Medical Internship Opportunities Abroad in 2024 & 2025

Are you looking for International Medical Internship Opportunities in 2024 & 2025?
Check out our range of affordable Internship programs with Intern Abroad HQ!

Why undertake a Medical Internship Abroad in 2024 & 2025?

Internships build career insight, practical experience, and essential soft skills, such as resilience, adaptability and communication, which are crucial in the graduate job market. Medical internship experiences provide students and recent graduates with insight into medical careers and the realities of job requirements. Explore how [Intern Abroad HQ] (https://www.internhq.com/) provides real-world learning opportunities, so that you can see the world, build cultural intelligence, and build your resume, while potentially earning academic credit and fulfilling graduation requirements.

Our Top 2024 & 2025 Medical Internship Abroad Programs

1. What is the difference between a Medical Internship & Medical Volunteering?
2. What are the advantages of doing a 2024 Medical Internship Abroad?
3. What are the requirements to join?
4. Pre-med Intern Abroad Opportunities
5. What kinds of specialty fields are available?
6. Greece Internship Opportunities
7. Spain Medical Internship Opportunities
8. South Africa Medical Internship Opportunities
9. Tanzania Medical Internship Opportunities
10. Peru Medical Internship Opportunities
11. Costa Rica Medical Internship Opportunities
12. Guatemala Medical Internship Opportunities
13. Special Needs Care Internship Opportunities
14. Speech Therapist Internship Opportunities
15. Psychology Internship Opportunities
16. Physiotherapy Internship Opportunities
17. Dentistry Internship Opportunities
18. Midwifery Internship Opportunities
19. Nutritionist Internship Opportunities

Medical internship or a Medical volunteer program?

Medical internships and medical volunteering trips can often be similar, how do you decide which one is best for you?

Internships are great for medical students because they can be tailored to give you course credit, especially if you’re aiming to fulfil a specific number of placement hours. They are more flexible and customizable based on your requirements and interests, and are good options for those looking to gain more tangible benefits focused on your own goals and objectives for personal and professional development. Often, medical internships can be chosen in specific fields, such as Nutrition, Pharmacy, Midwifery, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and more. This specialization enables interns to select a field which best aligns with their studies, interests and career ambitions. If you’re exploring the career field and learning more about the direction you’d like to take your future studies, a medical internship abroad can also shed light on how medical careers come to life outside the classroom.

On medical volunteer programs, volunteers should come prepared to help where needed and maintain an adaptable mentality. It can be less possible to specify your particular requirements for the project, since the focus is most aligned with supporting the community and assisting where the most help is needed, at the time you’re there. Medical volunteer projects are often open for pre med school students through to qualified professionals. Medical volunteers who spend more time on their programs have scope to become better integrated over time, gaining increased insight into culture and healthcare practices. It can take some time to become familiar with the healthcare system in a foreign country, and once you have done that, you can enhance your understanding and fulfil a rewarding experience.

Unless you have a strong preference for either a medical internship or a medical volunteer program, then the best approach for deciding what is right for you is to consider them equally and concentrate more on finding a program that appeals to you the most. This may take into consideration the destination options that are available for both medical volunteer and medical internships abroad. Regardless of whether you participate as an intern or volunteer, it’s important to keep in mind that your level of skill and expertise will influence the activities you’re permitted to do. Both medical interns and medical volunteers should not expect to be hands on or directly responsible for patients if they are not qualified to do so. Often, the role may be primarily focused on shadowing and observing local professionals, as they guide you throughout the experience.

What are the advantages of doing a 2024 & 2025 Medical Internship Abroad?

Staying at home to do your medical internship is great, but a medical internship abroad gives you the opportunity to observe foreign healthcare systems and appreciate different approaches to addressing complex healthcare issues. It’s a fantastic way to give you a fully rounded appreciation of medicine and even develop second language skills to boost your career. Your willingness to travel to get that unique insight looks great on your résumé. The acquisition of cultural intelligence, increased confidence and essential soft skills, such as adaptability and resilience, are key reasons why international internship experiences are highly valued and rewarding.

Medical internships are available all over the world. From destinations with state of the art technology, to those where healthcare facilities can be more under-resourced, travelling abroad for your internship can provide a more comprehensive understanding of culture, global diversity and nuanced challenges. Wherever you go, come prepared to learn and connect with the local communities that open their doors to you. Medical interns often have the opportunity to make a difference through their contribution. However, the emphasis of the experience will be on how the internship placement creates space for personal growth within a supportive environment. Be ready to learn, observe, ask questions, collaborate, and discover new approaches and ideas which enrich your knowledge and education!

