Choose from nursing electives across Africa, Asia and South America, with placements ranging from 1 to 24 weeks depending on the destination. Opportunities can include clinical observation, hospital based learning and experience across different departments, with your involvement shaped by your existing training, interests and local placement. This gives you the chance to compare nursing practices and understand how healthcare is delivered in different cultural and clinical settings.
A nursing elective abroad can build confidence, communication and practical understanding while broadening your perspective on global healthcare. With accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and local support, PMGY provides a safe and structured way to complete your nursing elective while experiencing another culture. Outside your placement, you can meet other international volunteers and make the most of opportunities to travel and explore!
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 โ 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 Ecuadorโฆ ๐ช๐จ
Earlier this year, I spent a month in Ecuador with PMGY and I loved it so much that I went back again! Hereโs a little snapshot of my favourite parts of volunteering there!โจ
๐ 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 โ a real home away from home. I even spent my birthday there and my host family made it feel really special! ๐
๐๏ธ Quito - Staying in Quito totally exceeded my expectations. Thereโs so much to do such as visiting cafรฉs with mountain views and many cultural activities too. Itโs the perfect base for exploring Ecuador, with great (and cheap!) transport options for exploring further afield.
๐ฆ
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!
๐๏ธ Weekend Adventures - I made the most of every weekend with trips to Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, Otavalo Markets, and Baรฑos โ 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 Ecuadorโฆ ๐ช๐จ
Earlier this year, I spent a month in Ecuador with PMGY and I loved it so much that I went back again! Hereโs a little snapshot of my favourite parts of volunteering there!โจ
๐ 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 โ a real home away from home. I even spent my birthday there and my host family made it feel really special! ๐
๐๏ธ Quito - Staying in Quito totally exceeded my expectations. Thereโs so much to do such as visiting cafรฉs with mountain views and many cultural activities too. Itโs the perfect base for exploring Ecuador, with great (and cheap!) transport options for exploring further afield.
๐ฆ
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!
๐๏ธ Weekend Adventures - I made the most of every weekend with trips to Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, Otavalo Markets, and Baรฑos โ 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)
๐ด Year-Round Departures Now Available! ๐ด
You asked, we listened! One of our most popular trips โ The Real Sri Lanka Experience โ is now running every month, all year round! ๐๏ธโจ
Spend 2 action-packed weeks exploring:
๐ฏ Kandy โ Temples & Cultural Dances
๐ชจ Sigiriya โ Lion Rock & Spice Gardens
๐ Lush Tea Plantations
โฐ๏ธ Ella โ Little Adamโs Peak, 9-Arch Bridge
๐ Elephant Safari
๐ Mirissa โ Sun, Surf & Stick Fishing
๐ฐ Galle Fort Adventures
Then make a real impact with 2 weeks of volunteering in Ambalangoda, choose from:
๐ถ Childcare
๐ฟ Monk Teaching
๐ถ Dog Rescue
๐ฅ Medical Support
๐ข Turtle Conservation
โจ More than 80% of travelers join solo - and leave with lifelong friends!
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? ๐๐ซ
DM us ๐ to find out more!
#SriLankaExperience #TravelWithPurpose #SoloTravelers #BackpackingSriLanka #TurtleConservation #GapYearGoals #Wanderlust #VolunteerAbroad #IslandAdventure #ExploreSriLanka #CulturalJourney #SustainableTravel #BeachVibes #YearRoundTravel #srilankaboys
๐ด Year-Round Departures Now Available! ๐ด
You asked, we listened! One of our most popular trips โ The Real Sri Lanka Experience โ is now running every month, all year round! ๐๏ธโจ
Spend 2 action-packed weeks exploring:
๐ฏ Kandy โ Temples & Cultural Dances
๐ชจ Sigiriya โ Lion Rock & Spice Gardens
๐ Lush Tea Plantations
โฐ๏ธ Ella โ Little Adamโs Peak, 9-Arch Bridge
๐ Elephant Safari
๐ Mirissa โ Sun, Surf & Stick Fishing
๐ฐ Galle Fort Adventures
Then make a real impact with 2 weeks of volunteering in Ambalangoda, choose from:
๐ถ Childcare
๐ฟ Monk Teaching
๐ถ Dog Rescue
๐ฅ Medical Support
๐ข Turtle Conservation
โจ 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:
๐ World Mental Health Day ๐ง ๐
We stand together to raise awareness, foster compassion, and advocate for accessible, inclusive mental health support for everyone, everywhere!๐
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.
