Choose from medical electives across Africa, Asia and South America, with flexible durations to suit your university requirements and travel plans. Placements can provide clinical observation, hospital experience and insight into different healthcare systems, with your involvement shaped by your existing training and the local setting. Each destination offers a different medical environment, allowing you to choose an elective that matches your academic interests and learning goals.
Completing a medical elective abroad can build confidence, communication and clinical knowledge while broadening your understanding of global healthcare. With accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and local support, PMGY provides a safe and structured way to complete your medical elective abroad while exploring a new destination.
As a medical student, experience a healthcare system different from your own. Gain insights into traditional beliefs that will leave you amazed and enriched.
This is an incredible opportunity to gain experience and insight into the healthcare system. Work alongside staff and contribute to their vital efforts.
Gain hands-on experience through the medical program in India while supporting under-resourced facilities and a large, diverse community.
Gain invaluable first-hand experience in public and private clinics in Cusco! This project offers a unique insight into the healthcare system and its practices.
Gain invaluable educational medical experience in this stunning part of the world — a must for anyone pursuing a medical career.
Gain valuable medical experience through a combination of learning and teaching activities in this exciting placement for your future career.
Discover an opportunity to gain experience and insight into the medical system in Hanoi. Work alongside local staff and support their efforts!
My Month in Ecuador… 🇪🇨
Earlier this year, I spent a month in Ecuador with PMGY and I loved it so much that I went back again! Here’s a little snapshot of my favourite parts of volunteering there!✨
🏠 Homestay - Both times I stayed with Monika and her family, along with four other volunteers. We shared meals, practiced Spanish, and enjoyed delicious home-cooked food. The house was super cosy and comfortable — a real home away from home. I even spent my birthday there and my host family made it feel really special! 🎂
🏙️ Quito - Staying in Quito totally exceeded my expectations. There’s so much to do such as visiting cafés with mountain views and many cultural activities too. It’s the perfect base for exploring Ecuador, with great (and cheap!) transport options for exploring further afield.
🦅 Volunteering Projects - I split my time between two projects. First, the Childcare Project, where I helped out at a local kindergarten. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made me feel appreciated right away. Then, I joined the Bird Rescue Project, which was such a unique experience! We cleaned enclosures, prepared food, assisted with medical checks, and even helped train birds to fly!
🏔️ Weekend Adventures - I made the most of every weekend with trips to Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, Otavalo Markets, and Baños — each for around $50 including transport, food, a guide, and entrance fees! But my absolute favourite was a 5-day adventure in the Amazon Rainforest, complete with boat rides, swimming in lagoons, spotting wildlife, traditional cooking, and meeting a Shaman!
[Continued in the comments]
![My Month in Ecuador… 🇪🇨
Earlier this year, I spent a month in Ecuador with PMGY and I loved it so much that I went back again! Here’s a little snapshot of my favourite parts of volunteering there!✨
🏠 Homestay - Both times I stayed with Monika and her family, along with four other volunteers. We shared meals, practiced Spanish, and enjoyed delicious home-cooked food. The house was super cosy and comfortable — a real home away from home. I even spent my birthday there and my host family made it feel really special! 🎂
🏙️ Quito - Staying in Quito totally exceeded my expectations. There’s so much to do such as visiting cafés with mountain views and many cultural activities too. It’s the perfect base for exploring Ecuador, with great (and cheap!) transport options for exploring further afield.
🦅 Volunteering Projects - I split my time between two projects. First, the Childcare Project, where I helped out at a local kindergarten. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made me feel appreciated right away. Then, I joined the Bird Rescue Project, which was such a unique experience! We cleaned enclosures, prepared food, assisted with medical checks, and even helped train birds to fly!
🏔️ Weekend Adventures - I made the most of every weekend with trips to Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, Otavalo Markets, and Baños — each for around $50 including transport, food, a guide, and entrance fees! But my absolute favourite was a 5-day adventure in the Amazon Rainforest, complete with boat rides, swimming in lagoons, spotting wildlife, traditional cooking, and meeting a Shaman!
[Continued in the comments]](https://www.planmygapyear.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
🌴 Year-Round Departures Now Available! 🌴
You asked, we listened! One of our most popular trips — The Real Sri Lanka Experience — is now running every month, all year round! 🗓️✨
Spend 2 action-packed weeks exploring:
🏯 Kandy – Temples & Cultural Dances
🪨 Sigiriya – Lion Rock & Spice Gardens
🍃 Lush Tea Plantations
⛰️ Ella – Little Adam’s Peak, 9-Arch Bridge
🐘 Elephant Safari
🌊 Mirissa – Sun, Surf & Stick Fishing
🏰 Galle Fort Adventures
Then make a real impact with 2 weeks of volunteering in Ambalangoda, choose from:
👶 Childcare
📿 Monk Teaching
🐶 Dog Rescue
🏥 Medical Support
🐢 Turtle Conservation
✨ More than 80% of travelers join solo - and leave with lifelong friends!
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? 🌍💫
DM us 🐘 to find out more!