What are the requirements to join?

Intern Abroad HQ Medical and Healthcare internships are available for participants with relevant training and experience. This may include pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-dental, and various pre-health disciplines. Students who are already taking part in Medical/Nursing school (any year of study) and fully qualified professionals are also welcome! If you’re interested in a Medical or Healthcare orientated internship and aren’t sure if your qualifications are in line with an internship opportunities, the best place to start is to get in touch and ask questions. You’ll be guided and provided with relevant information that pertains to your interests and motivations.

What about pre-med intern abroad opportunities?

If you’re looking for an internship abroad at a pre-med school level, then consider an Intern Abroad HQ internship in Athens, Greece. Whether you’re pre-med, pre-dentistry, focused on physiotherapy, nursing or occupational therapy, students have the opportunity to shadow under the supervision of licensed medical professionals in both private and public hospitals in and around Athens. These internship opportunities provide insight into medical careers across a range of departments, such as Cardiology, Dialysis, Emergency Room, General Surgery, Physical Therapy, Radiology, and much more. Interns should come prepared for the observation of both surgical and non surgical practice, demonstrating a genuine interest and commitment to healthcare professions.

Medical internships in Europe for pre-med school students also include internships in Spain. These internship placements, located throughout the beautiful city of Valencia, include both private hospitals and clinics, as well as non-profit health centres. Whether you’re interested in pre-medical, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, mental health and psychology, there are a broad range of healthcare internship placements in Spain which can supplement your knowledge and learning outside the classroom.

While Spanish language skills are not required for interns who wish to join Intern Abroad HQ in Spain, if you’re confidently able to communicate in intermediate Spanish, then medical internships in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru may also be right for you! Internships in Costa Rica and Guatemala for pre-med school students in the early stages of their studies typically include placements such as health support schools, elderly homes, chronic pain clinics, and programs for individuals with disabilities.

At these kind of internship placements, interns assist by supporting nurses and staff in their day to day activities. Entry-level internship opportunities for pre-med students who speak intermediate Spanish are also available in Cusco, Peru. These placements are typically based at small clinics with general practitioners.

What kinds of specialty fields are available?

Intern Abroad HQ offers internship placements in a broad range of healthcare settings. Pre-med school students can gain an informative introductory experience within a number of destinations. However, if there’s a specific area of interest you want to focus on and are above a pre-med level, we can also point you in the right direction.

Medical internships in Tanzania, Arusha, enable second to final year med school students the opportunity to choose from specialized fields such as medical, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, radiology, physiotherapy, ophthalmology, dentistry, psychology, and nutrition. Additionally, medical internships on the sunny island of Zanzibar (located off the coast of mainland Tanzania) are also perfect for medical students looking to fulfil their medical elective abroad. Medical elective placements in Zanzibar are based at the island’s main hospital, where a variety of wards are provided, including medical, maternity, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric, physiotherapy, surgery, psychology, and even acupuncture.

If you have intermediate Spanish language skills, meaningful internships are also available within Cusco, Peru, where fields of specialization include psychology, physiotherapy, dentistry, midwifery, and even special education. In Costa Rica and Guatemala, students with intermediate Spanish language skills who have exceeded a pre-med school level, can intern alongside local doctors and nurses within rural clinics and/or hospitals. Physiotherapy internship placements are also available within Central America.

Other specialty healthcare fields include psychology, public health, social work, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Elective placements within these fields are also offered within Valencia, Spain, Cape Town, South Africa, and Rome, Italy.

2024 Medical Intern Abroad Opportunities for Students

There are a broad range of medical intern abroad opportunities, whether you’re looking for an elective related to nursing, physician’s assistant, pre-med or something else - reviewing medical internships in general can help you to assess what options are available.

International Medical Electives & Placements in 2024 & 2025

If you’re looking for a medical internship or elective placement in order to gain course credit or fulfil study requirements, it’s important to understand the criteria you need to complete. For example, it may be completing a certain number of experiential learning hours or ensuring that you’re exposed to specific activities to complement your theoretical knowledge. While narrowing down your search for the perfect internship, be sure to communicate exactly what your requirements are for the internship. It is no problem advise students accordingly and ensure that learning goals are prioritized. However, it’s important to keep in mind that work within the medical field is always subject to the variables of patient flow. In all cases students who participate in a medical internship abroad should prepare to engage as flexibly and proactively as possible. All medical internships abroad provide fantastic opportunities for experiencing real healthcare operations in action.

