Global Health
Our goal is to allow those in our partner communities to benefit from a physical exam and treatment from a licensed medical professional while providing experiential learning opportunities and cultural expansion for pre-health students.
Global Health Service Learning Programs
ISL’s global health service learning programs are first and foremost community and patient-focused and are designed with the premise of allowing pre-health students the opportunity to work directly with community member patients. They are interdisciplinary in nature and provide a variety of general medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, healthcare management, and nutrition services to members of developing communities. From urban centers to small towns and villages in remote areas, our programs work in various settings to provide field clinics in which patient needs are assessed and acute conditions are treated.
Regardless of background, volunteers are able to receive an invaluable opportunity to not only interactively observe health professionals in action, but to actively assist with important aspects of health care under careful supervision.
Our holistic approach makes ISL’s global health programs ideal for students studying any health profession at any education level.
Who is Right for Global Health Programs
ISL’s global health programs are ideal for pre-health students interested in medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, nutrition, or health care management.
What to Expect
Upon arrival in-country, you will be met at the airport by ISL staff. Your groups first day will be busy with cultural orientation and intensive training seminars learning how to take vitals, basic triage techniques, and learning medical terminology (Spanish or Swahili); then the community work begins!
On a global health program, you will work in our partner communities in the following ways:
- Visit homes to assess the needs for health care
- Evaluate living conditions making connections between lifestyle and health issues
- Bring/distribute educational materials
- You will invite those in need of medical care to a field clinic staffed by local, licensed medical professionals. At the clinic, you will rotate through stations taking turns doing the following:
- Conducting patient interviews/intake
- Observing the physician (diagnosis and treatment)
- Set up and participate in pharmacy stations
- Play with the community children!
Be aware: there will be virtually NO down-time during your ISL program. This is an immersive, intensive experience loaded with service activities and cultural exploration!
In the evenings, you will participate in seminars on prevention and treatment of diseases common to the area and practice techniques such as suturing and administering injections.
There will also be designated time for group reflection – time to discuss and express what you’ve experienced in your day’s community work, either formally or informally.
Your group will eat most dinners out in order to relax and experience the local culture and cuisine. You will learn a few traditional dances and explore some important historical/cultural sites.
Recreational opportunities vary by location, but you will have opportunities like: shopping for local crafts and exploring geographic treasures such as beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, or caves. Traverse ruins, tour city centers, or trek through coffee plantations, and have time for other exciting activities such as ziplining, snorkeling, or safari!
Volunteer Involvement
Pre-health students will receive intensive training on taking vitals, basic triage and sorting medications. In the clinical setting you will be able to participate only under the supervision of a local licensed professional. You will be allowed to take vitals, conduct patient intake, observe the examination, diagnosis and treatment of community patients as well as help to distribute medications.
ISL collaborates with in-country professionals and local Ministries of Health in order to determine how our volunteers can best impact developing communities. Level of volunteer participation is directly dependent on level of training. For example, each group has the potential for three levels of volunteer involvement: observer, assistant, and practitioner. Pre-health volunteers would fall into the “observer” category in terms of the examination/diagnosis/treatment process, but would be allowed hands on experience with non-invasive procedures such as taking vitals, as determined by local Ministry of Health standards, while a med student might assist in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment process to the degree determined appropriate by local Ministry of Health standards.
You may choose NOT to participate in any aspect of patient care with which you are uncomfortable.
Safety and Respect
Respect of our patients
Patient consent is an essential pre-requisite for any level of volunteer participation. All patients sign a consent form to be seen by a doctor with students observing – we have their complicit consent to treat prior to their intake and examination.
Our patients are protected from exploitation – we are discreet and respectful. We do NOT under any circumstances take photo of any procedure during a patient’s visit. Furthermore, patient rights must be respected at all times; Patients have the right to refuse treatment.
ISL prohibits discrimination on the basis of color, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, religion or any other factor.
Volunteer Safety
For the sake of security, ISL volunteers remain together as a group from arrival to departure, and are accompanied by ISL staff at all times.
