Medical volunteer work and observation project - Tanzania

About the project

Working Hours

Monday to Friday from around 8:00am to 4:00pm
Volunteers only work day shifts.

Your Colleagues / Who You’ll Be Working With

You’ll be working alongside the medical staff at the project. Sometimes there are also other volunteers involved.

Language Spoken on the Project

English is the main language used on the project. Since most people in this area have had access to education, they generally speak English quite well.

Holiday Periods

This project runs year round.

Accommodation

At the volunteer house, there is a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals using ingredients bought at the local market. There's also a housemaid who can cook for you. The house has a fridge and all necessary kitchenware. Volunteers can also choose to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.

If you prefer to stay with a host family and cook together with them, that is also an option, although host families usually prepare meals for the volunteers.

At the moment, WiFi is not available, but you can buy a local SIM card for less than $2 AUD and add unlimited 4G data for less than $10 AUD per week or around 30 AUD per month.

There are separate dorm style rooms for male and female volunteers, with shared common areas and Western style toilets.

Living conditions are basic and power outages are common in Tanzania. Most village homes do not have running water, especially during dry seasons. Bottled drinking water is readily available. Clothes are washed by hand, either by the volunteer or by the housemaid for a small fee. Bedding including pillows and sheets is provided, but it’s recommended that you bring your own towel and mosquito net.

Transport to and from the Project

Volunteers either walk from the volunteer house or host family to the project or take a public minibus known as a dala dala. If you're participating in a rural village program during the week or on weekends to experience local life, you will also travel by dala dala. The trip takes about two hours.

Supplies the Project Can Use

If you have extra space in your bag and would like to bring something useful for the project, it would be greatly appreciated. Just check in with us first so we can advise you on what would be most helpful.

Airport Pickup

You’ll be picked up from the airport and stay one night in Dar es Salaam. The next day, someone from the organisation will take you to the bus station and accompany you on the bus to Iringa. Once you arrive, you’ll go to the volunteer house, where you’ll have time to relax, unpack, and meet the other volunteers. You’ll also receive an orientation.

We can help organise the return trip as well. This is not included in the program fee, but the trip upon arrival is. The return trip including a hotel stay costs $149 AUD.

Free Time

Take a look at our optional trips to see what you can do in your spare time. We have some really amazing getaways lined up, and since you’re already in such a beautiful part of the world, it’s a great chance to explore more of the country.

Your Local Contact

Bovan is the local contact person in Tanzania.

Volunteer profile

For this project, we’re looking for dedicated volunteers with a passion for healthcare and improving people’s quality of life. We believe that access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, and your contribution can have a significant impact on the health of the local community.

This project in Tanzania is especially suitable for volunteers aged between 17 and 29. For older volunteers, the project in Ilula may be a better fit.

Key Qualities We’re Looking For:

Passion for Healthcare
We’re looking for volunteers with a strong interest in the medical field who are eager to contribute to the wellbeing of others. Experience in healthcare, such as nursing, medicine or a related area, is a bonus, but a genuine desire to help is most important.

Initiative and Proactivity
The ability to work independently and take initiative is crucial. In a busy and often understaffed medical setting, you’ll need to act quickly and come up with practical solutions to various challenges. A proactive mindset helps ensure efficient care and smooth day-to-day operations.

Patience and Empathy
Patience and empathy are essential in healthcare. You’ll be working with patients of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom are facing tough circumstances. It’s important to remain calm, understanding, and act with compassion and respect.

Cultural Sensitivity
Working in a different cultural context requires respect and understanding of local customs and traditions. Being open and willing to learn from the culture you’re in is vital for a successful collaboration and a meaningful experience for both you and the community.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Conditions in Tanzania may be very different to what you’re used to. Being flexible and adaptable to new situations is key. This applies to both living arrangements and the medical environment.

Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are essential, whether it’s with patients, colleagues, or the local community. The ability to communicate clearly and respectfully contributes to a positive and productive care environment.

Team Spirit
The medical and observation project is a team effort, and collaboration is the key to success. A positive team attitude and a willingness to work with others, including local health professionals and volunteers from diverse backgrounds is important to help achieve our goals.

What to Expect:

As a volunteer in this medical and observation project, your involvement will depend on your background and experience. Tasks may include assisting with medical procedures, performing basic health checks, running health education sessions, and supporting local healthcare workers. You may also be involved in observing and documenting medical practices and case studies, helping to gather valuable information that can support improvements in local healthcare systems.

You’ll be working in health clinics, hospitals or mobile health teams, where you’ll gain hands-on experience and have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Your time in Tanzania won’t just give you the opportunity to positively impact the community and it will also help you grow personally and professionally.

So, if you’re passionate about healthcare and improving the lives of others, and you’re ready to take on a rewarding challenge, then this medical and observation project in Tanzania is the perfect opportunity for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community.

For parents

We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.

Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.

We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.

Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.

We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.

You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.

If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team

Costs

Average cost for a 5 week stay = $454/week

• 1 week of volunteer work: $699

• 2 weeks of volunteer work: $1325

• Each additional week: $315

*All prices are in AUD.

What's Included in the Price

Before Departure

• Online introductory call

• Information pack with details about Tanzanian culture and customs, as well as a checklist of everything you need to prepare, including info about insurance, finances, and other travel tips

• Pre-departure training

• Help with applying for a police check (VOG)

• Access to the online community

• Assistance with your visa application

• Help with booking your flight (on request)

During Your Trip

• Airport transfer to the project, including one night’s accommodation in a hotel

• On-site orientation

• Support with extending your visa (if needed)

• Ongoing support throughout your stay

• Accommodation in the volunteer house

After Your Trip

• Evaluation session

• Certificate (on request)

• Opportunity to stay involved in our WhatsApp community

• Memories for life!

Not Included in the Price

• Flights

• Vaccinations

• Visa

• Police check (VOG)

• Travel insurance