International medical electives serve as a valuable learning tool for students and even qualified healthcare professionals alike.

Top Medical & Healthcare Internship Opportunities Abroad in 2024 & 2025

Medical & Nursing Internships in Tanzania in 2024 & 2025

Medical interns in Tanzania have access to a broad range of opportunities, as departments within this field include general medicine, midwifery, outpatient clinics, children’s wards, pharmacy, radiology, physiotherapy, ophthalmology, dentistry, psychology, medical community outreach, nutrition.

You’ll work directly alongside qualified professionals within your placement. This program is suitable for students in their penultimate year of study or above. Medical professionals must have completed a minimum of six months as a qualified doctor in a clinical setting.

Interns work directly alongside qualified professionals within their chosen placement and are suitable for students of medicine, nursing, dentistry, midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, pharmacy, radiology, ophthalmology, or other fields relevant to the available placements (just ask us if you’re not sure!) Medical professionals who wish to intern in Arusha must have completed a minimum of six months as a qualified doctor in a clinical setting. Choose from internships in the beautiful island destination of Zanzibar, located off the coast, or in Arusha, the heart of mainland Tanzania.

Interns in Tanzania should always keep in mind that medical facilities will be unlike what you’re probably used to at home. They are often under-resourced and under-staffed, presenting various challenges for medical teams and their patients. Learning opportunities in such environments are eye-opening and contribute as much to the acquisition of compassion and cultural intelligence, as they do to professional and personal development. Whatever location you choose for your Tanzanian medical elective, you’ll have the opportunity to combine your internship with once-in-a-lifetime tourism excursions, adding on a journey through the Tanzanian safari circuit or hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro! Don’t forget to consider your tourism itinerary on the side, as the country will win you over with the beauty of the landscapes, as much as with the beauty of its people.

Relevant for interns pursuing some of the following careers:

• General Practitioner
• Medical Doctor
• Paramedic
• Anesthesiologist
• Medical Scribe
• Surgical Technologist
• Surgeon
• Pediatrician
• Phlebotomist
• Obstetrician Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Radiology Internship in Tanzania

As part of this radiology internship program you will have the opportunity to work collaboratively alongside local medical teams to observe, gain an enhanced understanding of local practices and challenges and share in knowledge exchange. Diagnostic radiology can be lifesaving in Tanzania, though imaging services can be inaccessible for locals and technology is often limited.

Relevant for interns considering the following careers:

• Radiologist
• Radiologic Technologist
• Diagnostic Radiologist
• Interventional Radiologist
• Musculoskeletal Radiologist
• Nuclear Medicine Radiologist
• Nuclear Pharmacist / Radiopharmacist
• Radiation Therapist
• Radiation Oncologist / Oncology Nurse
• MRI Technologist
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Suitable for students who’ve completed a minimum of one year of study in diagnostic radiology, clinical imaging or a related field at college, diploma or degree level. Professionals must have a minimum of six months work experience in diagnostic radiology or clinical imaging. Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Tanzania Food & Nutrionist Internships

Nutrition plays a key role successful healthcare provision. Especially in Tanzania, where many mothers and children are affected by preventable nutritional deficiencies. Internship placements in Tanzania are typically based within regional clinics/hospitals, where patients with severe and complex cases of malnutrition are referred for care.

Relevant for interns considering the following careers:

• Nutritionist
• Dietician
• Food Technologist
• Public Health Worker
• International Aid/Development Worker
• Nutrition Educator
• Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Herbalist
• Personal Trainer

Suitable for students with a minimum of one year tertiary education in a related clinical subject that includes a nutrition component. Internships are also available for professionals working in nutrition or a related field. Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Ophthalmology Internship in Tanzania

This Internship placement opportunities provides a rare chance to intern in such a specific medical field. Ophthalmology interns in Tanzania assist in eye clinics helping local professionals with all aspects of daily work. Your placement and duties will depend on your level of training and expertise. Because this is such a specific internship, interns should be prepared for the possibility that you won’t be working in ophthalmology all day, every day. You will, of course, be primarily focusing on working in an eye clinic, but if there are no patients with eye complaints then interns can be proactive and assist in other areas of healthcare.

Relevant for interns pursuing some of the following careers:

• Ophthalmologist
• Ophthalmic Medical Practitioner
• Optometrist
• Orthoptist
• Ocularist
• Optician
• Ophthalmic Assistant
• Vision therapist

Suitable for students in the second to final year of study or for professionals with at least six months experience in a clinical setting. Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Medical & Nursing Internships in Greece in 2024

Flexible internships in Athens are suitable for pre-med school students, including pre-dentistry, physiotherapy and occupational therapy students. Any student with a relevant scientific major, such as health, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, behavioral sciences (etc) may apply for medical internships in Greece. It’s essential for all interns to have a genuine interest in medicine and a career pathway into the medical field, with a commitment to learning about both surgical and non-surgical procedures. If you’re a European student seeking a medical elective abroad, note that internships in Greece are provided through a team which is accredited to run projects under Erasmus+. (European students may speak with their local Erasmus office regarding funding and grant opportunities for their internship abroad).

Relevant for interns pursuing some of the following careers:

• Physician
• Nurse
• Surgeon
• General Practitioner
• Orderly
• Medical Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Dentist
• Medical Scribe
• Medical Administrator
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Radiologic Technologist
• Phlebotomist
• Optometrist
• Cardiovascular technologist
• Anesthesiologist
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Suitable for medical students at a pre-med level or above. Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Medical Internship Opportunities in Spain in 2024 & 2025

This program is targeted towards suitable for students at a pre-med level, but are also available for those further advanced in their studies. A customized approach is taken to match interns to appropriate placements, so expressions of interest are always encouraged. Interns observe, shadow and assist local doctors in private and public healthcare settings, assisting with various tasks such as administration, care, patient support and diagnoses.

Relevant for interns considering the following careers:

• Physician
• General Practitioner
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Radiographer
• Dietitian/Nutritionist
• Paramedic
• Anaesthesiologist
• Sonographer
• Medical Scribe

Suitable for medical students at a pre-med level or above. Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Medical Internship Opportunities in South Africa in 2024

Intern Abroad HQ offers internship placements in Cape Town, South Africa, for Psychology, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Public Health. These internships are available from a minimum duration of just 4 weeks, with the exception of Social Work (2 weeks) and Public Health (8 weeks). South Africa internships are popular year-round and can easily be scheduled at a time that works for you. Come to gain experience and develop your resume but don’t forget to schedule time to explore the gorgeous landscapes and attractions Cape Town has to offer!

Relevant for interns pursuing some of the following careers:

• Social Worker
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Youth Worker
• Counsellor
• Family Support Worker
• Community Health Worker
• Public Health Officer
• Mental Health Worker

Suitable for students at an undergraduate level or above. Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Medical Internship Opportunities in Peru in 2024 & 2025

The physician’s assistant internship program in Peru is ideally suited for pre-med students. Interns primarily shadow, observe and assist local professionals in daily tasks. Longer term interns may rotate between departments to gain wider experience.

Relevant for interns pursuing some of the following careers:

• Physician
• General Practitioner
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Dietitian
• Paramedic
• Anaesthesiologist
• Sonographer
• Medical Scribe

Interns must be able to speak Spanish to an intermediate level.

Suitable for students at pre-med level or above. Minimum Duration: 4 weeks

Medical Internship Opportunities in Costa Rica in 2024

A medical and healthcare internship in Costa Rica involves shadowing and assisting local doctors at rural clinics which focus on general healthcare. Depending on experience, you could be assisting local teams in emergency departments, helping coordinate medical supplies and raising health awareness. Placements for pre-med school interns typically include health support schools, elderly homes, chronic pain clinics, and programs for individuals with disabilities. At these placements, interns assist by supporting nurses and staff. Interns who are at a more advanced level of study have scope to assist alongside local doctors and nurses, typically within rural clinics and/or hospitals. Specific internship activities will always vary on each intern’s experience, as well as the internship duration. Short-term interns can expect to have more of an introductory experience, whereas longer-term participants have more opportunity to establish a foundation of experience and rapport at their placement to build upon.

Relevant for interns pursuing some of the following careers:

• Physician
• General Practitioner
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Radiographer
• Dietitian
• Paramedic
• Anaesthesiologist
• Sonographer
• Medical Scribe

Interns must be able to speak Spanish to an intermediate/advanced level.

Suitable for students at pre-med level or above. Minimum Duration: 4 weeks

Medical Internship Opportunities in Guatemala in 2024

Medical and healthcare internship placements in Guatemala vary, depending upon the educational level of each intern, as well as their chosen duration. Placements for pre-med school interns or students in the early stages of their studies typically include health support schools, elderly homes, and programs for individuals with disabilities. For interns who are in their third year or above at medical school, there is increased scope to be placed alongside local doctors and nurses at rural clinics.