The safety of our volunteers is our number one priority. ISL has offices in all of the countries that we serve. That means wherever you go, rest assured, we’re there too. All ISL regional staff members are thoroughly screened to ensure the safety of your team’s local interactions and we continuously monitor and address all emerging health and safety issues in each of the countries we operate.
Specific precautions taken by ISL:
- ISL groups avoid large, crowded areas like sporting events whenever possible
- We continuously monitor local media and information sources in each of our countries through our on-site staff, and take appropriate actions to avoid areas of concern
- Our on-site staff provide feedback on the local situation in each community we work, and if recommendations are made to change itineraries or programming, we do so immediately
- Our management team relies on the advice of a number of organizations including the U.S. State Department, the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, as well as an international safety and security organization. If conditions exist that may hinder our ability to provide a safe program, we will alter the itinerary and redirect the program to safer regions or provide other alternatives.
What To Bring
You will need:
- Stethoscope
- Blood pressure cuff
- Otoscope
- Scrubs
- Donations of medications
- Medical supplies (optional)
- Refillable water bottle (i.e. Nalgene bottle)
- Funds sufficient to cover one meal per day, recreation, incidentals, souvenirs and departure tax (where applicable).
- An open mind
- A sense of adventure
- A heart of service
What ISL Provides
- 24-hour accompaniment by professional, bilingual staff
- Airport pickup/drop off
- All ground transportation
- All lodging
- Two meals per day
- Drinking water
- Instruction by licensed medical professionals
- Medications and supplies
- Quality experiential learningA meaningful
- glimpse into another culture
- An unforgettable adventure
Upcoming Programs
-
University South Carolina BZE080826-GAP: $2795
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Tanzanian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Tanzania they will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Aug
08
2026
toAug
16
2026
-
University South Carolina Tanzania090726GH-GAP: $2995
Sep
07
2026
toSep
20
2026
-
St John Fisher, Belize Global Health, Nov. 30-Dec. 13: $2895
Nov
30
2026
toDec
13
2026
-
PANAMA122626GH: $2195
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, explore Panamanian history and culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care and participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2026
-
Dominican Republic 122626GH: $2495
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Dominican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
BajaMexico122626GH: $2195
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Mexican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will have the opportunity to tour local ministry of health institutions, observe and assist in the clinical setting, and engage in public health surveying in one of three ISL partner communities in and around Puerto Peñasco. They will also have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Sea of Cortez.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
Cambodia122626GH: $1895
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Cambodia, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
India122626GH: $2295
Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
BajaMexico122626PT: $2195
This program is suitable for PT students and professionals, as well as pre-PT students who have completed Anatomy & Physiology. The goal of ISL's physical therapy program is to learn about local physical therapy challenges, provide PT evaluations and services, experience Mexican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Work setting will be dependent on number of participants. 1-5 participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist physical therapists in the provision of care. 6+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner community in addition to the institutional setting. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and the provision of physical therapy, including orthopedic massage, and soft tissue assessment. Continuing Education Credits available for licensed PTs. Open to 1-14 volunteers.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
Peru-Chachapoyas122626GH: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
Peru-Cusco122626GH: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Dec
26
2026
toJul
17
2027
-
Belize122626GH: $2995
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Belizean culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
Colombia122626GH: $2295
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Colombian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Work setting will be dependent on number of participants. 1-4 participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner urban institutions (Paramedics, Refugee Medical Clinic Shelter for Homeless Elderly, and Hospital) where volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. 5+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner rural communities where volunteers will participate in public health surveying and medical clinics, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
Costa Rica122626GH: $2595
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Costa Rican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. 6+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2026
-
Guatemala122626GH: $2495
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Guatemalan culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Dec
26
2026
toJan
03
2027
-
Belize030627GH: $2995
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Belizean culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
BajaMexico030627GH: $2195
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Mexican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will have the opportunity to tour local ministry of health institutions, observe and assist in the clinical setting, and engage in public health surveying in one of three ISL partner communities in and around Puerto Peñasco. They will also have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Sea of Cortez.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Costa Rica030627GH: $2595
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Costa Rican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. 6+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Colombia030627GH: $1895
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Colombian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner urban institutions (Paramedics, Refugee Medical Clinic Shelter for Homeless Elderly, and Hospital) where volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. 5+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner rural communities where volunteers will participate in public health surveying and medical clinics, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Cambodia030627GH: $1895
