The Canadian Medical Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Leave for Change?

The Canadian Medical Foundation has partnered with Leave for Change (L4C) to deliver our international volunteer program. L4C is a program that offers professional and personal development, and also strong support to organizations in developing countries. The program enables volunteers to participate in a two- to four-week volunteer assignment in a developing country. L4C is a component of the Uniterra Program, Canada’s largest international volunteer cooperation program, funded in part by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and implemented jointly by World University Service Canada (WUSC) and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI).

What do Leave for Change volunteers do?

Leave for Change is all about capacity-building. This means volunteers train others in their field of expertise. Volunteers will not be treating patients, but will be transferring skills to local staff so as to build their host organization’s capacity in a certain area.

Can spouses/significant others participate?

No.

What type of accommodations are provided?

Applicants need to be aware that accommodations are consistent with local standards. They will be hygienic, but basic.

Can I make stopovers to and/or from the country I will be volunteering in?

Uniterra will issue the airline tickets with no stopovers built in. If the volunteer wishes to stop over or prolong his/her trip, s/he is responsible for any additional ticketing costs and arrangements involved. The insurance coverage provided by Uniterra covers the volunteer ONLY for the specified contract period. It does not cover the volunteer outside the agreed-upon volunteer contract period.

What are some qualities of the successful volunteer?

Adaptability and the capacity to relate in a humanitarian manner are key. Volunteers must have the required professional qualifications for their particular posting, but personal qualities and relevant experiences are also very important. One to two years’ post-registration is a requirement for participation.

Is there an age limit for volunteering with this program?

There is no age limit for participation in projects, but you must be in good health.

What are participants committing to?

Volunteers commit to give time and a lot of themselves. Before departure, volunteers must take part in a mandatory two-day training session. During their 2–4 week mandate abroad, volunteers share their knowledge, skills and expertise within a particular project with one of Uniterra’s foreign partners. After their return to Canada, volunteers create their own public engagement activities to raise awareness about the importance of international cooperation. They also take part in debriefs.

What costs are involved?

The Canadian Medical Foundation has agreed to cover part of the costs, and Uniterra covers the rest. Everything is included: pre-departure training, vaccines, visas, flights and lodging. You even get a modest daily stipend. You are responsible for costs related to your meals and local transportation.

In case of accident or disease while I’m abroad, am I insured?

Yes. Uniterra offers all of its volunteers an insurance policy that includes such important items as hospitalization and medical evacuation, reimbursement of medication and vaccines.

What do I do about medical licensure overseas?

Medical licensure varies for each country. Once you are accepted as a volunteer, the L4C coordinator will work with you individually to collect the necessary documentation for the country you are visiting. You are responsible for informing CMPA (in writing) that you are undertaking “Missionary or Charitable Work Abroad” (TOW code 8).

Is there an evacuation policy in case of serious social or environmental problems in the host country?

Yes. Uniterra has an office in each of the countries where Leave for Change missions take place. Uniterra representatives in the host country are responsible for assisting volunteers in case of serious social, medical or environmental problems in the host country.\

More questions?

If you have further questions to learn more about our Medical Outreach Program, please contact Kristin Smith, Director of Communication and Operations directly: Kristin.smith@cmf.ca  or 1 866.530.4979 ext 2

 


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