🌍 3 Destinations • 🗓 Monthly Start Dates • 🕒 1 to 24 Weeks • 🤝 In-Country Support
Choose from midwifery electives across Africa and Asia, with flexible durations to suit your university requirements and travel plans. Placements can provide clinical observation and insight into antenatal, maternity and postnatal care, with your involvement shaped by your existing training, placement setting and local team. Each destination offers a different healthcare environment and valuable insight into how maternity services operate overseas.
A midwifery elective abroad can build confidence, communication and practical understanding while broadening your perspective on global maternal healthcare. With accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and local support, PMGY provides a safe and structured way to complete your midwifery elective while experiencing another culture. You will also meet other international volunteers and have opportunities to travel and explore your destination outside your placement as well as build rapport with local medical staff.
This is an incredible opportunity to gain experience and insight into the healthcare system. Work alongside staff and contribute to their vital efforts.
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.
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
Embarking on a midwifery elective abroad offers you a unique opportunity to experience global midwifery practices in under-resourced healthcare systems. Learn first-hand how midwives adapt to high patient volumes and limited resources while gaining insight into cultural and religious beliefs surrounding childbirth.
Customise your placement to suit your interests, working closely with local staff to get hands-on clinical experience. Not only will this experience enhance your resume and future prospects, but it will also deepen your understanding of global health while creating unforgettable memories.
PMGY’s midwifery electives span a variety of destinations, providing placements in underfunded hospitals and healthcare centres. Gain exposure to unfamiliar practices, from observing labour wards to neonatal care, while learning how cultural and religious traditions influence maternity care. With the flexibility to rotate across different departments, you’ll work alongside experienced midwives and medical staff, gaining a holistic view of maternity and midwifery in developing countries.
• Experience Building – Broaden your clinical knowledge and skill set while gaining unique insights into midwifery.
• Soft Skills – Enhance your confidence and adaptability in unfamiliar environments.
• Work Experience – Immerse yourself in a meaningful and adventurous placement.
• Global Networking – Build professional connections with midwives and healthcare staff worldwide.
• Boost Your Prospects – A midwifery elective abroad is a valuable addition to your resume.
• Travel Opportunities – Enjoy structured travel experiences alongside your placement.
• Affordable Programs – PMGY offers fully structured and inclusive elective experiences at great value.
• Gain Perspective – Witness healthcare delivery in a developing country, gaining a new appreciation for your home system.
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
The length of your midwifery elective is up to you! Placements start at 2 weeks, with options to extend up to 6 months. Most participants choose a 4-week elective, giving them plenty of time to gain experience and explore their host country.
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 observing midwives and doctors in various maternity units, gaining valuable insights into patient care in labour, delivery, and postnatal wards. Witness consultations, prepare mothers for delivery, and even observe births. Afternoons focus on newborn assessments, postnatal care, and discussions with mothers about family planning and wellbeing.
PMGY offers midwifery placements across a variety of maternity units, ensuring a well-rounded experience for participants. These include:
• Obstetrics
• Gynaecology
• Neonatal care
• Prenatal and postnatal care
• Labour wards
• Theatre
• Intensive care
You’ll have the opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals as they perform their daily tasks, from monitoring expectant mothers to assisting during childbirth. Placements can be tailored to your interests, allowing you to specialise in one area or rotate across departments for broader exposure. This structured approach ensures you gain comprehensive insight into all aspects of midwifery in a developing country, preparing you for future challenges in the field.
Your involvement will depend on your experience, placement duration, and the discretion of supervising healthcare professionals. While basic involvement such as health checks and consultations may be offered, hands-on opportunities are never guaranteed and depend on the staff’s judgment and patient consent.
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 midwifery students from leading universities ensures robust support for your academic needs.
