Lattitude’s volunteer gap year medical program in Japan is unique.
Volunteers work at Red Cross Hospitals across the country and the program is ideal for those with a passion for Japan, thinking of a career in the medical profession and health related fields or looking for an unusual elective option.
The hospitals try to give a wide experience of hospital life and you will work in a variety of wards helping with a variety of tasks. You be doing general duties, but previous volunteers have, under supervision, been allowed to do clean and dress wounds, as well as helping with plaster and stitch removal.
Volunteers may also be asked to assist with some administration and teaching English to the Nursing staff. All volunteers wear a uniform and this is provided by the hospital.
You will be given Japanese lessons at the hospital, but the more Japanese know, the more responsible the tasks you will be given. There are everyday tasks to do, but as one volunteer put it “Most tasks are fun if you approach them in the right spirit.” And ‘It is all character building’.
If you want to go to Japan you need to be enthusiastic, flexible, a good communicator and open to a very new and exciting experience. The challenge of integrating into a very different culture is exciting and requires many qualities including adaptability, curiosity, initiative, a sense of humour and commitment.
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