Location
  • Malawi
Length
8 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Compensation
Unpaid
Timeframe
Academic Year Fall J-Term Maymester Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English
Weekly Hours
8
Age Min.
20
Age Max
65
Qualifications
  • Medical background, formally studied psychology, psyquiatry or social work, interests in helping in the hospital with HIV patients
  • Passionate and hard working
  • Good communication skills

Pricing

Starting Price
18
Price Details
This includes 3 meals per day, (breakfast, lunch, and supper) water, electricity, and accommodation in a secure environment in a walled compound with security and a shared room.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Accommodation Meals
What's Included (Extra)

This includes 3 meals per day,(breakfast , Lunch and Supper) water, electricity and the accommodation in a secure environment in a walled compound with security and a king size bed

What's Not Included
Activities Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
Feb 06, 2025
Feb 25, 2025
1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

Our healthcare placements offer an exceptional learning opportunity, in addition to a gratifying volunteer experience. These placements offer an international learning ground where you can not only view healthcare in practice but effects of volunteering abroad in healthcare are plain to see. Medical care is a basic human right, and making it accessible for all is essential.

Medical: We partner with local hospitals and health clinics and provide interns who have the necessary medical training with the opportunity to get acquainted and help face the challenges of health issues in Malawi.

Currently we have a number of departments which are open to interns help
• General Medicine Department
• Nursing Department
• Accidents and Emergency Department
• General Surgery Department
• Maternity and Midwifery Department
• Out-patient Department (OPD)
• Dentistry Department
• Optometry Department
• Laboratory and Research Department

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • A unique opportunity to help the community of Karonga
  • Helping establish a strong network for the larger community
  • Organizing and promoting regular information-sharing sessions for community members who run social impact initiatives
  • As an intern or volunteer you’ll be part of a small team that does great work in bringing a large number of community development programs together. The work will be varied and can, to some extent, be customized to your skills and experience
  • Cultivate the experience to work in the hospital

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 6 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Working in the Midwifery Department, a truly unforgettable experience with HYCF in Malawi.

Spending 3 month working in the Midwifery Department at a hospital in Malawi through the HYCF organization was an experience I will never forget. The opportunity to learn and grow in such a hands-on, real world environment was invaluable. I gained so much practical knowledge and was able to improve my skills, all while making a difference in the lives of the patients.

A huge part of what made this experience special was my host, David. He went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, and his kindness and support made my time in Malawi even better. David is also an amazing driver! We traveled around Malawi together, and he made navigating the local roads feel easy and safe. Plus, it was a great way to see the country and get to know its rich culture.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to gain meaningful experience in healthcare, connect with amazing people, and explore a beautiful country, I highly recommend this program. It’s not just about the work it’s about the entire experience, and it’s one I will cherish forever.

4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexandria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My volunteer journey

Volunteering in Karonga, Malawi with my sister Sonia was a game changer. We laughed, we cried, and we grew together, working in the nursing department and immersing ourselves in the vibrant local culture and connecting with the warm hearted community was a truly humbling experience. We're so grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference, and we can't wait to share our stories and inspire others to spread love and kindness. Karonga, you'll forever be in our hearts!

To future participants, be prepared for:

A heartwarming welcome from the community
Challenging yet rewarding work in the hospital
Delicious local cuisine (nsima, anyone?)
Life changing experiences and unforgettable memories

Come with an open heart and mind, and be prepared to learn, grow, and fall in love with the beauty of Malawi!

Alexandria

What was your funniest moment?
David's mom taught us a traditional Malawian dance, but Sonia's moves were so goofy that we all ended up in stitches!
Pros
  • David is always there to help.
  • Very cooperative
  • Very organised
12 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Roberta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Health center

I'm a resident in pediatric so my experience took place in Mzuzu at St Jonh Hospital. l've lived with David's sister and i had a great time with her family, she's very kind, a really good cook, always there to support me.The experience at the hospital was challenging and interesting, all the staff was really nice and welcoming with me.l had the chance to travel a little bit during the weekends, see some very incredible places and meet great people!David is a very good person, we were always able to discuss and resolve together the unexpected problems that had come up, definitely recommended!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Travel to mushroom farm it’s really a Beautiful view
36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bianca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical internship First Experience in Africa with HYCF!

