Info

Medical Work Experience at a hospital in dynamic Beijing. Learn about both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and how they are used in the Chinese healthcare system to compliment each other.

In a world of competition where an army of graduates are lining up for the top jobs, this project would set you apart from the crowd and make employers look twice.

You'll work at a Chinese Hospital in the centre of Beijing - China's frenetic and fascinating Capital City. You'll shadow the doctors, nurses and health advisors in various departments of the hospital throughout your placement.

This project gives you the opportunity to see how Chinese and Western Medicine mix to create a unique healthcare system. You may even have the chance to learn some Acupuncture or Naturopathy skills during your stay, and assist the medical staff with treatment like Acupuncture, Massage, Chinese herb remedies and other specialist treatments. Training occurs twice a week, so you'll pick up lots of new skills during your time here.

This project is suitable for people interested in studying or going into medicine, current medical students or qualified practitioners looking to understand medicine in another country.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• Knowledge and training in Traditional Chinese Medicine
• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND HEALTH:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world's oldest medical systems, and is practiced in China alongside Western style medicine by both individuals and by Chinese doctors and hospitals. It is recognised both in China and in the West as a unique holistic approach to illness, without any of the side effects of the chemical treatments often used in the West. TCM treatment consists mainly of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Both treatments concentrate on regulating the flow of Qi in order to gain the natural internal balance of the body. TCM is used to treat all kinds of things from anxiety and depression to cancer and pneumonia.

Many of the philosophies behind traditional Chinese medicine have grown out of Taoist practices and beliefs. The observation of life and nature, how it changes and the synergy between various elements both in nature and inside the human body are very important in TCM. It is a unique and independent medical system which originated in China and developed down through the centuries imbued with the spirit of Chinese civilisation and culture. For thousand of Years, TCM has played a major role in maintaining the health of Chinese people. The two basic components in TCM are acupuncture Therapy and Herbal Medicine Therapy.

Acupuncture works through stimulating the acupoints which lie on lines or channels and therefore the body's the insertion of thin, fine needles at various points on the body. The actions of each point and combinations of points, and their effectiveness in treating different diseases, have been learnt through observation. In recent years these actions have been systematically refined and verified by modern scientific research methods.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy involves the use of natural plants and minerals, each having its own specific characteristics and particular medical use to treat disease, rectify the hyperactivity or hyperactivity of yin and yang, and to help restore the body to its normal physiological functions. Chinese herbal therapy must be given by qualified TCM practitioners. Normally, the practitioner must have a diagnostic consultation, such as asking you the questions that relate to your health problems, taking your pulse and observing your tongue, before making a prescription. A prescription can be defined as a preparation which, on the basis of the differentiation of syndromes and the establishment of therapeutic methods, organically combines various herbs for the treatment in accordance with established principles.

ACCOMMODATION:

You will stay in a modern and friendly, central hostel along with the other volunteers. You'll usually have access to all the modern facilities you'd expect: internet access, a kitchen, TV, common room with DVDs, a security locker and a bar & restaurant on premises.
The hostel is located in a lively area, where you will have the chance to meet other backpackers and travellers. There are many shops in the surrounding area if you need to stock up on anything, and the hostel is extremely close to Beijing's famous Sanlitun Lu - or 'Bar Street', where everyone hangs out in the evening for drinks and fun!
All your food is provided.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you.
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1445 for 4 weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

Qualifications depend on which placement you choose. Some don't require any qualifications or experience and some others would prefer some experience. Please speak to us so that we can help you choose the placement that is right for you and will give you the most beneficial experience. All placements do require you to have initiative, adaptability and patience (and a good sense of humor helps!)