■ Main Activities
- The main activity is treating local residents alongside local doctors and nurses.
- Depending on the participant's skills, they may assist with simple treatments, patient visits, pre- and post-surgery tasks, and observations.
- Participants will mainly work in rehabilitation and orthopedics, and will be assigned to specific departments within the hospital based on their experience and background.
<Photos of Korean Gap Year Participants>
■ Sample Activity Schedule
| Time | Details |
| 07:30 - 08:00 | Travel to the hospital (about 15-20 minutes on foot) |
| 08:00 - 10:30 | Morning medical volunteer activity |
| 10:30 - 11:00 | Return to accommodation |
| 11:00 - 13:20 | Lunch break |
| 13:30 - 14:00 | Travel to the hospital (about 15-20 minutes on foot) |
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Afternoon medical volunteer activity |
* For safety, travel to and from the hospital will be with a local coordinator.
* Before the morning and afternoon volunteer activities, there will be meetings with the local coordinator regarding department placement.
* The schedule and activity times may vary depending on local conditions.
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■ English Proficiency ★★★☆☆ Since the treatment is conducted in a real medical setting with Vietnamese residents, you should be familiar with basic medical terms and be able to communicate in English. Living with volunteers and local staff of different nationalities at the local institution and accommodation will allow for more diverse experiences and a more enjoyable gap year if you can communicate in English. |
■ Local Orientation and Pre-Training Information
- Orientation starts every Monday locally, and airport pickup is arranged on the Sunday before the orientation. You can arrive in advance on Saturday, two days before the start of activities, and stay at the volunteer accommodation. (Additional costs apply.)
- Participants must adhere to the rules provided during the orientation for participating in the volunteer activities.
- Please adhere to the daily volunteer activity schedule.
- To attend the orientation, please book your flight to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
| Day | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday ~ Friday | Saturday |
| Schedule | Arrival at destination | Orientation and Pre-Training / Volunteer Interaction | Start of Volunteer Work | Check out of Accommodation |
* Detailed information will be provided during the domestic orientation.
* You can check detailed participant reviews at Gap Year Stories (Click).
* More participant reviews can be found at the bottom of the project under "Participant Reviews".
Institution Introduction
The local institution where the project is taking place is a hospital operated by the Vietnamese government that provides treatment for Vietnamese residents. It is a dedicated medical center offering services ranging from the emergency room to neurology, rehabilitation, and anesthesia, striving to provide the best care for patients. Volunteers will be assigned to different departments within the hospital based on their experience and background. This opportunity will provide valuable insights into Vietnam's healthcare system, making it a significant experience for participants majoring in medical-related fields or those interested in medical volunteer work.
A Message from the Local Institution Coordinator
Hello! We are Project Coordinators Anna & Quyen.
We sincerely thank the volunteers who have dedicated their valuable time to medical volunteer work at our hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
We are committed to ensuring that you have a safe and warm experience here.
Through this project, you will meet friends from around the world with diverse cultures and create memorable experiences as you volunteer together.
Let’s make the most of this meaningful activity and grow together!
Accommodation Introduction
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Accommodation Features and Information
This project includes accommodation. The lodging is in the form of a dormitory on a university campus in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, where you will live with other international friends. The accommodation is managed by gender. Living with a variety of international friends, you will have the chance to learn about their cultures and languages. Additionally, the accommodation is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, so local restaurants, ATMs, and other conveniences are nearby. The campus also has office space and a great café, providing volunteers with a space to enjoy peaceful and relaxing times.
| <Shared Room (4-8 people) / Gender-Separated / Shared Bathrooms within the Accommodation / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Provided / Wi-Fi Available> |
Accommodation Notes
* Check-in is on Sunday before the start of the program, and check-out is on Saturday.
* There are rules to follow in the dormitory on campus, such as prohibitions on wandering around late at night. Please adhere to the rules during the project period for a safe stay and activities!
* If you wish to extend your stay beyond the official schedule, you can apply after paying the additional fee. Please contact us individually for availability and costs.
* For detailed information, please contact Korea Gap Year at (koreagapyear@gmail.com).
Location
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon. However, after merging with surrounding areas in 1976, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, in honor of the national hero. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and was also the capital of the former Republic of Vietnam. During the French colonial period, many buildings reflecting French architectural styles were constructed, which is why the city is sometimes referred to as "The Paris of the East."
Schedule and Prices
■ This project starts every Monday.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 2 weeks.
■ The costs below include project fees, accommodation, meals, and one-way airport pickup service.
| Participation Period | Project Fee |
| 2 weeks | 1,360,000 KRW |
| 3 weeks | 1,820,000 KRW |
| 4 weeks | 2,280,000 KRW |
* If you wish to participate for more than 4 weeks, please contact us individually for consultation.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Healthy adults over 18 years old
- Anyone with a background or interest in medical-related fields
- Anyone looking to gain experience in related fields such as NGOs and medical work
- Anyone who wants to live and volunteer with friends from various nationalities
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can pay a deposit of 500,000 KRW and the remaining balance within 2 weeks. The process for confirming project participation will begin from the date of the deposit, and we will check availability and your participation status. It is important to secure your spot as soon as possible to participate on your desired dates and duration! (Refunds are not available once confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the start date to allow for proper processing and preparation. Applications should be made no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if you need to apply urgently, you can opt for the emergency application service by paying an additional fee, and we will assist with the process as quickly as possible.
* While we will assist with the process as quickly as possible, there is basic time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. Emergency applicants must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations team, as all procedures will follow the same process as regular applicants.
** Applicants who apply 180 days or more before the start date will receive an early bird discount.
*** Emergency application services can be selected from the options above, and inquiries regarding emergency applications can be sent to koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- What’s Included: Automatic application for Gap Year missions and notes / All OT materials provided upon confirmation of participation / Emergency staffing / Support with document preparation if needed, etc. * If you have difficulty calculating dates, please use the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator |
**Note: In case of extremely urgent applications, there may be no available spots depending on local conditions, and procedures will follow Gap Year’s refund policy. Additionally, any issues arising from participant non-cooperation are the participant’s responsibility.
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