#SriLankaExperience #TravelWithPurpose #SoloTravelers #BackpackingSriLanka #TurtleConservation #GapYearGoals #Wanderlust #VolunteerAbroad #IslandAdventure #ExploreSriLanka #CulturalJourney #SustainableTravel #BeachVibes #YearRoundTravel #srilankaboys
🌴 Year-Round Departures Now Available! 🌴
You asked, we listened! One of our most popular trips — The Real Sri Lanka Experience — is now running every month, all year round! 🗓️✨
Spend 2 action-packed weeks exploring:
🏯 Kandy – Temples & Cultural Dances
🪨 Sigiriya – Lion Rock & Spice Gardens
🍃 Lush Tea Plantations
⛰️ Ella – Little Adam’s Peak, 9-Arch Bridge
🐘 Elephant Safari
🌊 Mirissa – Sun, Surf & Stick Fishing
🏰 Galle Fort Adventures
Then make a real impact with 2 weeks of volunteering in Ambalangoda, choose from:
👶 Childcare
📿 Monk Teaching
🐶 Dog Rescue
🏥 Medical Support
🐢 Turtle Conservation
✨ More than 80% of travelers join solo - and leave with lifelong friends!
#pmgy #pmgysrilanka
October is full of important global awareness days, and today, we must acknowledge one that truly matters:
🌍 World Mental Health Day 🧠💓
We stand together to raise awareness, foster compassion, and advocate for accessible, inclusive mental health support for everyone, everywhere!💚
Through our programs in Sri Lanka and beyond, volunteers have the opportunity to explore how health care systems around the world approach mental health, working alongside medical professionals to help shape more supportive and effective care for patients, both now and for the future.
We’re very grateful to all our volunteers pursuing careers in healthcare and mental health - your dedication, empathy, and willingness to learn are helping build a more understanding world. 💬🌱
#worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealthawareness #pmgyvolunteers #globalhealthcare #volunteerabroad #mentalhealthmatters #travelwithpurpose #futurehealthcareworkers #supportnotstigma #globalvolunteering #medstudentlife #mentalhealthsupport #healthcarevolunteers #pmgyexperience #volunteerimpact
Happy International Nurses Day!
Today we want to say a huge THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers, past and present. Whether you joined us to share your skills in local hospitals and communities or came to shadow and learn how healthcare works in a completely different corner of the world.
A medical volunteering placement with PMGY is an incredible opportunity to gain insight and experience into the health care system. Check out the destinations available on our website 💻
#pmgy #pmgyghana #internationalnursesday
🏥 Vietnam - Medical Elective 🏥
“My 4-Week Elective Placement with Plan My Gap Year in Vietnam – Cardiovascular & Anesthesiology Departments.
I completed a 4-weeks elective placement in Hanoi, Vietnam with Plan My Gap Year (PMGY), and it was one of the valuable experiences of my nursing training.
I observed patient care in cardiovascular and anaesthesiology departments, gaining insight into managing conditions like heart failure and post- op recovery. Watching procedures like echocardiograms and anaesthetic inductions deepen my clinical understanding.
The PMGY team provides excellent support from arrival to departure, and the accommodation was clean, social and inclusive. As someone who follows a Halal diet, I was a bit concerned about food options during my stay in Vietnam. However, PMGY were very understanding and supportive. The local team made sure I felt comfortable with the food provided at the volunteer house and give me a clear guidance on where to find halal restaurants in Hanoi.
Overall, my 4-week placement with PMGY was an unforgettable experience. It gives me first-hand exposure to specialised clinical areas, built my confidence and strengthened my cultural competence. I would highly recommend this elective to any nursing student looking to expand their clinical experience while exploring a vibrant and welcoming country.”
💬- Amie, UK
#pmgymedical #medicalelective #nursingelective #solotravel #vietnammedical #supportedtravel #overseaselective #medicalvolunteers
One day. One team. 300 people tested for malaria! 🦠💊
Medical students working alongside local health workers helped run a community outreach clinic in Ghana, focused on malaria testing and treatment.
It just shows what is possible through collaboration, stepping out of your comfort zone and a shared commitment to public health. 🌍
#CommunityHealth #MalariaPrevention #PublicHealthInAction #HealthAccess #MedicalStudents #GlobalHealthEquity #WorkingTogether #GhanaHealth #HealthcareForAll #MalariaAwareness #CollaborativeCare
🌎 Medical Electives in Peru 🇵🇪
Looking to gain hands-on medical experience while exploring a new culture? As a medical volunteer in Peru, you’ll work alongside professionals in both public and private clinics, offering you an in-depth view of the country’s healthcare system. 🏥✨
The better your Spanish, the more immersed you will be with patients and professionals — so get ready to develop in both medicine and language! 🌐💬
When you’re not volunteering, you’ll stay with local host families, enjoy home-cooked meals, and live alongside fellow volunteers. You’ll also meet others through the local Spanish school, who will organise your placement and fun cultural activities around the city. 💃🌄
📸 - Thank you for sharing @abbie_monaghan 🇵🇪
#MedicalElective #VolunteeringAbroad #PeruAdventure #GlobalHealth #MedicalVolunteer #TravelWithPurpose #FutureDoctor #MedStudentLife #HealthcareAbroad #CulturalExchange #LearnSpanish #GapYearGoals #PublicHealth #StudyAbroad #PeruTravel #VoluntariadoMedico #MedLife #ExplorePeru #TravelAndVolunteer
Ready to gain insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system? 🏥 🇻🇳
As a medical volunteer you’ll observe and learn from experienced professionals in a fast-paced environment at the historic Viet Duc University Hospital; one of the countries most prestigious medical institutions.
