Medical Elective Placement in Vietnam

Interns in Ho Chi Minh City are housed in a safe and comfortable 4-storey volunteer house, conveniently located just 2 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and 3 km from District 1. The house features a living room, kitchen, four air-conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms, staff support, and two rooftop terraces for relaxation and social activities. Accommodation is usually shared between 4–6 volunteers per room, with a total capacity of up to 20–24. Facilities include Wi-Fi, washing machine, large fridge, wardrobes, study desks, and light bedding, making it easy to settle in. Located in a quiet, clean residential alley, the house offers a secure and welcoming environment, ideal for students adapting to life in Ho Chi Minh City’s tropical climate.

Interns are provided with three cooked meals a day. Local Vietnamese food is provided to the interns and the meals are cooked by the local cooks at the house.

Yes –  please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can ensure that you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Interns must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Pre Medical students, Medical and Nursing students can apply for this internship/elective. Participants joining the Medical internship program need to provide additional documents such as Resume/CV, Passport copy etc, details of which will be provided. You must be physically fit and in good health at the time of joining the program. 

Yes, students should consult their doctor or travel clinic for recommended vaccinations before travel.

Some major benefits include:

• Meeting other interns and participants from all around the world
• Get international exposure by observing and shadowing in major hospitals of Vietnam
• Being able to work with patients of different cultures and understand cultural dynamics of a new city or country
• Being able to travel during weekends and in the evenings to explore your destination

Placements are primarily observation-based but tailored to student level (pre-med, nursing, or medical). Students shadow professionals in departments such as surgery, pediatrics, emergency, physiotherapy, OBGYN, and more. All students need to give preference of 3-4 departments of their choice. Depending on the preference and internship/elective duration department allocation shall be done.

Due to local regulations and ethical standards, students will not perform hands-on procedures. However, they will observe, learn, and gain insight into patient care, local health systems, and medical practices.

Vietnam in general — and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in particular — is considered relatively safe for travelers, especially compared to many other large cities around the world. Millions of tourists visit each year without serious problems. 

You’ll have full in-country support from our local team in Ho Chi Minh City. In case of any emergencies or problems, the staff will be there to support you and assist you always. 
 

We partner with modern hospitals where English-speaking staff are available. All students are required to have travel insurance that covers medical care abroad.In case of any emergency, the local team will provide all necessary support and assistance to you.

Interns in Ho Chi Minh City use local public transport such as buses and taxis for commuting between the accommodation and hospital placement.

All interns need to arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on the program start date.

Some of the international airlines flying to Vietnam include:

From the USA
Air China
Cathay Pacific
Vietnam Airlines

From the UK
China Southern    
Vietnam Airlines

From Australia
Vietnam Airlines
Jetstar

From Asia
Malaysia Airlines
Air Asia
Cathay Pacific
Tiger Air
Singapore Airlines
Silk Air
Vietnam Airlines

From the Middle East
Emirates
Qatar Airways 
Etihad Airways

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. We provide guidance during the pre-departure process.

Interns are picked up from Tan Son Nhat International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those interns who are arriving overland or are already in Vietnam will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.