HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL
If you are studying for a career in healthcare, you can gain valuable experience within different healthcare systems when you participate in a healthcare or medical internship placement & practicums with Kaya.
Healthcare & Medical Internship
When you take part in a Kaya healthcare or medical internship, you ensure you are participating in ethical, supported placements where you will learn, through observation and experience, within a new and different healthcare system. Working with local practitioners you will gain insight into different approaches to preventative health, treatment, and patient care, varying levels of technology and resources, and cultural influences on the field. VIEW PROJECTS
What Can You Do in the Field of Health?
At Kaya, we work alongside a wide range of health programs to offer you a great choice of healthcare and medical internships, placements, and practicums that align with your studies.
All Kaya health and medical internships are customized to ensure your placement aligns with your training, that you are working under professional supervision, and that you don’t practice in any activities that you are not already qualified for.
Opportunities include supporting local clinical teams in community hospitals and clinics, assisting nutritional education initiatives focussed on improving community health, working in laboratories, processing important tests, and placements within various areas of health specialism – from dentistry to physical therapy. Outside of traditional medicine, we also offer internships in therapeutic areas such as art, dance, equine therapies, and public health initiatives.
Whether you are looking to satisfy an elective, a rotation, or a practicum, or just gain some work experience, our internships offer options for students in the fields of family medicine, pre-med, emergency care, nursing, public health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, midwifery, women’s health, pharmacy, dentistry, nutrition, pediatrics, mental health and more. Speak to a placement advisor about your requirements, and let us find the best options for you!
Who Should Consider a Healthcare and Medical Placement?
The experience of interning within a different country’s healthcare system can provide valuable insight into different conditions, treatment approaches and that you can add to your resume
Consider participating in a healthcare internship placement if you are studying in any field of health, including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, nutrition, therapy, or public health.
If your studies require a practicum, rotation, or placement, an international healthcare internship can be a great way to fulfill requirements while gaining global healthcare experience.
Our placement advisors will work with you to find the best opportunity by discussing your goals and expectations and matching you with the perfect placement.
The Benefits of Doing your Medical Internship Placement Abroad
The medical and health sectors offer invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth when working abroad. Here are some of the benefits of an international healthcare placement:
Compare the standards of medical practice between your host country and your home country.
Enhance your professional network by building connections in your field.
Discover new techniques and methods used abroad.
Observe illnesses and treatments not commonly seen at home.
Understand the impact of cultural customs on medical practices.
Boost your CV by demonstrating new skills, language proficiency, and cross-cultural adaptability.
Develop resilience and flexibility by overcoming cultural challenges in a foreign environment.
Enjoy exploring a new country and experiencing a new culture.
Observe how healthcare teams work effectively in low-resource settings and, for qualified participants, participate in routine tasks and patient care.
Make a positive impact by lending a hand in areas facing shortages of resources and personnel.
Experienced Medical and Healthcare Individuals
Qualified Healthcare professionals with training and experience are in high demand to help support local healthcare facilities and staff in some of our locations. To comply with global standards, you will be required to register with the relevant medical council for the country you’ll be traveling to.
We can help you with the local requirements, once you have discussed your expectations and skills with a Kaya placement advisor using the button below.
REQUEST A CALLBACKMedical and Healthcare Ethical Stance
At Kaya, ethical considerations are key in the placement of our students. We strive to create meaningful experiences for both our participants and the communities in which we work. Our commitment to “do no harm” ensures the protection of patients’ rights while following best practices in global healthcare to support local medical professionals. Learn more about ethical standards in international healthcare volunteering by reading our ethics section.
To read more about Kaya’s approach to ethical practices in medical and healthcare internship placements | Download here.
Whatever your experience level, join a Kaya healthcare internship today, and provide overworked staff, patients, and communities with an extra pair of hands; meanwhile developing your own skills and competencies for the benefit of your healthcare career.
Other types of Healthcare and Medical Internship placements
Our Health Sciences Internships
Gain some experience in Educational Psychology abroad!
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Enhance your learning, develop your skills and jumpstart your career by joining this physiotherapy internship in Vietnam!
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Take part in a Psychology and Social Work Internship in Ecuador and develop your skills and gain experience abroad
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Join the nursing and medical internship in South Africa, shadow professionals locally to develop your own skills and learn about healthcare.
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Intern on this Community Health and Hygiene Education placement in Uganda and contribute to local public health challenges affecting school-aged children.
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Join our public healthcare internship in South Africa and get involved in a local community while developing your professional skills and learning about healthcare in an African context.
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Join our occupational therapy internship in South Africa placement and get involved in a local community while learning about a different other than your own.
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Ghana Physiotherapist internship is based in a local community supporting treatment centres and dedicated athletes as well as local professional and students.
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Experience health promotion and community development through this internship by assisting local staff with the daily challenges facing residents
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Develop your practical and theoretical skills as a professional on this Medical and Healthcare Internship in Vietnam
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Develop your practical and theoretical skills as a professional on this Occupational Therapy Internship in Vietnam at a recovery centre
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Use your medical training and join an internship at a district hospital in Chiang Mai and learn about healthcare provision in Thailand.
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If you are interested in community development with a health focus then this rural public health volunteering placement is perfect for you.
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Volunteer in Belize and lend a hand in public hospitals and clinics that serve the local citizens, regardless of their income.
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Health Sciences FAQs
What kinds of internships are there for public health majors?
Public health majors can choose from internships in areas such as health promotion, hygiene education, community health outreach, public healthcare policy, and research support. With Kaya Responsible Travel, you might support local staff in monitoring health challenges, organising education campaigns, working in clinics, or assisting with data collection as part of global health initiatives that strengthen community well-being.
Where can I do my medical internship?
Medical internships with Kaya are available in partner hospitals, clinics and healthcare centres around the world — including countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. You’ll work under supervision of local professionals, gaining insight into healthcare in a community context.
Is a medical internship paid?
Medical and healthcare internships abroad are normally unpaid because they focus on learning, observation and community benefit rather than employment. At Kaya Responsible Travel, the emphasis is on ethical placements that respect local healthcare systems and support learning. While you won’t receive a salary, some programs may include benefits such as accommodation or meals. Most importantly, you’ll gain skills, field experience, and cultural understanding.
What age can I do healthcare internships?
Kaya’s internship placements require participants to be at least 18 years old and have an interest or background in health-related studies. Some placements may also require relevant coursework or previous experience in medical or public health settings. Kaya’s placement team will help you find a program that matches your level of study and ensures you can contribute safely and meaningfully to local healthcare projects.
What should I expect from an internship in the health department?
In a health-department or public health internship you’ll assist with education campaigns, community outreach, clinic support and patient interactions. You’ll receive orientation, supervision and mentorship as part of the program. The experience emphasises ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and working alongside local professionals to strengthen healthcare services.
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.