Weโre 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. ๐ฌ๐ฑ
#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 ๐ป
#pmgy #pmgyghana #internationalnursesday
๐ฅ Vietnam - Medical Elective ๐ฅ
โMy 4-Week Elective Placement with Plan My Gap Year in Vietnam โ 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.โ
๐ฌ- Amie, UK
#pmgymedical #medicalelective #nursingelective #solotravel #vietnammedical #supportedtravel #overseaselective #medicalvolunteers
One day. One team. 300 people tested for malaria! ๐ฆ ๐
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. ๐
#CommunityHealth #MalariaPrevention #PublicHealthInAction #HealthAccess #MedicalStudents #GlobalHealthEquity #WorkingTogether #GhanaHealth #HealthcareForAll #MalariaAwareness #CollaborativeCare
๐ Medical Electives in Peru ๐ต๐ช
Looking to gain hands-on medical experience while exploring a new culture? As a medical volunteer in Peru, youโll work alongside professionals in both public and private clinics, offering you an in-depth view of the countryโs healthcare system. ๐ฅโจ
The better your Spanish, the more immersed you will be with patients and professionals โ so get ready to develop in both medicine and language! ๐๐ฌ
When youโre not volunteering, youโll stay with local host families, enjoy home-cooked meals, and live alongside fellow volunteers. Youโll also meet others through the local Spanish school, who will organise your placement and fun cultural activities around the city. ๐๐
๐ธ - Thank you for sharing @abbie_monaghan ๐ต๐ช
#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? ๐ฅ ๐ป๐ณ
As a medical volunteer youโll 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 itโs not all work and no play! Outside of hospital hours youโll 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! ๐
#pmgy #pmgyvietnam #medicalvolunteer
๐ฅ Attention medical students planning your 2026 elective abroad!โ
โ
Each year, hundreds of students choose PMGY for their medical electives, and hereโs why:โ
โ
๐ Placements across Africa, Asia & Latin Americaโ
๐ธ Affordable fees starting at just ยฃ619 for 4 weeksโ
๐ Full support with uni paperwork & pre-trip guidanceโ
๐ฅ Structured placements in real clinical settingsโ
โญ Top-rated volunteer programs on @trustpilotโ
โ
๐ #pmgy #pmgymedical #medicalelective #pmgyecuador
Embarking on a nursing elective abroad offers you a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into global nursing practices, particularly in under-resourced healthcare systems. Witness the vital role of nurses in managing high patient volumes and learn how they adapt to challenges with limited resources. Customise your placement to align with your interests, working alongside local healthcare professionals to enhance your skills in real-world scenarios. Completing an international nursing elective not only boosts your resume but also enriches your understanding of global health while offering an unforgettable cultural experience.
PMGY nursing electives span a variety of destinations, allowing students to participate in clinical placements at hospitals and community healthcare programs. Gain exposure to the unfamiliar practices that nurses in the developing world navigate daily, observing how cultural and religious factors influence care. Choose to rotate across departments or specialise in one area as you shadow experienced nurses and doctors. Enhance your skills while making a meaningful contribution to underserved communities. Whether itโs providing basic health checks in outreach programs or observing complex medical procedures, our placements offer an engaging and educational experience.
โข Experience Building โ Broaden your clinical knowledge and develop a well-rounded skill set.
โข Soft Skills โ Improve confidence, adaptability, and resourcefulness in new environments.
โข Work Experience โ Immerse yourself in a unique healthcare setting that pushes your boundaries.
โข Expand Your Network โ Connect with professionals and fellow students globally.
โข Career Prospects โ An overseas elective is a standout addition to your resume.
โข Travel Opportunities โ Enjoy structured adventures alongside your placement.
โข Affordability โ PMGY ensures fully inclusive, high-value programs.
โข Perspective โ Gain a deeper appreciation for healthcare systems worldwide.
PMGY prides itself on offering affordable, high-value elective placements. Your program fees include:
โข Airport pickup
โข Accommodation and meals
โข Project transport
โข In-country orientation
โข Placement support
โข Medical donations
โข 24/7 support
โข Dedicated PMGY travel mentor
โข Pre-departure webinars and handbooks
โข Program inspection
โข Assistance with university paperwork
โข International Certificate of Completion
The length of your nursing 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. Spend mornings shadowing nurses and doctors during ward rounds, assisting with tasks like remaking beds, cleaning, and checking vital signs. Some days may include outreach work, offering free healthcare services to underserved communities. Expect to provide health checks and consultations, supporting local professionals in delivering essential care to over 100 patients daily.
PMGY offers a diverse range of nursing placements, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests and career goals. Choose from departments such as:
โข Adult nursing
โข Paediatrics
โข Mental health
โข General medicine
โข Surgery
โข Emergency care
โข Gynaecology
โข Laboratory work
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 most placements are observational, you may have opportunities to assist with basic consultations and health checks under supervision. Activities could include wound dressing, blood pressure monitoring, or patient counselling. Please note that hands-on experiences are always at the discretion of the supervising medical 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 nursing students from leading universities ensures robust support for your academic needs.
