Explore Medical Internships Abroad

Medical internships give students and recent graduates hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge practically. These internships cover various specialities, including nursing, and provide a solid understanding of the healthcare field.

Available worldwide, they offer the chance to work in diverse environments and experience different cultures. This global exposure helps interns develop their skills and build a network of professional contacts.       

Healthcare internships primarily accept undergraduates or graduates studying in relevant medical fields.

This requirement ensures interns enter with purpose, inquiry, and passion, as these positions demand hands-on experience. Fields offering such internships include nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and traditional medicine.       

Why medical internships abroad?

Medical and healthcare internships offer numerous benefits, including: 

• International experience (novelty)
• Professional work (in-depth experience)
• Contributing to the organization’s mission  (making a change & growing professionally) 
• Great for resume 
• Networking opportunities
• Exposure to diverse healthcare practices and systems

Types of Healthcare Internships Abroad 

Pre-medical internships abroad 

• A pre-med student usually studies biology, chemistry, and physics, and often participates in extracurricular activities such as volunteering at hospitals or clinics. An internship for a pre-med student typically involves working in a medical setting, where they can observe healthcare professionals, assist with basic tasks, and learn more about patient care. When interning abroad, pre-med students might work in diverse environments, such as rural clinics or urban hospitals, gaining an introduction to different healthcare systems and medical practices. These experiences not only enhance their medical knowledge but also develop their cultural competence and adaptability. 

Nursing internships abroad 

• A nursing student focuses on learning how to provide patient care, studying anatomy, pharmacology, and patient assessment. They often participate in clinical rotations, where they practice skills in real healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced nurses. An internship for a nursing student involves hands-on patient care, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities. Abroad, nursing students might work in various healthcare settings. These internships help them develop practical skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work in diverse environments. Nursing students' internships are focused on direct patient care and daily nursing responsibilities.

Physical therapy internships abroad 

• Physical therapy students learn how to help patients recover from injuries and improve their physical mobility, studying subjects like anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic techniques. During their internships, they work with patients to create and implement rehabilitation plans, often assisting with exercises and using specialized equipment. An internship abroad for physical therapy students might involve working in diverse settings such as hospitals, sports clinics, or community health centers. These international experiences provide unique insights into different rehabilitation methods and cultural approaches to healthcare. 

HIV prevention internships abroad

• An HIV prevention internship abroad involves working with communities to educate people about HIV, promote safe practices, and support those affected by the virus. Interns might participate in outreach programs, conduct educational workshops, and collaborate with local healthcare providers. This work is crucial because it helps reduce the spread of HIV and improves public health outcomes. What makes this internship unique is the chance to see firsthand the challenges and successes of global health initiatives.

 

Find out more about types of internships abroad here.

Types of organizations

Medical internships with government programs 

• These internships often take place in large, public hospitals or clinics where interns assist with patient care, follow health protocols, and support public health initiatives. They offer structured training and exposure to national health systems and policies. Compared to NGOs, these programs are more regulated and focus on implementing government health strategies.

Medical internships with NGOs

• Internships with NGOs usually involve working in smaller, community-based clinics or mobile health units, where interns help with a range of services from basic care to health education. These internships often focus on underserved populations and grassroots health projects, providing a more flexible and hands-on experience.

Medical internships in rural and urban areas 

• In urban areas, internships are typically in large hospitals with specialized departments and advanced medical technology, while rural internships are often in smaller clinics or community health centers with a broader range of responsibilities and limited resources. Urban internships offer more specialized training, while rural internships provide general care and community involvement.

Popular destinations for medical internships 

Medical internship in India 

• India is a top choice for medical internships due to its diverse healthcare settings, from high-tech hospitals to rural clinics, offering interns a wide range of experiences and medical cases.

Medical internship in South Africa 

• South Africa is known for its unique combination of advanced medical facilities and underserved communities, providing interns with a broad perspective on healthcare disparities and solutions.

Medical internship in Thailand

• Thailand attracts interns with its mix of modern hospitals and traditional practices, along with the opportunity to work in vibrant, diverse communities.

Medical internship in Spain 

• Spain is favored for its well-structured healthcare system and the chance to work in both urban and rural settings, providing a balanced view of European healthcare practices.

Medical internship in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka offers interns a rich experience in both urban hospitals and rural clinics, emphasizing public health initiatives and community care in a culturally unique setting.

 

Medical internship programs by RealStep

Local clinic in the Philippines 

• This nursing and medical internship in the Philippines offers a unique opportunity to support understaffed rural clinics in the Tacloban region. Adapted to individual qualifications, interns engage in tasks such as medical assessments, assisting in minor surgeries, and participating in health outreach programs. Working in a local NGO, this experience provides valuable insights into healthcare challenges in developing countries, allowing interns to contribute meaningfully while gaining hands-on experience in their field. 

