The Tanzania Global Health program combines clinical observation with structured global learning, allowing you to explore healthcare delivery within Tanzania while working towards a recognised Global Citizenship Diploma. Designed for participants considering careers in medicine, nursing, midwifery, public health, or other healthcare professions, this program combines international clinical exposure, intercultural learning, and academic reflection into one immersive educational experience.
Medical Volunteer Program Highlights
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 - Health
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 16 UCAS Points
- Observe Healthcare Delivery Across Hospitals & Community Clinics in Arusha
- Gain Exposure to a Wide Variety of Departments and Healthcare Professionals
- Develop a Broader Understanding of Global Health & Healthcare Systems
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 - Health
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 3 US Credits
- Observe Healthcare Delivery Across Hospitals & Community Clinics in Arusha
- Gain Exposure to a Wide Variety of Departments and Healthcare Professionals
- Develop a Broader Understanding of Global Health & Healthcare Systems
- Contribute Towards The UN's Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 - Health
- Complete a Recognised Global Citizenship Diploma & Gain 20 ECTS Credits
- Observe Healthcare Delivery Across Hospitals & Community Clinics in Arusha
- Gain Exposure to a Wide Variety of Departments and Healthcare Professionals
- Develop a Broader Understanding of Global Health & Healthcare Systems
Why Choose the Tanzania Global Health Program?
Healthcare systems differ significantly around the world, shaped by available resources, public health priorities, disease patterns, and social determinants of health. Experiencing these differences first-hand provides valuable insight for anyone considering a future career in healthcare.
The Tanzania Global Health program has been designed to provide participants with far more than a hospital observation placement. It combines meaningful international clinical exposure with structured academic learning, allowing you to understand both the medical and social factors that influence healthcare delivery while developing valuable professional skills.
Throughout your program you will observe healthcare professionals working across a range of departments, gaining insight into diagnosis, patient care, clinical decision-making, and multidisciplinary teamwork. At the same time, you will strengthen your communication, cultural awareness, professionalism, adaptability, and understanding of healthcare within resource-conscious environments.
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Every stage of the program has been designed to help you develop as both a future healthcare professional and a global citizen, combining clinical observation with structured reflection to create an international learning experience that extends beyond traditional volunteering.
Your Global Citizenship Learning Journey
Unlike a traditional volunteer program, every participant follows a structured learning pathway designed to maximise both personal development and professional learning.
Prepare Before You Travel - Before arriving in Tanzania, you will complete online learning introducing global health, healthcare systems, public health, ethics, patient-centred care, intercultural communication, and the social determinants of health. This preparation provides valuable context before entering your clinical placement.
Learn Through Experience - During your placement you will observe healthcare professionals working across hospitals and community clinics, gaining exposure to patient care, clinical departments, disease management, and healthcare delivery within a resource-limited setting. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you may also have opportunities to undertake limited supervised practical activities where appropriate and permitted.
Reflect On Your Impact - Following your placement, you will complete guided reflective activities that encourage you to evaluate your clinical observations, compare healthcare systems, and connect your experiences in Tanzania with wider global issues surrounding health equity, access to care, and sustainable healthcare. Reflection forms a key part of the Global Citizenship Diploma, helping transform international clinical experience into recognised professional learning.
Background to the Tanzania Global Health Program
Like many countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania continues to strengthen its healthcare system while responding to increasing demand for medical services, workforce shortages, and the challenges associated with delivering healthcare across both urban and rural communities.
Healthcare professionals work within a wide range of clinical environments where infectious diseases, maternal health, chronic illness, and preventative healthcare all form important aspects of patient care. Conditions including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, typhoid, and respiratory diseases continue to influence healthcare priorities, while ongoing public health initiatives focus on disease prevention, health education, maternal care, and improving access to essential services.
The Tanzania Global Health program provides participants with the opportunity to observe healthcare delivery across government hospitals and community clinics serving diverse patient populations. By experiencing different clinical environments, participants gain valuable insight into the realities of global healthcare while developing a deeper appreciation for the resilience, innovation, and professionalism demonstrated by local healthcare teams.
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Throughout your placement you will also develop transferable professional skills including observation, communication, critical thinking, cultural awareness, ethical practice, teamwork, and reflective learning. Experiencing healthcare within a different cultural and clinical context provides valuable preparation for future careers within medicine and the wider healthcare professions.
Your Field Experience in Tanzania
Your field experience forms the practical foundation of the Tanzania Global Health program. Working alongside experienced doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, and other healthcare professionals, you will observe healthcare delivery across a variety of clinical settings throughout the Arusha region.
Depending on operational requirements and your professional interests, participants may be placed at Muriet Hospital, Tengeru Hospital, or a community healthcare clinic, each offering a different perspective on healthcare delivery within Tanzania.
Hospital placements provide opportunities to observe departments including general medicine, paediatrics, maternity, antenatal care, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, laboratory services, radiology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, HIV services, tuberculosis care, and outpatient clinics. Community clinic placements offer additional exposure to primary healthcare, minor procedures, diagnostics, pharmacy services, and preventative healthcare initiatives.