Relevant for interns pursuing some of the following careers:

• Physician
• General Practitioner
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Radiographer
• Dietitian
• Paramedic
• Anaesthesiologist
• Sonographer
• Medical Scribe

Interns must be able to speak Spanish to an intermediate level.

Suitable for students at pre-med level or above. Minimum Duration: 4 weeks

Special Needs Care Internship

If you have the patient, caring disposition required to work with disabled individuals, then an internship can help you to develop other essential attributes for a successful career within the field. While the nature of special needs care and disability support work can be challenging, it may also be deeply rewarding. These internships provide insight into careers related to caring, disability support, therapy, special education and social work.

• Minimum Internship Duration: 2 weeks (up to 24 weeks maximum)
• Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
• Destinations: Peru, Costa Rica
• Availability: Multiple start dates every month
• Program fees from US$815
• Read more about Special Needs Care Internships

Speech Therapy Internship

Undergraduate interns with special education, speech therapy and/or speech pathology skills (including previous internship or shadowing experience, alongside a qualified Language Therapist) are able assist local teachers and provide specialized support to children with mental and/or motor delay.

• Minimum Internship Duration: 4 weeks (up to 24 weeks maximum)
• Language Requirement: Advanced Spanish
• Destination: Cusco, Peru
• Availability: Start dates every Monday
• Program fees from US$790
• Read more about Speech Therapy Internships

Physiotherapy Internship Opportunities

Physiotherapy internships in South Africa, Tanzania and Spain are generally suitable for students who have a strong theoretical background or prior working experience in a rehabilitation setting. This could include a minimum of one year relevant studies, at a college diploma or degree level. Interns should not expect to be directly responsible for patient care or rehabilitation plans but instead assist alongside the local team of professional staff. Occupational Therapy elective placements are also available in Cape Town, South Africa, where interns learn have the opportunity to learn about the techniques and resources which are utilized to promote the wellbeing of people living with injury or disability.

Interns who have an intermediate level of Spanish speaking ability may also consider undertaking their Physiotherapy internship in Latin America - Costa Rica, Guatemala or Peru.

Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish (for Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru only)

• Minimum Internship Duration: 4 weeks (up to 24 weeks maximum)
• Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish (for Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru only)
• Destinations: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, Spain, South Africa, Tanzania
• Availability: multiple start dates every month
• Program fees from US$610
• Read more about Physiotherapy Internships

Minimum duration: 4 weeks (up to 24 weeks maximum)

Psychology Internship Opportunities

Mental disorders can affect people of every nationality; however, the way in which they can be perceived, understood and treated may vary according to different cultural perspectives around the world. Psychology interns assist alongside professional local teams to primarily open their own mind, develop awareness, and gain enhanced insight into diverse socio-economic conditions and philosophies of practice. Psychology internship placements are available in a number of destinations, including Latin America, Europe and Africa. Come prepared to be patient, proactive, and compassionate. Interns should not expect to work independently within this field but gain valuable experience alongside local experts.

• Minimum Internship Duration: 2 weeks (up to 24 weeks maximum)
• Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish (Peru only)
• Destinations: Peru, Spain, South Africa, Tanzania, Zanzibar
• Availability: Multiple start dates every month
• Program fees from US$610
• Read more about Psychology Internships

Dentistry Internship Opportunities

Students at a pre-dentistry school level are eligible to join the Medical internship in Greece, which includes scope to rotate across dental departments of modern hospitals in Athens. These medical electives in Greece are very flexible, with start dates available every week and minimum duration requirements of just two weeks.

For students who have already advanced to the second or final year of their dentistry studies, the internship in Tanzania is a flexible, affordable internship option. On this rewarding dentistry internship in Tanzania, students can gain insight into a wide range of dental health needs, assisting alongside local professionals in their treatment of patients. Dentistry electives in Peru are also suitable for students who are currently in dental school. However, these placements are available for students who speak intermediate to advanced Spanish.

• Minimum Internship Duration: 2 weeks (up to 24 weeks maximum)
• Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish (Peru only)
• Destinations: Peru, Tanzania, Greece
• Availability: Multiple start dates every month
• Program fees from US$610
• Read more about Dentistry Internships

Midwifery Internship Opportunities

The privileged opportunity to elect a midwifery internship is available for students in Peru (Cusco) and Tanzania. Pre-med school students who wish to join this field in Peru must have advanced Spanish language skills and demonstrate a commitment to flexibly assisting alongside experienced local experts. In Tanzania, second to final year nursing students are eligible for the medical elective. The experience is designed to provide students with career insight and enhanced confidence, under the guidance and supervision of medical professionals. A high degree of patience, adaptability and flexibility are required from interns, as there are no “standard business hours” for childbirth! However, a typical schedule also comprises of essential services such as the provision of support, compassion, care and companionship to pregnant women and new mothers.

