Have you ever wondered what it's like to volunteer as foreigner in a medical filed in Korea? Imagine being immersed in a completely different culture while also making a positive impact on people's lives.   

In this interview, I had the pleasure to speak with a remarkable individual who volunteered in the medical social service in Korea, about her experience, insights, and gained knowledge, and what advice she has for others considering volunteering in Korea.

the following are excerpts from the interview via social media, with Nour from 9 MAY 2023. Get ready to be inspired by her journey and learn about the power of giving back through medical volunteerism!

Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?

Nour: Hello everyone! First of all, I am thrilled to be interviewed by an honorary reporter on your platform. I appreciate the invitation. Thank you. I’m Nour, Algerian, and known as "Nour Korea" on social media. I’ve graduated as a doctor in medicine in Algeria. I am currently living in Korea for about 3 years and 7 months. I love to try new experiences and share them with my community. Until now, I have received phenomenal responses and feedback from them.

Can you tell us about your experience volunteering in the medical service in Korea? and Who did you work with during your volunteer service in Korea’s medical field and how did they contribute to your experience??

Nour:  in the 19th of march 2023 at Yeonsu Cultural Center" 연수문화원", It was a great opportunity to step into the volunteering team and become engulfed in a brand-new culture. It's called Incheon Medical Social Service "인천의료사회봉사". It included free medical checkups, dental checkups, free radiological examinations, and free medications. And it targets foreigners living in Korea. 

To be honest, compared with my previous ones looking back to Algeria, it was quite challenging and a bit difficult due to some obstacles. otherwise, I exploited it to encounter and challenge myself.

What inspired you to become a medical volunteer in Korea?

Nour: What inspires me the most about volunteering is the urge to expand my social relationships by aiding others, achieving personal and career-related goals, gaining professional experience, and finally, this gets me to see the country I am living in through the eyes of a local.

can you share with us some of the most memorable moment from your volunteering experience? And What was the most rewarding experience you had as a medical volunteer in korea? 

Nour: One of the most memorable experiences for me is when I thought that volunteering work would be a typical one, and I had skills that would be useful, but it was not. Actually, I realized that there was so much to learn and know that I didn’t know. It was a learning curve for me. I loved it, and I love the opportunity to learn and I will chase any chances for further medical volunteering, too. I wanted to say that not knowing anything is a thing and memorable for me, especially it was my first time. 

The most worthwhile experience I had as a medical volunteer in Korea is when I worked with Dr.Chi Cheol Seung 최철승 , specializing in radiology and had more than 30years of experience, He was understandable and helpful. And another memory is they invited us to lunch right after the service, and the doctor who I worked with, invited me to visit his clinic. 

What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced during your volunteer work in Korea, and how did you overcome them?

Nour: Prejudices and the language barrier were so challenging. Even though I can use Korean easily during my usual days, in the medical field, it was totally different. Tackling this obstacle is not easy, especially since it was my first-time volunteering in Korea. The stuff was absolutely helpful, clarifying several information, I immersed myself and listened carefully, and I tried to note new medical terms, we also tried to search for alternatives such as translation applications.

What strategies did you use to overcome cultural and language barriers while serving in korea’s medical field?

Nour: I’m Arabic living in Asian country, so to combine those different approaches and mindsets, I need to understand the culture deeply and use my humble knowledge to think and find solutions Of course, this only works if the volunteers and medical team work well together, embrace diversity because that produce creative results, being a good listener to instructions, communication and trying to involve everyone to break the barrier.

How did you balance your role as a volunteer with your own personal and professional obligation during your time in Korea’s medical field?

Nour: Tight schedules is a routine in Korea. I got little time to share for other activities. However, and thankfully my volunteering was on weekend days so it was much easier to commit.

In your opinion, what are some of the benefits of volunteering abroad and specifically in korea’s medical service? And how did your volunteer in Korea medical service experience impact your personal and professional growth? And has it influenced your perception of healthcare and medicine?

Nour: Indeed, I’ve learned how to be resilient, learning doesn’t have age, and of course it was like competing myself. Yes, it influenced my perception of healthcare and medicine.

Volunteering abroad and especially in Korea is absolutely a unique experience. Immersing yourself in communities will let you get to know locals, gaining new skills and improving your confidence, and understanding their culture. it will be great to try a new way than a tourist trail.

How do you believe your work has made an impact on the community you served in Korea?

Nour: Giving back is a small act of kindness that will spread positiveness, eagerness, and love. I believe showing up for the volunteering experience, trying to help the others is helpful in a way or in another. Contributing to volunteering will let the others change their behaviors and prejudices.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering in Korea’s medical service or community?

Nour: volunteering has no financial benefits but brings a lot of peace and spreads positiveness and love. Just go for it and get out from your comfort zone. It is going to be a great experience. But, do your researches, contact other volunteers, be prepared and expect anything, be positive, and remember your goals.  I encourage everyone without any exceptions, nourishing your soul starts from a young age. Even as parents, we should involve our kids in such activities.

Finally, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing foreigners in medical volunteer in Korea and how do you think it can be addressed?

Nour: I think limited resources in English to find such medical volunteering opportunities is one of the biggest challenges. But you can inquire about nearby multicultural support centers. In addition, limited time is a challenge because in my experience, we only had 4 hours to serve patients.

at the end, is there anything else you think I should have asked, or that you'd like to share?

Nour: “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give” Winston Churchill Personally, I would like to say: “Try to live this feeling of giving something to someone and knowing that you are the reason for his smile” .