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Healthcare students undertaking elective placements may also request specialist rotations in medicine, nursing, or midwifery, allowing them to explore areas that complement their academic studies wherever operationally possible. Throughout your placement you will observe patient pathways, clinical workflows, multidisciplinary teamwork, and healthcare delivery within resource-conscious environments. While the experience is primarily observational, participants gain invaluable insight into clinical practice, healthcare systems, and the everyday realities of global healthcare.
Your Role & Typical Role in Tanzania
As a participant in the Tanzania Global Health program, your primary role is to observe and learn from experienced healthcare professionals while developing a broader understanding of healthcare delivery within Tanzania.
Most participants spend 3-5 hours each weekday within their assigned hospital or clinic, typically between 8:30am and 4pm, depending on departmental schedules and clinical requirements. Those undertaking longer placements may have opportunities to rotate through multiple departments, allowing them to experience different areas of healthcare practice.
Your daily activities may include observing patient consultations, ward rounds, clinical assessments, diagnostic procedures, laboratory services, maternity care, health education activities, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, engage professionally with healthcare staff, and reflect on the similarities and differences between healthcare systems.
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For participants with relevant clinical training, limited supervised practical involvement may occasionally be available where appropriate, always under the direction of local healthcare professionals and with patient consent. However, the primary purpose of the program remains educational observation, ensuring patient safety and ethical practice remain at the centre of every placement. Travel to your placement provides an additional opportunity to experience everyday life in Tanzania, with most participants using local transport to reach hospitals and clinics. Throughout your program, the local team provides guidance and support to ensure you can focus fully on your international healthcare learning experience.
Other Things to Consider in Tanzania
Return Airport Transfer – Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants. It is strongly advised not to use public transport or tuk-tuks for airport transfers, as they are less convenient and pose additional safety risks.
Hands-On Involvement – The level of hands-on involvement at medical volunteer abroad projects depends on several factors, including your medical background, the length of your program, and your willingness to participate. The medical staff overseeing your work decides upon the extent of your involvement, ensuring all procedures are carried out responsibly.
Some previous participants in the medical volunteer in Tanzania program have been allowed to administer IV injections, dress wounds, and perform other basic tasks. However, hands-on involvement cannot be guaranteed, regardless of your experience. Volunteers without medical training typically take on observational roles, while those pursuing medical studies may have the opportunity for more direct participation under supervision.
Hospital Experience – Healthcare students who can provide proof of study may be eligible for additional learning opportunities. Be prepared to encounter cultural differences in bedside manners and expressions of grief, which may differ significantly from Western norms. Government hospital placements can be emotionally challenging, and medical staff may not always offer emotional support during difficult moments. If you feel uncomfortable, you are encouraged to step away and discuss any issues with our local team.
Trained Professionals – This program is not designed for trained professionals looking to practise medicine overseas. It is specifically tailored for school leavers and medical students who wish to learn about healthcare systems abroad and gain experience in a supportive environment.
Photos – Please note that photography is not allowed in clinical areas. Patients are often in vulnerable situations, and taking photos can compromise their privacy and dignity. Even if you witness something memorable or medically interesting, capturing images is not appropriate. You are welcome to take general photos outside of clinical settings, but always follow local guidance and respect the privacy of staff, patients, and the wider community.
Advice for 17-Year-Olds – While the medical program in Tanzania is open to participants aged 17 and above, younger volunteers must be confident, proactive, and capable of using their initiative. The large government hospital setting can be overwhelming for some. For a more structured experience with closer mentorship, consider our medical programs in India or Sri Lanka.
Multiple Projects – Typically, you will be placed at one medical facility during your program. In some cases, it may be possible to combine placements across multiple facilities. However, this incurs an additional local payment of 150 USD as a medical donation to the new facility.