• Minimum Internship Duration: 2 weeks (up to 24 weeks maximum)
• Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish (Peru only)
• Destination: Peru and Tanzania
• Availability: Multiple start dates every month
• Program fees from US$610
• Read more about Midwifery Internships

Nutrition Internship Opportunities

If you’re passionate about how good nutrition influences health and wellbeing, consider a nutrition internship in Tanzania. Interns should have completed a minimum of one year’s study in a clinical subject that includes components related to nutrition. Interns collaborate alongside local nutritionists and doctors, with the aim of alleviating health complications which are caused from malnutrition. Medical electives within the field of nutrition are usually based within regional clinics & hospitals.

• Minimum Internship Duration: 2 weeks (up to 12 weeks maximum)
• Destination: Tanzania
• Availability: Multiple start dates every month
• Program fees from US$610
• Read more about Nutrition Internships

What does the internship program cover?

Intern Abroad HQ offers guidance for planning your internship, in addition to and pre-departure support for assistance every step of the way. There are two costs that are associated with taking your internship abroad:

1. The registration fee secures your internship program, so that we can confirm your specific placement details and cover the associated. support and planning to get arrangements for you underway.
2. The cost of the program fee depends on the destination you choose and your duration, as it covers essential living costs such as airport pick up, orientation, accommodation, and 24/7 support. Many of the Intern Abroad HQ destinations also include a selection of weekly meals.

It’s important to keep in mind that short-term internship durations are intended to provide an introductory experience. Regardless of which Medical Elective you choose for your internship abroad, you should expect your first week to focus on building the foundations of what you are going to do/develop over the remainder of your stay. This includes gaining an understanding of the healthcare facility’s operation, getting to know the local team, and learning about the local community and culture, to better appreciate their unique healthcare philosophies and challenges. The longer you spend on your internship, the more opportunity you have to develop personally and professionally, increasing the scope of your experience and the outcomes you can achieve.

During all Intern Abroad HQ programs, interns also have access to a guided reflection course which is facilitated throughout the internship. This learning course is based on the model of experiential learning, which encourages internship participants to gain a deeper understanding of how their experience contributes to the acquisition of universally transferable skills. For example, desirable soft skills for employability include communication skills, problem solving ability, critical thinking, cultural intelligence and adaptability. These themes (and many more!) are explored during our internships. The longer you stay, the more themes you’ll have the opportunity to discover and unpack. Add value to your internship experience by choosing an extended duration which will cover greater reflection content to boost your resume and career-preparedness!

Ready to get started? Submit an application and let us know about your skills, experience and ambitions!

Medical Intern Abroad FAQs at a glance:

1. What is the difference between an international medical internship vs. volunteer project?
2. What are the advantages of doing a Medical Internship Abroad?
3. What are the requirements to join?
4. Are there pre-med intern abroad opportunities?
5. What kinds of specialty fields are available?
6. How can I gain academic credit via a Medical internship?
7. How can I learn more about what the experiences are like?
8. What does the intern abroad Program Fee cover?
9. How do I get started?

What is the difference between an international medical internship vs. volunteer project?

[International medical internships] (https://www.internhq.com/internships-by-field/healthcare-and-special-needs/)) and [medical volunteering] (https://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-abroad-projects/medical-and-health/) trips can often be similar, how do you decide which one is best for you?

Internships are great for medical students because they can be tailored to give you course credit, especially if you’re aiming to fulfill a specific number of placement hours. They are more flexible and customizable based on your requirements and interests, and are good options for those looking to gain more tangible benefits focused on your own goals and objectives for personal and professional development.

Medical internships can often be chosen according to specific interests, such as Nutrition, Pharmacy, Midwifery, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and more. This specialization enables interns to select a field which best aligns with their studies, interests and career ambitions. If you’re exploring the career field and learning more about the direction you’d like to take your future studies, a medical internship abroad can also shed light on how medical careers come to life outside the classroom.