I had never been to Africa before, but my experience working at the hospital in Mzuzu through HYCF (Helping Your Community Forum) was truly a life-changing adventure! It all started when a friend recommended David's organization and the internship opportunities they offered. I decided to take the leap and apply, reserving my spot for a 3-month internship.

From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the warm welcome and seamless transition into the hospital setting. David's organization provided comfortable accommodation for just 16 € per day, which covered three meals, electricity, and a shared or single room with other volunteers whom I met during my time- an incredible value!

During my internship, I had the opportunity to work in various departments, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in patient care and learning about the healthcare system in Malawi. The hospital staff were supportive and welcoming, and I was inspired by their dedication to providing quality care despite limited resources.

But it wasn't all work and no play! During weekends, we explored the beautiful Nyika National Park, going on safari and hiking adventures, and even relaxing by the lake. These experiences allowed us to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of Malawi.

David and his team were exceptional hosts, ensuring that we felt comfortable and supported throughout our stay. Their organization provided a well-structured and immersive experience that exceeded my expectations in every way.

This internship has had a profound impact on my medical career and personal growth. I left Malawi with:

- Unforgettable memories
- New skills and knowledge
- A deeper understanding of global healthcare challenges
- A renewed passion for medicine
- Lifelong friendships with fellow interns and hospital staff

If you're considering an internship in Africa, I highly recommend HYCF and the hospital in Mzuzu. David's organization provides a supportive and immersive experience that will leave a lasting impact.

Thank you, David and HYCF, for an unforgettable experience! Your dedication to community development and supporting international interns is truly inspiring.

Pros
  • Cultural exchange
  • Experience
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Innocent
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Rewarding Medical Internship in Malawi with HYCF

As a medical student from the USA, I had the opportunity to travel to Malawi through Helping Your Community Forum (HYCF), David's organization, to participate in a medical internship at Karonga District Hospital. This experience was truly eye-opening and rewarding.

From the moment I arrived, David and his team made me feel welcome and supported. They ensured a smooth transition into the hospital setting, where I worked alongside local healthcare professionals to gain hands-on experience in patient care.

The internship was well-organized, and I was impressed by the dedication of the hospital staff despite limited resources. I was exposed to various cases, including tropical diseases and emergency situations, which broadened my medical knowledge and skills.

What struck me most was the warm hospitality of the Malawian people and the resilience of the community. Despite facing numerous challenges, they maintain a positive spirit and strong sense of community.
This internship has had a profound impact on my medical career and personal growth. I left Malawi with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a deeper understanding of global healthcare challenges. If you're passionate about medicine and cultural exchange, I highly recommend this program.
Thank you, David and HYCF, for an unforgettable experience! Your dedication to community development and supporting international interns is truly inspiring.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
To future participants, I recommend:

- Being open-minded and flexible
- Embracing the cultural differences
- Being prepared for a hands-on, immersive experience
- Building meaningful relationships with the hospital staff and community
- Being respectful and humble
- Taking initiative and being proactive
- Enjoying the journey and appreciating the small moments
Pros
  • Great experience
  • Exploring the lake Malawi
55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Uktavi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best summer of my life

This has been by far the best summer of my life, David and his family were extremly accomodating and nice. They provided me with 3 abundant meals a day, a king size bed to sleep on and an incredible oportunity to work in the district hospital and gain both personal and professional experience. Overall i cannot recommend this host enough. Although if you come to Malawi be aware, it has a very unique culture and being open minded and adventurous is a must, in my opinion, to truly get everything you can from this experience.

What was your funniest moment?
Enjoying the lake nyasa with the local people from Malawi was really nice.
Pros
  • The HYCF Team is Very organised in their projects.
  • The meals cooked are super amazing.
  • The experience in the hospital really helped me understand a lot in my internship
67 people found this review helpful.
Response from HYCF

So far one of the smartest volunteer I have ever hosted. If you want some one who is open minded, hard working and humble get to know octavi, he is very quick to adapt to the culture and well connecting with the local people. Octavi was a freind to everyone in our family. When I asked the District health officer about Octavi's experience they told me he has really assisted the hospital in the psychology department and he is always on time when it comes to work. He always suggested ideas in what areas and how the hospital can improve. I recommend Octavi to everyone who needs to interact with a smart person. There's so much you can learn from him. The world needs more people like Octavi. I wish you success in all your endeavours bro. hope to See you somewhere again.

Questions & Answers