Medical Internship in Jamaica
Medical Internship in Jamaica is an exciting and challenging experience. As most Jamaicans are poor and earn the minimum wage, there is a great demand for ‘Free’ health care.
Be prepared to see long lines of people waiting each day to access the health services. With this challenge comes your opportunity to get exposure and valuable work experience. As you work alongside experienced doctors, you get hands on work experience to give you the edge over your colleagues and peers.
In the public hospitals/clinics patients with different diseases and health problems come from all over the island and depending on your level of experience and skills, you may be asked to assist the medical doctor on duty. Even if you are unable to do hands on work, just by shadowing the doctor on duty, you’ll gain valuable exposure and become sensitized to various health problems.
The experiences you will have on your medical internship in Jamaica will give you a strong foundation to launch your medical career. You will be faced with many situations where you’ll have to work with very little resources. One of these is, the insufficient staff and high patient load, but these will present many opportunities to become involved in patient care.
Project Location: Kingston, St Andrew and other areas of Jamaica
How placements are done.
Our medical internships are tailored to each person’s specific needs. We treat each intern’s placement individually and try to work with your request.
Interns will work in clinics & hospitals in the outpatient department and have the opportunity to accompany doctors to see patients in-hospital
High-caliber clinical experience and hands on work.
The relationships that we have developed with our partners allow interns to get a high-caliber clinical experience and hands on work. The medical staff at all the facilities we use welcome interns and see them as a vital part of how they offer their services. Because of this, they are happy to offer supervision and the best possible help.
To get the best out of an internship, interns are allowed to work with most of the services offered. These include wellness clinic, family planning, sexually transmitted disease clinics, maternity, pediatrics and primary and secondary health care.
Why Place Medical Student and Interns in Hospitals/ Clinics in Kingston
Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and the cultural capital of the Caribbean. On a typical day thousands of medical cases are referred to the big public hospitals in the city and many diseases and experiences present themselves for the perfect teaching opportunity.
We match our Medical Intern skills and aspirations to these hospitals and clinics in the city of Kingston and the parish of St. Andrew. We work with interns on an individual basis and try to place each person based on the requested position. Sometimes this is not always possible but we try very hard.
If you have a special request for placement we will be happy to discuss this.
Age Requirement: We welcome Pre-Med students, medical students, and interns but at the start of the program you must be at least 18years of age.
Required experience: No prior experience is necessary but you should have a good attitude, be flexible, creative and quick to adapt to changing situations.
What are the duration of your Projects?
Our minimum internships is 2 weeks but the duration of project varies and depends on your placements ,the budget you have to work with ,and what you are looking to gain from the internship. We are flexible and will help you come up with a budget that will work for your placement.
When should I Apply?
We accept interns year round and will work with you to find a placement that will be suitable for the date you selected.
What we offer our Medical Interns?
The first service we offer you is a project placement. Once you have completed the application form and paid your program fee of $200.00 one of our project coordinators will do a phone or Skype interview. During this interview we answer your questions and try to understand what you want to get from your internship. In this way we will know how to find the best placement for you.
Accommodation
We offer accommodation in our volunteer house called Smokey Manor. When this is full, we offer Home Stay accommodation. Rates quoted are for Dorms but if you require double occupancy you may request this at an extra charge. Staying in volunteer facilities and Home Stays allow you to touch, feel and see up close the Jamaican culture.
Food & Drink
Daily breakfast and dinner are included in your package. You are responsible for buying lunch at your project placement.
Jamaica has been a melting pot of many cultures and influences and nowhere is this better reflected than in the wonderful foods of this exotic island. Some popular foods you’ll find are: Calaloo & Saltfish, Curried goat,· Escoveith Fish · Bammy & Fish, Festival· Rice & Peas, Jerk Chicken and · Stew Peas & Rice
Transportation: You have three choices: Private tour bus, Route taxi, and private taxi .You pay the cost of your local transportation.
Insurance: It is a requirement that all interns be covered by a travel insurance policy. We work with insurance providers or you can buy your own.
Pre Departure Assistance:
Once you complete your application and payment our dedicated team of coordinators will start working with you. Our team is responsible for helping you to prepare for your trip. A welcome kit with travel tips and information will be emailed to you.
Before you arrive in Jamaica you may have questions or need to make special arrangements. We are here to give you help and support. A Pre Departure Information document will be emailed to you that will provide details about Jamaica, project information, Accommodations, Contact Information, and other useful tips.
In-country support
Our first job in providing in country support is meeting you at the airport. We will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation.
Orientation:
On your arrival and the following day before the start of your project you’ll be given your orientation. You’ll get a good insight into Jamaica, the culture, things to do and see, and what to do in case of an emergency. And much more!
If you are looking for exposure and valuable work experience, come to Jamaica get the short cut to put you ahead of your peers.
When you are in Jamaica you will not be alone. Help is always available – 24/7 for emergencies and other support. Our team is there to support you. Go here to learn more about safety & security.
[/list]
Dates for your internship volunteering:
Weekly – Start every Monday – Project is available all year
Program Cost
| 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 weeks | 5 weeks | 6 weeks | 7 weeks | 8 weeks | Extra weeks | |
| US$ | 1200 | $1,800 | $2,400 | $3,000 | $3,300 | $3,850 | $4,400 | 450.00 |
A program fee of $200 is charged in addition to accommodation costs
Here are all the items included in your package
- Airport pick up and transfer to accommodation
- Shared accommodation
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Orientation on arrival
- Internet access
- Pre -Arrival Assistance
- In country support
Items NOT included in Package Costs
- Lunch
- Airfare & Airport taxes
- Any cost associated with visas
- Transportation to/from internship activities
- Personal expenses
- Return transfer to airport (Airport return transfer can be arranged for US$45.00)
- House keeper Tip of US$10 minimum
- Optional Tours
Jamaica General
Do I need a Passport to Travel to Jamaica?