Yellow Fever – Tanzanian authorities have updated their Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements. The vaccination is only legally required for:
• Travellers arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission
• Travellers transiting through at-risk countries for 12 hours or more
Despite this, some participants outside these criteria have been asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. To avoid confusion or entry issues, it’s advisable to obtain the Yellow Fever Vaccination before your trip. Ensure you plan ahead to secure the vaccination in time. While there has been ongoing debate about this requirement, PMGY’s team has consistently been asked for proof upon arrival, so we recommend obtaining the vaccination to avoid complications.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Explore three world-famous national parks in Tanzania with a specially tailored three-day safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Enjoy stunning scenery, an excellent chance to spot the Big Five, and evenings around the campfire. Accommodation is in comfortable glamping tents with hot meals prepared by a private chef and expert guides leading the way in open-roof safari jeeps.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private jeep
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Game Drives in Three National Parks – Included
• Big Five Sightings – Included
• Evening Bonfire and Star Gazing – Included
Just a short flight from Arusha, Zanzibar is a tropical island escape with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. Whether you want a lively weekend or a relaxing break, our team can help arrange flights, accommodation, and activities.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private taxi and flight
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 10–25 GBP per night
• Guesthouse – 40–60 GBP per night
• Beach Hotel – 70+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Snorkelling Trip – 25 GBP
• Sunset Dhow Cruise – 15 GBP
• Kite Surfing – 50 GBP per hour
• Stone Town Tour – 25 GBP
• Spice Farm Tour – 15 GBP
Hike through lush rainforest at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to Materuni Waterfalls, one of the tallest in the region. Enjoy a traditional Chagga coffee-making experience and a local lunch before returning to Arusha.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private vehicle
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Arusha
Things to Do
• Waterfall Hike – Included
• Coffee Experience – Included
• Local Lunch – Included
Spend a relaxing day at the Chemka Hot Springs surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear geothermal pools. It’s the perfect way to recharge before a new week of volunteering.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private vehicle
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Arusha
Things to Do
• Swimming in the Hot Springs – Included
• Float Hire – 5 GBP
Experience the thrill of Mount Kilimanjaro with a one-day hike to base camp. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll explore different ecological zones, enjoy lunch on the trail, and take in incredible views without the full summit trek.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private vehicle
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Arusha
Things to Do
• Hike to Base Camp – Included
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- Six friends smile and embrace at sunset on a scenic hillside, capturing a joyful moment of friendship and outdoor adventure.
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- Tourists photograph a tranquil elephant in Tanzania’s lush savannah under a partly cloudy sky.
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- Joyful snorkeler holding a vibrant red starfish in crystal-clear tropical waters, celebrating marine beauty and underwater adventure.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
During your time on the Tanzania volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House. The accommodation is located in Arusha, a city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. This is also where our volunteer programs are based. The Volunteer House is situated in a peaceful neighbourhood, yet you’ll find restaurants, supermarkets, and ATMs.
As a volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll share the Volunteer House with other international volunteers. The house is spacious, simple, but comfortable. Free Wi-Fi is available in the Volunteer House but may be unreliable at times. Volunteers will be provided with a local SIM card for use with an unlocked phone. The accommodation also has communal areas where you can unwind in the evenings, as well as a refrigerator for storing food and drinks and access to filtered drinking water. There is a laundry service on-site, or volunteers in Tanzania may choose to hand wash their clothes.
For added security, a nightguard is on duty at the Volunteer House. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a small padlock for personal use, and any valuables can be stored securely with our local team. However, it’s best to bring only essentials for your volunteer work in Tanzania. Please also note that power cuts are common in Tanzania but usually don’t last more than a few hours.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and you’ll have the chance to connect with amazing people throughout your stay. Most of the projects are within walking distance of the Volunteer House but some are a short drive away. The local team will explain your transport options during orientation.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Bedrooms are arranged dorm-style, separated by gender, with up to ten people per room. Each volunteer in Tanzania is provided with bed linen, locker and a mosquito net. If you’re volunteering during the winter months (June and July), it’s a good idea to pack extra layers or a sleeping bag for added warmth. Bathrooms in the Volunteer House are shared and include a Western-style toilet and shower, with hot water available whenever possible.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
If you prefer a private room option, you can upgrade to the Comfort Option when you register with us. Comfort rooms will accommodate a solo traveller or up to two participants travelling together, with two single beds. You will have your own en-suite bathroom, which includes a Western-style toilet and shower, with hot water available whenever possible. Bed linen, lockers and mosquito nets will be provided, but we recommend taking extra layers or a sleeping bag for the winter months (June and July).
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
1.5 Hours
Nearest ATM & Shops
5 Minute Walk
Meals
Volunteers enjoy breakfast and dinner prepared on-site by our cook. Meals are a mix of Tanzanian and Western cuisine. For lunch, you can visit the restaurant opposite the Volunteer House or explore nearby eateries near your placement. Alternatively, Western supermarkets in Arusha offer supplies if you prefer to prepare your own meals at the house.
Meals follow a rotating weekly menu, providing a variety of dishes. Dinner portions are divided equally to ensure everyone gets their fair share. Filtered water is available at the Volunteer House for a small cost.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Pancakes, Eggs, Toast, Jam, Coffee
Lunch
Not Included
Dinner
Pasta, Beans, Rice, Chapati, Sweet Potato
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes medical volunteers in Tanzania of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in Tanzania will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a Tanzania medical volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the medical projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation! However, please note that medical and healthcare projects often require additional documentation before participation begins in-country.
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Tanzania medical program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to Tanzania, you should book your flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Tanzania medical volunteer.
Please check out our Chaperoned Flight options for group flights from London Heathrow on selected start dates.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Tanzania, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Tanzania medical volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the Tanzania medical volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous Tanzania medical volunteers, we’ve found that 3-4 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in Tanzania. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore Tanzania’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our Tanzania medical volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in Tanzania, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Tanzania medical volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Tanzania medical volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
