Elective Placement for Medical & Healthcare Students in Cambodia

Give back and grow as a medical professional on this transformative placement in south east Asia

Destination

Cambodia

Age

18+ y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

Anytime

Accommodation

Homestay

What’s Included

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.

Accommodation & Amenities

Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

Activities, Training & Equipment

All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

Certification

Certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities for your CV.

Request Info

Starting at £1,550 for 2 weeks

Flexible 0% Interest payments

Risk Free Booking Guarantee

1200+ verified Trustpilot reviews

Trip Overview

Gain real clinical experience

Work alongside healthcare professionals in Phnom Penh, gaining hands-on experience in various specialities and observing unique medical cases.

Discover international health concerns

Gain valuable insights into Cambodian healthcare challenges, contributing to patient care and expanding your medical knowledge.

Tailor-made for you

Choose a speciality that aligns with your career goals, focusing on areas like paediatrics, neurosurgery, or gastroenterology.

Immerse in Cambodian culture

Live in the heart of Phnom Penh, enjoying fresh Cambodian cuisine and visiting powerful historical sites, such as the Killing Fields or Angkor Wat.

Develop professional skills

Build your clinical skills, cultural competence, and adaptability, broadening your perspective and preparing for your medical career.

What you need to know

Overview

Are you a medical and healthcare student looking to broaden your horizons? Our Cambodia elective provides real-world experience in a diverse healthcare setting. You’ll work alongside local professionals, gaining valuable insights into global health challenges.

Tailor Your Experience

Focus your elective on your passion. Whether it’s paediatrics, neurosurgery, or another speciality, we can help you design a placement that aligns with your career goals.

We offer placements in:

Nursing
Midwifery
Gastroenterology
Neurosurgery
Paediatrics & Paediatric Surgery
Urology
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Anaesthetics
And many more!

Your elective. Your focus. Your future.

Speak with our team to discuss your interests and create an elective that will provide the most relevant and enriching experience possible.

A day in the Life

Mornings: Start your day with morning rounds alongside the local medical team. You’ll observe complex cases and gain insights into the unique challenges involved in delivering healthcare in Cambodia.

Afternoons: Spend your afternoons in the outpatient departments. Under the guidance of your dedicated supervisor, participate in patient consultations, take histories, and perform basic examinations.

Aims & Impact

You will gain

Clinical skills: Develop your skills in a challenging and rewarding environment.
Global health: Gain exposure to unique tropical health challenges.
Cultural competence: Enhance your ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Adaptability: Improve your problem-solving skills in a different healthcare setting.
Career advancement: Build a standout medical portfolio with international experience.
Global perspective: Gain a deeper understanding of global health inequalities.

You will give back

Healthcare support: Provide essential support to local healthcare professionals.
Accessibility: Enhance healthcare access in rural areas.
Community health: Support ongoing health initiatives.
Health education: Contribute to valuable health education programmes.

How we measure our impact

We measure our success through the number of patients supported, community health screenings conducted, educational workshops delivered, and long-term health education initiatives established.

Medical Supervision

Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported by our dedicated Projects Abroad medical doctor.

This experienced professional:

Provides comprehensive on-site medical oversight
Guides your clinical learning and experience
Ensures your safety and professional development
Acts as a bridge between you and local medical staff
Offers regular debriefing and reflection sessions
Provides additional medical context and learning opportunities

Meet Dr. Hour Samrithsela, Head of Medical Programmes, Projects Abroad Cambodia

Dr. Hour Samrithsela is your dedicated Medical Supervisor. He’s a specialist in paediatrics with extensive experience in emergency medicine and critical care. Dr. Hour is passionate about supporting international medical and healthcare students and ensuring they have a rewarding elective experience.

Professional Experience

Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the International University of Medicine and Science, Cambodia
Specialist in Paediatrics, Cambodia
Extensive experience in emergency medicine and paediatric pneumonology

Professional Focus

Paediatric care, particularly upper respiratory tract infections
Comprehensive patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Emergency medicine and critical care for children
Ongoing specialist training in paediatrics medicine

Specialist Areas

Paediatrics
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Emergency and Pneumology

How Dr. Hour will help you

Dr. Hour is passionate about supporting international medical and healthcare students. He can answer your questions, share insights from his paediatric and emergency medicine experience, and ensure you gain meaningful clinical exposure during your elective in Cambodia.

Map & Location

Uncover the magic of Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem with ancient wonders and modern marvels. Here, the legendary Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the Khmer Empire’s power, but it’s more than just temples. Beautiful beaches, stunning skyscrapers, and roaring rivers can be found everywhere you look.

It’s a country on the rise, with tourism and agriculture driving its economy. Though marked by a complex past, Cambodia is developing as a tourist destination and offers an unforgettable experience.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, lies where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. This busy city blends French colonial architecture with ornate Buddhist temples and is home to 2.5 million people. It has a tropical wet and dry climate, meaning it can be hot all year.

Filled with artisan markets, excellent Khmer cuisine, and historic landmarks, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. It is also well connected, offering easy access to the countryside and the wonders of Angkor Wat.

Food & Accommodation

You’ll have everything you need to enjoy an incredible experience in Cambodia, including a clean bed, three meals a day, and fresh drinking water. We’ll also organise your transport (usually a traditional Tuk Tuk!) to and from your placement every day.

You’ll stay in clean, comfortable, and convenient shared apartments in the heart of Phnom Penh. You will have basic Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and large communal areas, giving you the chance to build bonds with other Projects Abroad participants.

Immerse yourself in the local culture, pick up basic Khmer phrases, and enjoy traditional dishes prepared for you by our cook. Explore the fascinating city with new friends, seeing sights like the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields, or organise a weekend trip to Angkor Wat in your free time.

Meet your team

Free Time and Leisure

Explore Cambodia and you will be amazed by the juxtaposition of vibrant cities, achingly beautiful scenery, and famous historical landmarks. This country has a lot to offer during your free time.

The world-famous gathering of temples near Siem Reap is a must for all visitors, especially the magnificent Angkor Wat. Climbing over huge tree roots to temple doorways shrouded by vines is guaranteed to bring out your inner Indiana Jones!

However, Cambodia offers far more than ancient temples. You can go trekking in the jungles or try snorkelling and dolphin-spotting in the seas surrounding Sihanoukville. For a more relaxed afternoon, you can spend time on one of the beautiful beaches.

What’s more, with a network of international volunteers in Cambodia with you, you can decide if you want to spend your free time exploring independently or in a group.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Cambodia Arrival Procedures page.