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Medical Elective Placement in Vietnam
4.95based on 39 reviews Are you interested in a Medical Elective Placement in Vietnam? Med Trips offers an incredible opportunity for medical, nursing, and pre-med students to gain valuable international exposure by shadowing experienced professionals in hospital placements across Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).
Medical Elective Placement in Vietnam is designed to provide first-hand insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system, allowing students to observe local doctors, nurses, and specialists in action. If you are studying a health-related subject or planning a career in medicine, this internship will offer you an excellent chance to expand your knowledge and strengthen your CV with global healthcare experience.
Why Choose a Medical Elective Placement in Vietnam?
- Valuable International Experience — Shadow medical professionals and gain an understanding of healthcare delivery in a fast-developing country.
- Insight into Vietnamese Healthcare — Learn how hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City operate, and compare systems between Vietnam and your home country.
- Professional Mentorship — Observe experienced doctors, nurses, and specialists in structured hospital settings.
- Cultural Immersion — Experience life in HCMC — a city full of energy, with bustling markets, street food, historic landmarks, and a blend of French and Vietnamese heritage.
- Weekend Travel — Cruise the Mekong Delta, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, relax on beaches, or discover Vietnam’s natural beauty.
- Career Development — Add international medical exposure to your CV, demonstrating adaptability and cross-cultural understanding.
Intern Roles & Responsibilities
As an intern in the Medical Internship Program in Veitnam you will :-
- Shadow local doctors and nurses in various hospital departments, such as general medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, and emergency care.
- Observe patient consultations, diagnoses, and treatment plans, gaining a deeper understanding of clinical practices in Vietnam.
- Attend ward rounds and case discussions, seeing how healthcare teams collaborate in patient care.
- Learn about the public health challenges faced by Vietnam, including issues related to hygiene, preventative medicine, and resource allocation.
- In some cases, interns may also assist with non-clinical tasks such as research, surveys, or health education initiatives under supervision.
Requirements & eligibility
Interns must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the internship. As an intern, you should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Medical interns must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV, Passport Copy as well as other documents and credentials pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program. Pre Med, Medical, Nursing students and CNA’s can join the program. All students must adhere to professional attire while at the hospitals. Students need to follow all the rules and regulations set at the hospital.
A typical day
- Sunday- Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam
- Monday – An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, informing the interns about relative topics such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behaviour, food, and other suggestions about things to do in Vietnam
- Tue – Fri – Internship Placement at Hospital. Evenings will be free for participants
- Sat and Sunday – Free day for you to explore and prepare yourself for the placement
- Monday to Friday – Placement continues
The program ends on Sat of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day. In case you need an airport drop, you can drop us a mail or directly get in touch with your coordinator.
Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the final hospital placement.
Life on the programme
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
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.
Accommodation
Interns in Ho Chi Minh City are housed in a safe and comfortable 4-storey 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 participants 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. There are three houses currently operational for the participants and accommodation can be provided in any of these homes.
Orientation
All interns are given an by the local staff in Ho Chi Minh city on the next day after arrival. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer placements are given during the orientation.
Meals
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. Meals consist of Rice, noodles, soups, chicken, meats, vegetables etc. Vietnamese cuisine is influenced from different Asian countries such as Thailand, China, and Cambodia.
During your Free Time
Interns in Ho Chi Minh City can visit the Mekong Delta on a weekend tour. There is a lot to do during the free time and you can explore the city on your own.
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Program fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $850 | |
| 3 weeks | $990 | |
| 4 weeks | $1,130 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,250 | |
| 6 weeks | $1,475 | |
| 7 weeks | $1,600 | |
| 8 weeks | $1,800 | |
| Each additional week | +$200 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from local team
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information and support from Med Trips team
- Airport Pickup
- Orientation
- Food
- Accommodation in shared dorm style rooms at Intern house
- Local coordinators support
- Medical Insurance
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa fee
- Vaccinations
- Local Transportation
- Return Airport Drop
- Any personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
What does the Medical Elective Placement in Vietnam cost, and what is included?
The exact price for each duration is shown in the Dates & costs section above, in your local currency. Your fee covers the project placement, accommodation, meals as listed, airport pick-up and 24/7 in-country support in Vietnam — international flights, travel insurance and visa costs are separate.
When should I apply?
Apply as early as you can — places on the Medical Elective Placement in Vietnam are limited and confirmed in the order they come in. Your application fee stays valid for a full year, so you can secure your place well ahead of time.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes — you can spread your programme fee over 0% interest instalments, with the balance due 45 days before you start. The one-off application fee is separate and secures your place for a full year.
Who can take part, and is there an age limit?
The minimum age is 18 years. Most nationalities are welcome — you just need an open mind, reasonable fitness and respect for local customs in Vietnam. A clear background check is required for any role working with children.
Where will I stay in Vietnam?
You stay in a shared student house or with a vetted host family in Vietnam, with meals provided as listed for your programme. Private-room and upgraded-accommodation options are usually available on request.
How long can I do my elective for?
This programme runs for 2-12 Weeks. If you would like to stay longer or combine it with another project in Vietnam, our team can tailor your itinerary.
Is it safe to do an elective in Vietnam?
Yes. Our local coordinators in Vietnam meet you on arrival, run a full orientation and are reachable 24/7 throughout your stay. We only place students in areas our in-country team knows well and visits regularly.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Vietnam?
Most students travel to Vietnam on a standard tourist visa; you will receive full visa guidance and a recommended-vaccination checklist in your pre-departure manual. Valid travel-medical insurance is required and can be arranged through us at a nominal cost.
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