But it’s not all work and no play! Outside of hospital hours you’ll have plenty of time to explore everything Vietnam has to offer, from bustling street food markets and historic streets to breathtaking weekend trips.
Head to our website to learn more or book a call with one of our team today! 📞
#pmgy #pmgyvietnam #medicalvolunteer
🏥 Attention medical students planning your 2026 elective abroad!
Each year, hundreds of students choose PMGY for their medical electives, and here’s why:
🌍 Placements across Africa, Asia & Latin America
💸 Affordable fees starting at just £619 for 4 weeks
📝 Full support with uni paperwork & pre-trip guidance
🏥 Structured placements in real clinical settings
⭐ Top-rated volunteer programs on @trustpilot
🚑 #pmgy #pmgymedical #medicalelective #pmgyecuador
Taking part in a medical elective abroad is a transformative experience that broadens your horizons and builds your career. You’ll gain a front-row seat to global healthcare practices, working in under-resourced hospitals and high-demand settings. Witness how healthcare staff manage challenges like high patient volumes and limited resources, and see firsthand the cultural and religious influences on medical practices.
Customise your placement to fit your interests, choosing departments and settings that match your career goals. Not only will this international elective be a standout addition to your CV, but it will also provide a deeper understanding of global health—all while offering the adventure of a lifetime.
PMGY provides medical electives across exciting destinations, offering a blend of clinical placements and community healthcare outreach programs. Step into under-resourced healthcare systems where you’ll encounter unfamiliar conditions and practices, learning how care varies across cultures.
Shadow doctors and healthcare professionals in departments of your choice, and participate in day-to-day tasks that will deepen your understanding of global health systems. Whether you’re in your penultimate or final year, these placements are designed to give you invaluable hands-on exposure and insight.
• Build Experience – Expand your clinical knowledge and develop key skills in a professional setting.
• Soft Skills – Boost your confidence and adaptability in a new and challenging environment.
• Enhance Your CV – Stand out with unique international experience.
• Global Networking – Connect with healthcare professionals and peers from around the world.
• Affordable – Enjoy tailored, inclusive placements that won’t break the bank.
• Perspective Shift – Gain a fresh appreciation for healthcare through a global lens.
• Travel Opportunities – Make the most of structured free-time travel options to explore your destination.
PMGY prides itself on offering affordable, high-value elective placements. Your Program Fees include:
• Airport pickup
• Accommodation and meals
• Project transport
• In-country orientation
• Placement support
• Medical donations
• 24/7 support
• Dedicated PMGY travel mentor
• Pre-departure webinars and handbooks
• Program inspection
• Assistance with university paperwork
• International Certificate of Completion
Your workday typically runs from 9am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, with the option to extend your time in the afternoons. You’ll start the day shadowing doctors during their rounds, learning about patient conditions, treatments, and healthcare procedures.
Mornings are usually the busiest, making it the perfect time to ask questions and observe. In the afternoons, you’ll have time to engage with staff and patients, deepen your understanding of the healthcare system, or join outreach programs.
Outreach programs allow you to assist with free health checks and consultations in underserved communities, supporting local doctors in delivering vital care to those in need.
Your workday typically runs from 9am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, with the option to extend your time in the afternoons. You’ll start the day shadowing doctors during their rounds, learning about patient conditions, treatments, and healthcare procedures.
Mornings are usually the busiest, making it the perfect time to ask questions and observe. In the afternoons, you’ll have time to engage with staff and patients, deepen your understanding of the healthcare system, or join outreach programs.
Outreach programs allow you to assist with free health checks and consultations in underserved communities, supporting local doctors in delivering vital care to those in need.
PMGY offers a diverse range of medical placements, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests and career goals. Choose from departments such as:
• General medicine
• Surgery
• Maternity
• Paediatrics
• Emergency care
• Anaesthesiology
• Oncology
You can specialise in a specific area to deepen your expertise or rotate across departments for a broader understanding of healthcare practices. Community outreach programs offer hands-on experience in health checks, patient education, and first aid, providing a well-rounded placement to enhance your skills and global healthcare knowledge.
Your involvement will depend on your experience, placement duration, and the discretion of supervising healthcare professionals. While some participants have assisted with basic consultations, wound care, and health checks, all hands-on work is at the sole discretion of local staff.
PMGY can assist with completing paperwork required by your university once your placement is confirmed. In-country staff can also sign off on documents during your placement. While we strive to accommodate learning objectives, we cannot guarantee compliance with all requirements. Our extensive experience with medical students from leading universities ensures robust support for your academic needs.