 

Medical internship in Namibia  

• This nursing internship in Eastern Namibia offers participants the chance to gain valuable field experience while contributing to the UN's goal of universal healthcare access. Located in a small rural clinic in the heart of a San and Herero community, interns assist local medical professionals in providing essential care to a village of about 500 people. Tasks range from basic first aid and patient consultations to assisting in outreach programs and supporting community health initiatives. Open to volunteers of all experience levels.

 

Nursing internship in Thailand   

• RealStep offers a nursing internship in Thailand that provides healthcare professionals and aspiring medical students with the chance to gain experience. Located in a rural clinic near Surin, participants engage in diagnosing and treating local patients, conducting home visits, and leading hygiene and prevention workshops. With a focus on improving healthcare standards in under-equipped areas, interns work closely with local medical staff to address a range of conditions, from diabetes to injuries related to agricultural work. This program provides valuable insights into the Thai healthcare system while allowing volunteers to make a lasting impact on communities.

 

Medical internship in Bali    

• A medical internship in Indonesia offers students a unique opportunity to gain experience in the healthcare field. Located in Bali, the program includes two distinct experiences: health education and prevention workshops in rural Ubud schools, and hands-on assistance in local hospitals and villages with access to medical care. Interns will work alongside local healthcare professionals, conducting first aid and hygiene workshops, performing medical examinations, and learning about Balinese culture through full immersion in the community.

 

Discover more medical internships abroad by RealStep here.

Medical internships abroad: questions, requirements & funding 

What to ask organizations

• Support: What kind of support will be provided during the internship?
• What to expect: What are the specific duties and responsibilities of the internship role?
• Application process: What are the eligibility requirements for applying to the internship?
• Housing: What are the living conditions like, and how far is it from the internship site?
• Expenses: What are the expected costs, including housing, transportation, and meals?
• Career: Will there be opportunities to network with professionals in the field?

Requirements to enter a medical internship

• Education/ required degree/level
• Application process 
• Availability (duration, working hours,…)
• Work visa (not common)
• Resume / Cover letter
• Budget estimate 

Funding your medical internship

• Most internships require a budget that does not always cover the full range of expenses associated with your trip. At RealStep, the registration fee includes essential costs such as breakfast, lunch during the week, airport reception, and accommodation. Participants have the flexibility to choose the duration of their stay, with longer programs incurring higher costs. Candidates need to budget additional funds for personal expenses, such as meals outside of the provided lunch and any other activities or purchases they may wish to make.  

 

To manage these additional expenses, there are several strategies to save money, such as budgeting carefully and seeking out affordable local dining options. Choosing RealStep ensures you are investing in a well-structured program with transparent pricing, making it easier to plan and ration out your funds effectively for a valuable international experience.

 

FAQs

What organizations provide affordable internship opportunities abroad for medical students?

• Many organizations provide affordable internship opportunities abroad for medical students, but RealStep stands out for its commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. RealStep's mission is to improve the world step by step, student by student, by offering impactful and affordable medical internships. With flexible program durations, such as 4-10 week stays in the Philippines, RealStep provides a range of options to fit different schedules and budgets. The organization guarantees participants a well-rounded experience, hands-on medical practice, and cultural immersion. RealStep’s solid foundation is reflected in the numerous testimonials from past participants. By choosing RealStep, medical students not only enhance their clinical skills but also develop a global perspective, making them compassionate healthcare providers. The organization’s dedication to quality ensures that every aspect of the internship is carefully managed for maximum benefit. 

What are the suggestions for Medical internships in European countries?

• The top three most common suggestions for medical internships in Europe are Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Spain is often the top choice for students because it offers a unique blend of clinical experience and cultural immersion, with the added benefit of learning medical Spanish. Germany is chosen for its high standards in healthcare and research opportunities, while the UK attracts students with its world-renowned hospitals and diverse patient care environments. These internships not only enhance medical skills but also provide valuable cross-cultural experiences.       

Can I do my medical internship in Canada?

• Canada is a great place to choose for an internship in many medical fields because of its advanced healthcare system and diverse patient population. However, RealStep does not currently offer medical internships in Canada. Instead, our organization provides internships in other fields within Canada, but not in medicine. For medical students, we offer internships in over 10 different countries worldwide, ensuring a wide range of global experiences.       

 

Conclusion

Overall, RealStep is an excellent choice for your internship. Here is what to consider:

• Exploring the global locations 
• Budget 
• Duration of stay 
• Application process
• Networking and skill opportunities 
• Enthusiasm and preparation