Yes – You need a valid passport to enter Jamaica
What kind of short or vaccines do I need before entering Jamaica?
Travelers to Jamaica do not require shots or vaccines before entering the island
Is it necessary to convert money to Jamaican Dollars?
It is a good idea to change some of your money to Jamaican dollars as soon as you arrive in the island. The exchange rates fluctuate from place to place and some shops would not be able to give change in your currency. It is also be cheaper to buy products/services in Jamaican dollars
How can we exchange money to Jamaica Dollars?
Cambios, banks and some shops are available for money exchange. We’ll assist you by either converting your currency or during your transfers, stop at any of the money exchange places
Is the water safe to drink?
Jamaica’s water is safe to drink. Many ships stop here just for refilling their water supplies. If you do not want to drink our water, there is an abundant supply of bottled water for purchase
Will my cell phone work in Jamaica?
Yes, if you have roaming service connected to our phone. You can also buy an inexpensive pre-paid phone or SIM card
Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly urge you to buy Travel Insurance. It is a requirement that all travellers are covered by a travel insurance policy. We work with insurance providers who can cover travellers
We hear a lot about crime in Jamaica, is it safe to move around?
Yes, we have crime in Jamaica as you have in your country. Jamaica is a small island and often times the news is very sensational. As you would do in your country, you should be careful and use precaution and common sense. In your orientation we give tips to assist and help keep you safe
Is Ganja (marijuana) smoking legal in Jamaica?
No, smoking Ganja is liable to imprisonment or fines. We urge you to avoid the use of this drug
Is there phone and internet available on projects?
In all accommodations there will be phone and internet service available. We strongly recommend having your personal cell phone
Accommodation Specific Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I stay?
There are two types of accommodation offered. Home stays with shared rooms of double/triple occupancy. This is a chance for you to touch, feel and see up close the Jamaican culture.
Also available are shared dorms with sitting room. All the accommodations are in attractive Jamaican communities with elegant living. They are clean and offer the best of Jamaica life
Do you offer single occupancy and air-conditioned rooms?
On specific requests we can offer single occupancy and air-conditioned rooms if they are available
Is tipping customary and how much should we bring?
Yes, Jamaica is a tourist destination and workers are expecting to be tipped.
We recommend that you give a minimum of US$10.00 and the maximum is at your discretion
What kind of food can I expect?
We serve authentic Jamaican foods but can provide substitutes for volunteers who have special dietary considerations
Volunteer Programs Specifics
What should I expect when I first arrive in Jamaica?
You will be met at the airport by one of our representative and transferred to your accommodation. After your welcome and the following day before your project starts you’ll be given your orientation. Get a good insight into Jamaica, the culture, things to do and see what to do in case of an emergency and much more
Can couples or families join the volunteer program?
Yes, we welcome couples and families who want to volunteer and try to make special arrangements so they can be together
Are there additional payments to be made after arriving in Jamaica?
Program fees cover accommodation, daily breakfast & dinner, airport pick up and transfer to accommodation, orientation, pre-departure information and in-country support. You will need funds to cover personal expenses such as daily lunch, telephone, house-keeper tip at the end of your stay, local transportation which includes airport departure, tours or any other purchase. For personal expenses we recommend a minimum US$30 – $50. Per week
Orphanage Volunteering
You have the option to volunteer in Orphanages and work with children ages 3 – 18 years. Do art & craft, teach computer skills, play games, or just talk to them and show them you care
What kind of gifts can I bring for schools and the orphanage?
bring things like, crayons or anything for art & craft. Why? Many of these schools are very poor so although they should provide tools, you might not have things to work with if you do not bring some.
Do you have any new or used toys?
Gadgets like iPod, cameras or anything first world that you can bring to show kids to use? They will be fascinated by these and you can use them to break the ice and win confidence
Do you have small sports equipment?
Do you have balls or any equipment to use with the sport of your choice? – In Jamaica, children love to play Sports. We are big on track & field; cricket, football, basketball, netball. There are many others, but these are most popular.
Can I bring Clothes?
If you are interested in bringing a piece of luggage with some personal items of clothing, then this would be welcomed. Many of the children both girls and boys ages 3- 14 need simple things like socks, underwear, sneakers, etc. They can be new and used.
Would the orphanage accept linen?:
Beds at the orphanages are urgently in need of sheets and blankets. Popular choices are twin & flat
Can I bring sweets?
Bring a gift no matter how small: If you do not have big items, you may buy or ask others to donate sweets, nuts or candies.
How many hours will I volunteer per day? -Your hours of volunteer work will be determined by a number of factors. Example: The volunteer activity you chose, number of days you requested to volunteer, and the flexibility of the program with which you are working with.
How should I dress?
Every country has its customs and traditions and this includes Jamaica.
Dress for schools: In the schools you are expected to wear clothes that cover your body and not reveal intimate parts. Do not wear shorts to volunteer in schools. At the orphanage you can wear shorts for sports and relaxing with the kids.
How do I dress for church?
Jamaicans dress more formal to church. Do not wear short pants and cover the intimate parts of your body.
Where will I volunteer? – You will volunteer in schools, orphanages and community based organizations.
What kind of things can I talk about when volunteering?
Tell about your country, the weather, clothes people wear for the different seasons; things they do, eat etc. Things you take for granted will interest them. Carry pictures, samples of clothes or anything that will help you demonstrate. These will make your work interesting
As a volunteer teacher what will I do?
You can work with a class teacher to help individual students. This means you would move around the class and help the students one by one with reading, spelling, math and other basic subjects.




