South Africa Medical Expedition
Study Medical Science & Public Health in South Africa
It's been great making a difference in the small communities here. The major problems that we have seen in patients are rooted in lifestyle issues and HIV. It seems the local health structures are doing a good deal of work when it comes to HIV, which is reassuring. The experience here has been awesome so far!
-Alvin, MD
The Worldwide Navigators Difference
Sojourn – Gain a better understanding of the community you’re visiting. Learn about different religions or spiritual practices. How do these impact the communities? How does religion or spirituality influence local traditions?
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Savor – Will you choose sweet or savory? Take the time to visit local markets and discover unique local ingredients. Learn how to prepare traditional meals & local favorites.
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Tip of the Tongue – Each morning, take the time to learn a few basic greetings and phrases in the local language. Learn how to write greetings & your name in the local script.
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A Wrinkle in Time – History influences our present. Discover the history of the country you visit. Hear the stories of your guides & their family history. Where do they come from?
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Journal Journeys – Take some time to reflect on the day’s events and document your journey. Spend a moment journaling about the day had & day ahead. These are memories for a lifetime!
1 of 1Culture – From local dances, festivals, or simple gestures to communicate – all of these make up a country’s culture. Learn and practice cultural norms & how to show respect in the culture you visit.
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You and the team will fly into the Durban International Airport in Durban, South Africa and transfer to your resort for the duration of your stay. There, you will stay the night, meet your International Medical Relief team and have a group dinner.
Wake up to breakfast provided to you at the hotel and attend the required team orientation to further prepare you for clinic! Your team leader will assign your roles for clinic, go over our clinic protocols, and discuss the communities you will be serving in South Africa.
After orientation, you and the team will go to a nearby game park for a safari at dusk!
You and the team will travel to various clinic sites each day. You will be working in several communities – varying from refugees to tribal communities and rural areas and slums without access to health care. You may also work in homes one day with elderly individuals and will provide well care to the members of their family.
After closing clinic, you and the team will go back to your hotel for a team debrief and depart for various tours. You will have opportunities to visit Nelson Mandela’s capture site and enjoy the many cuisines South Africa has to offer.
Wake up to breakfast at your hotel in Durban then drive out for a Safari! Experience the wildlife that lives in Africa, take in the spectacular views of vast prairie fields and catch a glimpse of the Big 5!
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport for your international flight home and onward journey. If you have free time, explore more of South Africa!
Siyakwamukela eningizimu Afrika!
Twenty years into South Africa’s democracy public health issues remain a challenge in epic proportions. While the public health system serves a large part of the country it is largely underfunded and under constant strain. The system is largely a two-tiered system where in large portions of communities people have no access to healthcare. Cultural views on health and varying levels of wealth and education influence access to and acceptance of public health services.
In partnership with International Medical Relief, your group will be working in several communities of refugees, tribes and those living in slums without access to health care. Healthcare is a main concern and the communities you will be visiting are certainly part of the challenge faced by this country. While you will see the common respiratory infections, wounds, diabetes and hypertension, you will also see lots of impact from HIV, which continues to be devastating. The need for community education is great; with many willing students there is a great likelihood of creating lasting change.
Value
3-6 Day
Group Trips
- Airfare
- Transportation
- 2.5 - 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- Daytime & Self-Guided Tour Director
- 1 Impact Project
Classic
7-12 Day
Group Trips
- Airfare
- Transportation
- 2.5 - 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- Daytime Guided Tour Director
- Up to 2 Impact Projects
Epic
7-14 Day
Group Trips
- Airfare
- Transportation
- 3.5 - 4-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24/7 Guided Tour Director
- Up to 3 Impact Projects
- Final Night Celebration Dinner
Interested in adding or modifying activities? No problem! All Worldwide Navigator itineraries can be customized to your liking!
In collaboration with our partners