Where
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding national holidays and the Tet period)
Duration
From 2 weeks
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a university dormitory with meals included
Language
Intermediate English recommended
Ideal for
Students of medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and anyone training in healthcare who would like an observational placement at an international hospital.
Project details
A hands-on observational placement that lets you see Vietnamese clinical practice up close and understand how care takes shape in a different cultural setting.
In Ho Chi Minh, healthcare is a fast-moving world: busy hospitals, new wards opening up and an approach to care that mixes modern medicine with traditional practices. In that setting, students and young professionals from other countries bring curiosity, conversation and fresh energy, building a useful exchange for everyone.
The programme is set up to give you a real observational placement: you'll shadow doctors and nurses through ward rounds, treatments and shifts, get to know local procedures and see how medicine works in a different cultural context to your own. At certain points, under supervision, you may help with basic activities like triage, simple dressings or recording vital signs.
Beyond the hospital, you'll have the chance to join community health education sessions, observe traditional medicine practices and see how Vietnamese culture shapes the relationship with care. An intense, stimulating path that helps you grow both as a future professional and as a person.
The programme is set up to give you a real observational placement: you'll shadow doctors and nurses through ward rounds, treatments and shifts, get to know local procedures and see how medicine works in a different cultural context to your own. At certain points, under supervision, you may help with basic activities like triage, simple dressings or recording vital signs.
Beyond the hospital, you'll have the chance to join community health education sessions, observe traditional medicine practices and see how Vietnamese culture shapes the relationship with care. An intense, stimulating path that helps you grow both as a future professional and as a person.
Grow in medicine, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh
A hands-on observational placement that lets you see Vietnamese clinical practice up close and understand how care takes shape in a different cultural setting.
In Ho Chi Minh, healthcare is a fast-moving world: busy hospitals, new wards opening up and an approach to care that mixes modern medicine with traditional practices. In that setting, students and young professionals from other countries bring curiosity, conversation and fresh energy, building a useful exchange for everyone.
The programme is set up to give you a real observational placement: you'll shadow doctors and nurses through ward rounds, treatments and shifts, get to know local procedures and see how medicine works in a different cultural context to your own. At certain points, under supervision, you may help with basic activities like triage, simple dressings or recording vital signs.
Beyond the hospital, you'll have the chance to join community health education sessions, observe traditional medicine practices and see how Vietnamese culture shapes the relationship with care. An intense, stimulating path that helps you grow both as a future professional and as a person.
The programme is set up to give you a real observational placement: you'll shadow doctors and nurses through ward rounds, treatments and shifts, get to know local procedures and see how medicine works in a different cultural context to your own. At certain points, under supervision, you may help with basic activities like triage, simple dressings or recording vital signs.
Beyond the hospital, you'll have the chance to join community health education sessions, observe traditional medicine practices and see how Vietnamese culture shapes the relationship with care. An intense, stimulating path that helps you grow both as a future professional and as a person.
Why participate
See medicine from a fresh angle
Observe diagnoses, treatments and ward routines in a healthcare context different to the European one, broadening your view of clinical practice.
Why participate
See medicine from a fresh angle
Observe diagnoses, treatments and ward routines in a healthcare context different to the European one, broadening your view of clinical practice.
Learn on the ground, alongside the professionals
Shadow local doctors and nurses through their day, following consultations, triage and ward activity under supervision.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, days are mostly spent at the hospital, between observational time, working alongside the local doctors and therapists and rotations through different wards.
In the afternoon, after the long lunch break typical of Vietnamese hospitals, you'll continue with light clinical activities or with study, prep and conversations with the local team. At certain times of year you may also join community health education initiatives.
07:00Breakfast at the centre and getting ready for the day
08:00Arrive at the hospital, initial round and shadowing the local doctors
11:00Observation of consultations, triage, minor treatments and ward activity
13:00Lunch break (often long) with the staff or with the other participants
15:00Continue with clinical activities or take part in public health campaigns
19:00Back to the campus, shared dinner and free evening: rooftop, games or downtime
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the city, head to nearby beaches, see the Mekong Delta, or simply relax with the other participants on the campus rooftop.
Explore central Ho Chi Minh and Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A walk through the busy heart of the city, with cafés, shops, street food and outdoor evening shows.
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FAQs
🌆 Your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh
You'll stay at a safe, welcoming university dormitory in the Tan Binh district, a few minutes from the airport and the city's liveliest neighbourhoods. It's one of those places where real cultural exchange happens: living together, studying together, swapping ideas every day.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort • Shared rooms (6–8 people) or private (1–2 people)
• Air conditioning
• Bed linen provided
• Shared bathrooms (showers without hot water)
• No mosquito nets: bring repellent or a travel net
• Lockable rooms, with a safety box available
🍽️ Meals • 3 meals a day Monday to Friday
• Brunch and dinner at weekends
• Vietnamese and Asian cooking, with rice, vegetables, noodles and local dishes
• Water, tea and coffee always available
🌿 Common spaces • Rooftop for studying, relaxing and socialising
• Common lounge and computer room
• Mini-market, café, pool and gym a short walk away
• Lively, international atmosphere
💬 Living the community The centre isn't a hotel: it's a shared home. Between rooftop evenings and group study sessions, Ho Chi Minh becomes a community experience, not just a trip.