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Cambodian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Dominican Republic030627GH: $2495
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Dominican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Guatemala030627GH: $2395
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Guatemalan culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Panama030627GH: $2195
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, explore Panamanian history and culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care and participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Peru-Chachpoyas030627GH: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
India030627GH: $2295
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Indian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Peru-Cuzco030627GH: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Mar
06
2027
toMar
14
2027
-
Belize031327GH: $2995
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Belizean culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
BajaMexico031327GH: $2195
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Mexican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will have the opportunity to tour local ministry of health institutions, observe and assist in the clinical setting, and engage in public health surveying in one of three ISL partner communities in and around Puerto Peñasco. They will also have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Sea of Cortez.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Costa Rica031327GH: $2595
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Costa Rican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. 6+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Colombia031327GH: $2295
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Colombian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Work setting will be dependent on number of participants. 1-4 participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner urban institutions (Paramedics, Refugee Medical Clinic Shelter for Homeless Elderly, and Hospital) where volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. 5+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner rural communities where volunteers will participate in public health surveying and medical clinics, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Cambodia031327GH: $1895
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Cambodian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Dominican Republic031327GH: $2495
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Dominican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Guatemala031327GH: $2395
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, explore Guatemalan history and culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. Participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Panama031327GH: $2195
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, explore Panamanian history and culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care and participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping ot in the pharmacy.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
India031327GH: $2295
The goal of ISL's global health program in India is to learn about local health care challenges, experience different health care sectors, and participate with the Sevak Project, assisting rural health care workers with assessments. Volunteers will also have opportunities to experience Indian culture and cuisine and visit the Taj Mahal.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Peru-Chachapoyas031327GH: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Peru-Cusco031329GH: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Mar
13
2027
toMar
21
2027
-
Belize032027GH: $2995
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Belizean culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Costa Rica032027GH: $2595
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Costa Rican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Colombia032027GH: $1895
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Colombian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Work setting will be dependent on number of participants. 1-4 participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner urban institutions (Paramedics, Refugee Medical Clinic Shelter for Homeless Elderly, and Hospital) where volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. 5+ participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner rural communities where volunteers will participate in public health surveying and medical clinics, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Cambodia032027GH: $2895
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Cambodian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will assist community health workers with health education and patient care. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Dominican Republic032027GH: $2495
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Dominican culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Guatemala032027GH: $2395
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, explore Guatemalan history and culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care. Participants: Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
India032027GH: $2295
The goal of ISL's global health program in India is to learn about local health care challenges, experience different health care sectors, and participate with the Sevak Project, assisting rural health care workers with assessments. Volunteers will also have opportunities to experience Indian culture and cuisine and visit the Taj Mahal.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Panama032027GH: $2195
The goal of ISL's global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, explore Panamanian history and culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner institution. Volunteers will assist health care providers with patient care and participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping ot in the pharmacy.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Peru-Chachapoyas032027GH: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Peru-Cusco: $2895
The goal of ISL\'s global health program is to learn about local health care challenges, experience Peruvian culture, and gain perspective on the global landscape. Programming will take place in an ISL partner community. Volunteers will participate in public health surveying and clinical activities, including interviewing patients, taking vitals, and helping out in the pharmacy. While in Peru, volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and explore the cultural landscape in a meaningful way.Mar
20
2027
toMar
28
2027
-
Rivier: $2794
Nursing Global HealthMay
30
2027
toMay
30
2027