Our Medical Internships are among the most popular projects we offer, and for good reason. Medicine interns travel to the world’s most incredible destinations, develop skills, and provide medical care and education to those who need it.
When you do a Medical Internship abroad, you gain more than just experience. During your trip, you’ll be immersed in a different culture, helping you build confidence, independence, and empathy. Create lifelong memories with fellow interns as you explore a new country.
Plus, we have medical internships available for all ages 14+ in a range of different fields, from general medicine to occupational therapy and even nutrition. Help your personal and professional development with one of our five best medical internships abroad!
Why Should you do a Medical Internship abroad?
Internships are the best way to learn the practical skills needed to work in healthcare, and there are many reasons why you might want to go abroad for it. By doing a medical internship abroad, you can:
- find out whether healthcare is the right field for you
- gain exposure to different medical settings and specialisms
- understand how healthcare professionals operate with limited resources
- build soft skills like leadership, communication, and resilience
- develop cultural competence by working with people from different backgrounds
- learn about health issues and diseases that may not be prevalent in your home country
- discover what you’re capable of and gain new confidence
- make connections, enhance your CV, and open up a world of opportunities
Which Medical Internship is right for you?
- Aged 14-18? Choose a High School Programme Medicine Internship to give you early exposure to the medical field and boost your university application. No prior experience needed!
- Aged 16+ and considering a career in medicine and healthcare? While some Medicine Internships come with requirements, many do not, besides an interest in healthcare and a willingness to learn.
- Medical student? Choose a Medical Elective that will be tailored to your experience level, with opportunities to complete more complicated work. Do a medical student internship abroad to gain the experience you need to graduate.
In terms of where to travel, that’s entirely up to you. Many of our medical projects provide access to unique specialisms and wards, or you may simply have a preference on which country you’d like to visit!
1) Medical Internship Nepal
Home to the world’s tallest and most spectacular mountains, Nepal is a uniquely spiritual and awe-inspiring place. You’ll be based in either Kathmandu or Chitwan.
Kathmandu is a sprawling city of around three million. Healthcare resources there are often spread thin, especially in rural areas, where your help will be much appreciated.
Chitwan is Nepal’s medical hotspot, being a magnet for the region’s top doctors. This is a fantastic place to intern if you’re looking to learn from the best to advance your studies or career. It’s also on the doorstep of Chitwan National Park, where you can spot amazing animals like tigers, rhinos, and sloth bears.
Highlights
- Help provide crucial support to hospitals in Kathmandu
- Work alongside renowned medical staff in Chitwan
- Offer health checkups and advice to citizens in rural areas
- Marvel at the majesty of the Himalayas
- Explore ancient temples and visit a national park
- Interact with other interns in one of our most popular destinations
- Unique features: access to nephrology, oncology, and pathology
2) Nursing Internship Peru
The Amazon Rainforest covers 60% of Peru, making it a country of incredible biodiversity. With a rugged landscape comprising forests, mountains, coastlines, and deserts, it’s hard for everyone to receive adequate healthcare. That’s why interns like you are needed.
Medicine interns are based in the mystical city of Cusco, which was the capital of the Incan Empire. Wander ancient streets that drape across the Andes Mountains. This is also a common starting point for anyone wishing to visit the spectacular site of Machu Picchu.
Cusco’s hospitals and health centres tend to be busy and understaffed. Infectious disease is a major challenge here. You’ll observe first-hand how medical professionals are working to keep the population safe with limited resources.
Note: You don’t need medical experience to complete this internship. However, you should speak intermediate Spanish to communicate with hospital staff and patients.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in a fast-paced medical environment
- Provide free checkups to patients who can’t afford them
- A chance to perfect your Spanish language skills in a clinical setting
- Live in incredible mountain scenery
- Walk through the canopy of the Amazon Rainforest
- Visit Machu Picchu – one of the world’s most famous wonders
- Unique features: a specialist project with a focus on nursing, with the chance to work in obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics
3) Physiotherapy Internship Cambodia
A charming combination of ancient temples, modern shopping centres, and local marketplaces, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s lively capital. As a physiotherapy intern, you’ll be based in one of the city’s large hospitals, where there’s always a demand for your help and support.
This is one of our most popular destinations that has been home to countless happy memories. Cambodian people are peace-loving, kind-hearted, and welcoming. It’s also a country with a tragic history that you’ll no doubt learn about in museums. Your leisure time will involve a trip to the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex.
You can join this project at any time because it runs year-round. Take advantage of this flexibility and gain physiotherapy experience in a completely new environment.
Note: Unlike some other projects, the Physiotherapy Internship in Cambodia requires at least two years of physiotherapy training or experience. It is perfect for those already studying physiotherapy or working in a healthcare setting, as you will have a lot of autonomy during this internship.
Highlights
- Suitable for more experienced physiotherapy students and trainees
- Work in busy, modern hospitals
- Shadow English-speaking physiotherapists
- Complete basic treatment plans and patient files
- Support the training efforts of new, local staff
- Trek in the jungle or spot dolphins on the beach
- Explore the sublime and spiritual Angkor Wat
- Unique features: Gain real experience in your specific field to boost your employability back home
4) Midwifery Internship Ghana
Ghana is one of Africa’s most peaceful and welcoming countries. With a proud West African identity and flourishing cities, you’ll quickly come to love the local culture. As a Midwifery intern, you can either stay in the capital, Accra, working in a large hospital, or head for the countryside.
In the Akuapem Hills, you’ll be surrounded by rich red dirt and lush green vegetation. This offers a quieter experience than Accra, but a connection to the rural communities of Ghana. The villagers are fun-loving, throwing street festivities that revolve around delicious food.
You’ll observe and assist qualified midwives in local hospitals, gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of your field. You’ll also participate in community outreach programmes, where you can deliver essential aid to pregnant women and families.
Ghana is also home to a range of other popular projects, giving you a chance to connect with other volunteers and interns during your stay.
Highlights
- No experience needed
- Shadow and ask questions to experienced midwives
- Work in an English-speaking country
- Help educate locals on living a healthy lifestyle
- Learn about conditions you won’t see back home
- Dance to local music or explore slave forts in Cape Coast
- Cross the jungle canopy in Kakum National Park
- Unique features: The chance to work specifically in midwifery while encountering tropical diseases, like malaria or ringworm.
5) Medicine Internship in Tanzania
Home to the world’s most incredible wildlife, including the African Big Five, Tanzania is the ideal country for animal fans. You’ll live in the city of Arusha, working in a health clinic or hospital. Although it’s a built-up urban area, you’ll be at the gateway to some of Africa’s most scenic national parks.
There is a great need for Medical interns in Arusha. Here, hospitals are often poorly maintained, understaffed, and under-resourced. Your help will be hugely appreciated, but expect a fast-paced, busy environment.
Weekend safaris and hikes around Kilimanjaro are the perfect way to relieve stress.
Highlights
- No medical experience necessary
- Provide support where it’s most needed
- Give checkups to those who can’t afford them
- Understand the state of healthcare in less fortunate nations
- Live surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery
- Spot lions, elephants, and more on a safari
- Unique features: Chance to shadow a burns unit, family planning, pharmacy, and more
Next steps for aspiring interns
Ready to start your journey towards becoming a Medical intern? We’ll support you every step of the way.
The best thing to do next is to get in touch with our Project Experts. If you explain exactly what you’re looking to get out of your medical internship, including any specific fields you want to work in and your ultimate goal, they can help find the perfect project for you.
Then, fill in your application form, pay your deposit to secure your space, and start planning for the trip of a lifetime!
Fill in the form below to get started: