Our Volunteering Experience with Meditrip in Tanzania
We volunteered with Meditrip in Arusha from late September until early November. While we met wonderful fellow volunteers and truly enjoyed learning about Tanzanian culture, our overall experience with the program and placement did not meet our expectations.
Mount Meru Hospital Placement
At Mount Meru Hospital we often struggled to feel welcomed or involved. Even after trying multiple departments, showing initiative, and asking questions, we frequently felt that our presence was not needed. At times we experienced irritation or confusion from staff when we asked for clarification, and some tasks were given without proper explanation or guidance.
Another challenge was the high number of volunteers placed in the same department. With several volunteers assigned to one ward, it was difficult to gain practical experience or feel useful. We often felt like we were in the way rather than contributing. Although this is primarily the hospital’s responsibility, better communication and coordination from Meditrip could improve this for future volunteers.
Accommodation Experience
The house itself, the garden, and the meals were very good. The staff were friendly, and we enjoyed spending time with other volunteers, this part of our stay was definitely positive and created good memories.
However, on multiple occasions, money went missing from the rooms, which made us feel unsafe.
Overall Impression
Because of these issues, we decided to return home two weeks earlier than planned.
Tanzania is a beautiful country, and we appreciated the cultural experience and the friendships we made with other volunteers, these were the highlights of our stay. Unfortunately, the organisation and hospital placement through Meditrip did not provide the supportive or educational volunteering experience we had hoped for.
We share this review in the hope that it helps future volunteers make an informed decision and encourages improvements within the program.
Reply from Medi Trip
Dear Lotte and Julia,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I genuinely value feedback, especially when it helps future volunteers make informed, thoughtful decisions.
For transparency, I would like to clarify a few important details that were not reflected in your review, as context matters for those reading.
• Your placement, accommodation, meals, and on-ground support were delivered as agreed.
• You both arrived in Arusha having not paid the programme placement fee.
• When we followed up to complete payment, the response received was “what exactly is this for?”, despite months of pre-arrival communication and clearly outlined costs.
• Ultimately, only one payment was made (Julia’s accommodation upgrade fee of USD 278.25), while Lotte’s upgrade fee remained unpaid. Other volunteers who had requested the same private accommodation were turned away, and all other residents contributed financially, which meant their money supported the shared living environment you both benefited from.
• Despite this, you were both accommodated in an upgraded private house (Siara House) and continued to receive full services throughout your stay.
Regarding Mount Meru Hospital:
• It is a busy public referral hospital, and experiences vary depending on department flow, staffing, and patient load.
• We prepare volunteers for this reality, as it differs significantly from European systems and is not a structured or guaranteed hands-on placement.
• You were advised not to enter departments without prior coordination. Despite this, multiple departments were approached without notice, which understandably led to confusion and limited ability for staff to integrate you appropriately.
On accommodation:
• I appreciate that you acknowledged the positive aspects of the house.
• The missing money concern was taken seriously, and we did report it to the police. However, you declined to submit a formal statement or evidence, which prevented further escalation. We have not had similar incidents since and remain committed to maintaining a secure environment.
On your early departure and refund request:
• As outlined in our Terms and Conditions, programme fees are non-refundable once placement begins due to prior resource allocation.
• Despite the outstanding imbalance in payments, we offered a goodwill refund on the only amount formally received (Julia’s accommodation upgrade).
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For future volunteers:
Julia’s right, make an informed decision. Ask us the hard questions, challenge us with your perspective.
Why?
This is an immersive, real-world experience grounded in the realities of Tanzania.
• It invites genuine cultural exchange and bridging, where you learn to navigate difference, nuance and engage with healthcare in its local context.
• The experience develops adaptability, cultural brilliance, and emotional maturity qualities essential in global health and international careers.
• Every week our volunteers gain exposure to local clinical teams, multidisciplinary environments, and cross-cultural working dynamics, often forming meaningful professional relationships that extend beyond their placement.
• Learning here is not just handed to you; it is shaped by your commitment to change in the world, initiative, awareness, and willingness to engage with complexity.
Our team is deeply committed to supporting our volunteers both logistically and personally. In return, we only ask for accountability, respect for local systems, and honouring agreed commitments.
For those who arrive with humility, curiosity, and openness to the reality, not a romanticised version, the experience can be profoundly impactful, both personally and professionally. One that will stay with you for life.
Thank you again, and I wish you both the very best moving forward.
Warm regards,
Pearl Sakoane-Nogi
Founding Director, Medi Trip