On Medical volunteer programs, volunteers should come prepared to help where needed and maintain an adaptable mentality. Given that volunteers are asked to altruistically assist where the most need for help is, activities may be less aligned to your own goals and desired learning outcomes. It may be less possible to specify your particular requirements and preferences and - while interns are also required to be flexible and adapt - this may be even more evident for medical volunteers.

Unless you have a strong preference for either a medical internship or a medical volunteer experience, then the best approach for deciding what is right for you is to consider them equally and concentrate more on finding a program that appeals to you the most. This may take into consideration the destination options that are available for both medical volunteer and medical internships abroad. Regardless of whether you participate as an intern or volunteer, it’s important to keep in mind that your level of skill and expertise will always influence the activities you’re permitted to do. Both medical interns and medical volunteers should not expect to be hands on or directly responsible for patients if they are not qualified to do so. Often, the role may be primarily focused on shadowing and observing local professionals, as they guide you throughout the experience.

What are the advantages of doing a Medical Internship Abroad?

Staying at home to do your medical internship is great, but a medical internship abroad gives you the opportunity to observe foreign healthcare systems and appreciate different approaches to addressing complex healthcare issues. It’s a fantastic way to give you a fully rounded appreciation of medicine and even develop second language skills to boost your career. Your willingness to travel to get that unique insight looks great on your resume!

The acquisition of cultural intelligence, increased confidence and essential soft skills, are key reasons why international internship experiences are highly valued and rewarding. Soft skills are also invaluable to employers. Competencies related to resilience, emotional intelligence, adaptability and communication are often the biggest gaps in graduate credentials. If you want to excel in a career related to healthcare, then you need to ensure you’re pursuing opportunities to boost these real-world interpersonal skills.

Medical internships are available worldwide. From destinations with state of the art technology, to those where healthcare facilities can be more under-resourced, traveling abroad for your internship can provide a more comprehensive understanding of culture, global diversity and nuanced challenges.

Wherever you go, come prepared to learn and connect with the local communities that open their doors to you. Medical interns often have the opportunity to make a difference through their contribution. However, the emphasis of the experience will be on how the internship placement creates space for personal growth within a supportive environment. Be ready to learn, observe, ask questions, collaborate, and discover new approaches and ideas which enrich your knowledge and education!

What are the requirements to join?

Intern Abroad HQ Medical and Healthcare internships are available for participants with relevant training and experience. This may include pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-dental, and other various pre-health disciplines. Students who are already taking part in Medical/Nursing school (any year of study) and fully qualified recent graduates are also welcome! If you’re interested in a Medical or Healthcare orientated internship and aren’t sure if your qualifications are in line with internship opportunities, the best place to start is to get in touch and ask questions. You’ll be guided and provided with relevant information that pertains to your interests and motivations.

Are there pre-med intern abroad opportunities?

Intern Abroad HQ Medical and Healthcare internships are available for participants with relevant training and experience. This may include pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-dental, and other various pre-health disciplines. Students who are already taking part in Medical/Nursing school (any year of study) and fully qualified recent graduates are also welcome! If you’re interested in a Medical or Healthcare orientated internship and aren’t sure if your qualifications are in line with internship opportunities, the best place to start is to get in touch and ask questions. You’ll be guided and provided with relevant information that pertains to your interests and motivations.

What kinds of specialty fields are available?

Intern Abroad HQ offers internship placements related to Health Sciences, across a range of focus areas - for example:

• Dentistry
• Food Science & Nutrition
• Medical & Healthcare
• Physical Therapy
• Public Health
• Sport & Exercise Science

Within each of these categories, certain specialization areas may be available. For example, within the field related to Medical & Healthcare internships, diverse options can be selected, such as Emergency Services, Nursing, Medical, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and more.

Pre-med school students can gain an informative introductory experience within a number of destinations. However, if there’s a specific area of interest you want to focus on and are above a pre-med level, we can also point you in the right direction.

If interests span into fields related to Social Sciences, internship placements are also available in areas such as Education, Law, Human Rights Support, Psychology, and Social Work.

How can I gain academic credit via a Medical internship?

International medical electives serve as a valuable learning tool for students and even qualified healthcare professionals alike.If you’re looking for a medical internship or elective placement in order to gain course credit or fulfill study requirements, it’s important to first understand the criteria you need to complete. For example, it may be completing a certain number of experiential learning hours or ensuring that you’re exposed to specific activities to complement your theoretical knowledge.

