Volunteering Internationally

[Dyson]

I start a two year BSN program this Summer, I will have next Summer off. I am looking for a volunteer/internship preferably in the Middle East next Summer.

I don't need chef prepared meals or fancy housing, I have worked abroad and an experience in Ethiopia is what let me to go back to school for nursing. Any advice or recommendations on a program would be much appreciated!

(I speak Arabic and am currently an EMT)

[kayji, BSN]

I don't have any specific organizations to suggest for you, but you might be able to see if your school offers anything. My school had an option to do international work that counted for population health clinical hours. Since you have the Summer off, they may have an option organized for students who are interested.

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

This discussion comes up from time to time. Students often want to volunteer fir a short period of time for many reasons, almost (but not always) altruistic and well-meaning, but not really aware of the actual needs. You might search for past iterations here. 
Consider that orgs needing volunteer nursing help need and only want people with enough solid experience as licensed nurses to function pretty independently in areas where the support services and such we take for granted here do not exist. They don’t have time to train you or precept you- you need to have good judgment born of experience to hit the ground running or you’re not going to be much use as a nurse.

You might be able to use your EMT credentials to act in that role, or they might need people in support roles. I agree that working through your school if it has an established relationship with a service organization will improve your chances and also give you good backup in case of illness or other emergency.