You'll stay at a safe, welcoming university dormitory in the Tan Binh district, a few minutes from the airport and the city's liveliest neighbourhoods. It's one of those places where real cultural exchange happens: living together, studying together, swapping ideas every day.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort • Shared rooms (6–8 people) or private (1–2 people)
• Air conditioning
• Bed linen provided
• Shared bathrooms (showers without hot water)
• No mosquito nets: bring repellent or a travel net
• Lockable rooms, with a safety box available
🍽️ Meals • 3 meals a day Monday to Friday
• Brunch and dinner at weekends
• Vietnamese and Asian cooking, with rice, vegetables, noodles and local dishes
• Water, tea and coffee always available
🌿 Common spaces • Rooftop for studying, relaxing and socialising
• Common lounge and computer room
• Mini-market, café, pool and gym a short walk away
• Lively, international atmosphere
💬 Living the community The centre isn't a hotel: it's a shared home. Between rooftop evenings and group study sessions, Ho Chi Minh becomes a community experience, not just a trip.
🛡️ Safety and support
Ho Chi Minh is a busy city, but the programme runs in safe, monitored areas. Our aim is a well-supported environment where you can settle into the experience confidently.
🔹 Background checks
A criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) is required before you travel. This helps us keep the setting reliable and respectful for everyone.
🔹 Safety standards
• Campus with controlled access
• Local staff always on site
• Reliable partner hospitals, used to hosting students
• Urban areas with services and transport always available
🔹 24/7 support
The local coordinators are available day and night. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp at any time.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
You'll get a full pack before you travel and join the Orientation Day to learn everything you need for getting around the city with confidence.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid walking on your own at night
✔ Use taxis or Grab for longer trips
✔ Always follow the local team's advice
💡 Our aim
To let you get the most out of an intense, formative cultural experience, with a team alongside you whenever you need them.
Ho Chi Minh is a busy city, but the programme runs in safe, monitored areas. Our aim is a well-supported environment where you can settle into the experience confidently.
🔹 Background checks
A criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) is required before you travel. This helps us keep the setting reliable and respectful for everyone.
🔹 Safety standards
• Campus with controlled access
• Local staff always on site
• Reliable partner hospitals, used to hosting students
• Urban areas with services and transport always available
🔹 24/7 support
The local coordinators are available day and night. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp at any time.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
You'll get a full pack before you travel and join the Orientation Day to learn everything you need for getting around the city with confidence.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid walking on your own at night
✔ Use taxis or Grab for longer trips
✔ Always follow the local team's advice
💡 Our aim
To let you get the most out of an intense, formative cultural experience, with a team alongside you whenever you need them.
🧭 Orientation day
Your time here starts on the Monday with a day designed to ease you into Vietnamese culture and the medical programme on the right foot.
• Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
• Introductory Vietnamese language sessions
• Tour of the campus and the services: ATMs, café, pool, supermarkets
• Group activities and ice-breaker games
• A traditional dinner at a local restaurant with the whole group
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday you'll start your hospital placement with more confidence, having met the coordinators, your fellow travellers and got a feel for the local context.
Your time here starts on the Monday with a day designed to ease you into Vietnamese culture and the medical programme on the right foot.
• Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and cultural etiquette
• Introductory Vietnamese language sessions
• Tour of the campus and the services: ATMs, café, pool, supermarkets
• Group activities and ice-breaker games
• A traditional dinner at a local restaurant with the whole group
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday you'll start your hospital placement with more confidence, having met the coordinators, your fellow travellers and got a feel for the local context.
✈️ Arrival tips
For your arrival, please book a flight into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), the main airport for Ho Chi Minh City. Our welcome service runs Saturday and Sunday from 06:00 to 21:30: in that window the local coordinator will be at the meeting point.
📍 Meeting point
After baggage reclaim, head out to the main arrivals corridor and look for our coordinator with a "The Green Lion" sign or with your name. If you can't spot them straight away, stay at pole 03: they will come to you. Don't leave the area.
🕒 Transfer time
Airport to centre: about 20 minutes by taxi.
💡 Out-of-hours arrivals
If you arrive after 21:30 or outside the weekend window, you can request a special pickup for an extra fee or make your own way to the centre by taxi (£4–£6) or via the Grab app.
🧭 If you can't spot our team straight away
Stay at the meeting point and call the emergency numbers we'll send you by email. Traffic in Ho Chi Minh can cause delays: it's normal to wait a few minutes.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
Check-out is on the Saturday by 12:00. The return transfer isn't included, but the staff will help you book a taxi or get to the nearest bus station.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip
If you'd like to travel on within Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Hanoi, the local team will happily share tips and practical pointers.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
You'll get a detailed pack with up-to-date instructions, useful contacts and all the steps for a smooth arrival.
For your arrival, please book a flight into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), the main airport for Ho Chi Minh City. Our welcome service runs Saturday and Sunday from 06:00 to 21:30: in that window the local coordinator will be at the meeting point.
📍 Meeting point
After baggage reclaim, head out to the main arrivals corridor and look for our coordinator with a "The Green Lion" sign or with your name. If you can't spot them straight away, stay at pole 03: they will come to you. Don't leave the area.
🕒 Transfer time
Airport to centre: about 20 minutes by taxi.
💡 Out-of-hours arrivals
If you arrive after 21:30 or outside the weekend window, you can request a special pickup for an extra fee or make your own way to the centre by taxi (£4–£6) or via the Grab app.
🧭 If you can't spot our team straight away
Stay at the meeting point and call the emergency numbers we'll send you by email. Traffic in Ho Chi Minh can cause delays: it's normal to wait a few minutes.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
Check-out is on the Saturday by 12:00. The return transfer isn't included, but the staff will help you book a taxi or get to the nearest bus station.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip
If you'd like to travel on within Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Hanoi, the local team will happily share tips and practical pointers.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
You'll get a detailed pack with up-to-date instructions, useful contacts and all the steps for a smooth arrival.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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