At a glance
- Complete health checks in disadvantaged communities
- Gain medical experience for your CV
- Work and travel with other teens, forming lifelong friendships
- Live with a host family, immersed in the culture of the Philippines
Is a Public Health High School Special right for me?
Public health work in the Philippines for teenagers is perfect for any young person looking to get hands on medical experience. You will help local communities in need during outreach work and house-to-house visits.
An internship with us gives you life experience in a developing country, and challenges you to think outside of your norm. Share your experiences during university or job applications, giving yourself an edge. This kind of work will also help demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and people in need.
No experience? No problem! You have constant assistance from doctors, nurses, and Projects Abroad staff. Use this time to ask questions and boost your practical knowledge!
You will also get multiple opportunities to see the fun side of the country during weekend trips and cultural activities.
Our Public Health internship for teenagers in the Philippines runs over fixed dates for two weeks at a time.
What will I do at a Public Health placement in the Philippines for teenagers?
During this High School Special project in the Philippines, you’ll work under supervision during outreaches and community days. You’ll work on one or more of these tasks:
- Conduct basic health checks for families in their homes
- Raise awareness about healthcare and nutrition
- Learn more about public health work in a developing country
- Experience the local culture and expand your horizons
Your work will focus on the following areas:
Conduct health checks for families in their homes
On a Public Health Internship for teenagers in the Philippines, you will help the local team with their house-to-house surveys and screenings. You will learn how to do temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, and weight checks. Your recordings will be used by us to put together strategies for improving health.
Raise awareness about healthcare and nutrition
During family visits, you will keep a journal of the foods people eat. You will then try to encourage the families to eat healthier, or give recommendations. You can also research and suggest easy, cost-effective meals that families can create to stay healthy. Staff are on hand to guide you and offer advice.
You will also help organise community exercise sessions as part of the health promotion strategy and during community days. Put on your trainers and comfortable clothing and get people moving in the name of better health and fighting diseases like diabetes.
Learn more about public health in a developing country
Towards the end of your trip, you’ll attend public health conferences and a lecture. You’ll also give a presentation of your own. These sessions will give you insight into the country’s healthcare system and why your public health work is so important.
Experience the local culture and expand your horizons
Your schedule includes a weekend trip to Bantayan Island. Our staff organise several cultural and social events for you to enjoy in the evenings after work. All work and social activities are guided by Projects Abroad staff.
Where in the Philippines will I be working?
San Remigio
You’ll work in San Remigio, which is located on the island of Cebu, the mainland island of Cebu Province. The island is surrounded by 167 other islands.
You will work in and around San Remigio, doing public health outreaches and campaigns. These are focused on providing disadvantaged people with basic healthcare. You’ll also help educate people about non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
When you're not working, you will have the chance to explore the wonders of the Philippines with teenagers your age. A highlight of your itinerary will be a weekend outing to Capitancillo Islet. This is a beautiful and mystical coral island, which has a protected marine sanctuary, three dive sites, and a lighthouse.
You will stay at a welcoming host family in Bogo City, so you have the opportunity to stroll around in this city and search for the best souvenirs for family and friends back home!
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The aim of this internship is to provide the local community of San Remigio with free, basic healthcare during medical outreaches and home visits.
According to the Department of Health in the Philippines, seven out of ten leading deaths in the country are due to non-communicable diseases. These diseases include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Many people suffer from these diseases because of poor nutrition, smoking, or drug and alcohol abuse.
In disadvantaged areas, we are working with people to prevent these diseases and get people access to treatment. We need your help to do this. Your role is to encourage people to make healthier choices when it comes to their food and lifestyle, and assist doctors and nurses during outreaches. This is important ongoing work for us.
Help us achieve these long-term goals by joining us on a Public Health internship for teenagers in the Philippines.
Management plans
We set out the aims and objectives of our projects in documents called Management Plans. We use them to properly plan the work you’ll do. They also help us measure and evaluate our achievements and impact each year.
Ultimately, our Management Plans help us make our projects better. This in turn means you get to be part of something that makes a real impact where it’s needed. Read more about our Management Plans.
Measuring our impact
Every year, thousands of High School Special volunteers and interns actively make a difference around the world. During their time abroad, they contribute towards achieving long-term goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where they work.
We produce an annual High School Specials Impact Report, which documents some of these achievements. Find out more about the impact of these projects, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Bogo City. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of the Philippines and have a truly unique experience.
On our High School Specials, we will always try to have you share a room with at least one volunteer or intern of the same gender and approximate age. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have all the extra support you need as a young person travelling abroad. Our Projects Abroad staff are there for you 24 hours a day during the week and over weekends to provide constant support and guidance. Our staff also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
Meet the team in the Philippines
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