While narrowing down your search for the perfect internship, be sure to communicate exactly what your requirements are for the internship. Intern Abroad HQ can advise students accordingly and ensure that learning goals are prioritized. Just keep in mind that internship activities within the medical field are always subject to the variables of patient flow and patient needs. Therefore, sometimes, activities and day-to-day routines can be a little unpredictable. In all cases students who participate in a medical internship abroad should prepare to engage as flexibly and proactively as possible.

If you wish to obtain academic credit via your internship with Intern Abroad HQ, there are multiple options. You could save thousands of dollars in tuition fees by gaining course credits via one of the available School of Record partnerships. The average number of internship hours per week varies by program, but generally 40-45 internship hours equates to 1 week of interning. The longer your internship abroad, the more credits you stand to gain. Just enroll for your internship, select the additional tuition add-on, and you’re on the right track!

After you have completed your international internship, you will receive an unofficial transcript from one of Intern Abroad HQ’s Schools of Record. The transcript will include a course code, number of credits earned, and a letter grade, which would be based on submitted assignments throughout the internship. Official transcripts can be requested for easy credit transfer back to your home institution, including outside the US if your institution accepts US transcripts. Learn more here or contact {Intern Abroad HQ](https://www.internhq.com/course-credit-and-academic-requirements/#contact-form) to discuss how you can receive academic credit for your international internship.

How can I learn more about what the experiences are like?

We understand that it’s important to enhance your understanding of an internship abroad, by learning more through the stories and experiences of others. Intern Abroad HQ believes in the power of storytelling, and especially encourages participants to articulate themselves, to articulate their own strengths, challenges, and developmental journeys. Learn more about International Medical Internships through some examples:

• Reaffirming my passions on a Neonatal Care & Children’s Health internship in Tanzania by Rianna Martin. Read here
• The empowerment I gained by interning in Argentina by Fiona Foley. Read here
• My advice for future Physical Therapy interns in South Africa by Diana Garcia. [Read here] (https://www.internhq.com/blog/my-advice-for-future-physical-therapy-interns-in-south-africa/)
• What to expect on a Physical Therapy internship in Greece by Jennifer Mizota. Read here
• What is a Psychology internship in Zanzibar really like? Here’s my inside scoop! By Mia MacAdam. Read here
• A life-changing experience in Guatemala with my Medical internship by Dallin Buck. [Read here] (https://www.internhq.com/blog/a-life-changing-experience-in-guatemala-with-my-medical-internship/)
• A Year After: Reflecting Upon My Clinical Psychology Internship in Zanzibar by Ihssan El Mokrie El Idrissi. Read here
• Explore more stories here!

What does the intern abroad Program Fee cover?

Intern Abroad HQ offers guidance for planning your internship, in addition to pre-departure support for assistance at every step. Similar to study abroad packages, international internships have a Program Fee in place, since living expenses and support need to be covered when you’re abroad. For example, an internship Program Fee package includes arrangement of your internship placement, pre-departure support, airport pick-up, orientation, in-country support, an experiential learning framework, accommodation and - in some cases - meals may also be provided during the experience. (If you’re still wondering why you should pay for an international internship placement, click here).

The cost of an intern abroad Program Fee depends on a number of variables:

• The destination you choose. Some locations are more affordable than others, since the cost of living varies around the world.
• The Program Fee inclusions. Some internships include select meals and some do not.
• Your chosen internship duration. The longer you stay, the higher the Program Fee, since it covers accommodation. If you wish to secure a more economical Program Fee for your internship experience, then consider a short-term program.

The Program Fee payment to intern abroad is usually covered in two installments:

1. Pay a deposit, to secure your participation. This is the first step. The deposit payment serves as the first installment of your total Program Fee cost. The sooner you pay the deposit to confirm your participation, the better, since advance planning is often associated with better budgeting and a smoother experience.

2. Pay the remaining balance of your Program Fee secondarily. If you plan in advance, then you may qualify for an interest-free payment plan, designed to make your Program Fee payments more manageable and stress-free. Just ensure that you plan your international internship in advance, to take full advantage. Learn more here.

How do I get started?

Intern Abroad HQ offers medical internships for students, recent graduates, gap-year takers, and young professionals. These internships are available year-round, so it’s easy to schedule a program when it works for you. You can also choose your own duration, so you don’t have to worry about aligning this experience within certain date periods. Applications are always open, so submit an application for free. This will be received as a formal expression of interest. You will then have a Program Manager reply to you, outlining more information about the next steps. If you prefer to have a consultation and discuss options, no problem! Just let your Program Manager know and they can provide guidance, taking the process one step at a time.