Medical Electives in Asia 2026

Asia is one of the most beautiful continents in the world, housing impressive beaches, modern cities, paradise islands, and delicious cuisines. If you're considering applying for a medical internship abroad, Asia is a wonderful starting point and there are plenty of meaningful electives to choose from!

Travelling abroad for an internship provides you with skills and experience unattainable anywhere else. Med Trips believes in finding the perfect opportunity for every aspiring intern, so you can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity regardless of external circumstances. 

But with so many medical electives to choose from, how can you pick the right one? This guide will help you choose a medical internship in Asia, so you can get started on your biggest and most impactful journey yet. 

Medical Electives in Cambodia 

Nepal is located in Mainland Southeast Asia, next to Thailand and Vietnam. Our medical electives are based in Phnom Penh, a city of wondrous contrasts. Busy traffic, bustling tourist hotspots, vibrant markets and colonial French architecture are just some of the sights you’ll be able to explore during your internship. Through our medical electives in Cambodia, you’ll get the opportunity to shadow professionals, assist with procedures and make a meaningful contribution to the local community. 

Interns in Phnom Penh have the opportunity to choose between staying at our shared intern house, with a host family, or in a family-operated guest house. Deciding whether your primary goal is to immerse yourself in local culture or meet new people from all walks of life will help you choose the best accommodation. 

Places to Explore and Things to Do in Cambodia

Your weekends are for exploring the country. Some of the most popular recommendations include: 

• Siem Reap: Take a weekend excursion and explore the Angkor Wat ruins, admire the beautiful carvings and soak in the aura of Bayon and Ta Prohm. 
• Mekong River Cruise: Get a glimpse of everything Cambodia has to offer with a cruise through Phnom Penh and beyond. 
• Sihanoukville: Take a four-hour bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, where you can explore its turquoise waters and relax along the white sandy beaches. 

Medical Electives in India

India is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for medical internships thanks to its vibrant and diverse environment. Our electives are based in Delhi and Jaipur, so you have the opportunity to explore both cities and choose the one you’re most excited about. No matter whether you decide on the bustling energy of Delhi or the pink-washed palaces of Jaipur, India provides a unique backdrop for an unforgettable medical internship. 

When applying for one of our medical electives in India, you’ll get a choice of your accommodation. We provide a hostel placement for interns in Delhi, which keeps you close to iconic landmarks like the Lotus Temple and Khan Market. Jaipur boasts several welcoming host families, or the opportunity to book a room in our intern home. 

Places to Explore and Things to Do in India

During your downtime, here are some of the top exploration recommendations:

• Taj Mahal: Just a few hours away from Delhi, visit one of the most iconic landmarks and experience a sunset or sunrise illuminating the white marble. 
• Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk: Dive into the heart of Delhi’s bustling bazaars and sample street food, visit the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit.  
• Ranthambore National Park: Travel a few hours away from Jaipur for an opportunity to spot wild tigers, leopards, deer and exotic birdlife. 

Medical Electives in Nepal

Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, is a country full of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Our medical electives in Nepal are based in Kathmandu, the nation’s capital, where ancient temples and busy street markets meet modern hospitals and clinics. Through our medical electives, you’ll have the opportunity to explore pre-med, nursing, medical and radiography avenues. 

Our interns are able to stay in a shared house in Bafal, just a 10-minute drive from Thamel. This is the lively heart of Kathmandu, known for its tourist attractions, shops and restaurants. The house offers all the basic amenities needed to keep you comfortable during your stay, with the added opportunity to meet some amazing people. 

Places to Explore and Things to Do in Nepal

During your stay, we recommend you check out: 

• Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, this temple offers unique sights of the Bagmati River and a feeling of cultural reflection and zen. 
• Boudhanath Stupa: Explore one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, with its serene atmosphere and local rituals you’re able to observe.
• Nagarkot: Just a short drive from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is the ideal hiking location, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. 

Medical Electives in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is often called the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, and is lined with gorgeous golden beaches, lush rainforests, and plenty of culture to explore. We base our medical electives in Galle, a historical coastal city in the south of the island. Famous for its UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort and tropical beaches, interns get an ideal balance of personal and professional development. 

No matter which of our medical electives in Sri Lanka you choose, you’ll get the opportunity to stay in our beachside shared house. Overlooking Unawatuna Beach, our shared accommodation features 25 bedrooms over two locations, all with en-suites and private balconies to offer the most relaxing, rewarding experience possible. 

Places to Explore and Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Between intern responsibilities, you’ll have the opportunity to explore: 

• Galle Fort: Wander through cobbled streets lined with colonial architecture, boutique cafes, and ocean views around Galle Fort.
• Yala National Park: This is one of Sri Lanka’s top safari destinations, known for its leopards, elephants and a flurry of bird species.
• Kandy and the Hill Country: Take the scenic train journey inland to explore several waterfalls, tea plantations, and the cultural capital of Kandy–home to the Temple of the Tooth. 

Medical Electives in Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, making it a welcoming destination for visiting interns. Our medical electives in Thailand are based in Chiang Mai, a charming city nestled within the northern mountains and surrounded by temples. It’s known for its slower pace compared to Bangkok, making it an ideal destination for interns who want to balance their clinical learning with relaxation and cultural immersion. 

Med Trips provides accommodation in two intern homes in Chiang Mai, both in close proximity to the vibrant heart of the city. They’re fully equipped with amenities such as WiFi, complete kitchens, washing facilities, air conditioning, and more. The local coordinating team is on hand should you ever need advice or support. 

Places to Explore and Things to Do in Thailand

The top things for interns to explore in Thailand include: 

• Doi Suthep Temple: This golden temple sits on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, and is one of Thailand’s most sacred sites to marvel at and tour. 
• Pai: Travel a few hours away from Chiang Mai to Pai, a scenic mountain town, and immerse yourself in the incredible vibe, waterfalls and rice fields.
• Elephant Nature Park: Learn about Thailand’s elephant and wildlife conservation efforts at this renowned ethical sanctuary, and get to see these gentle giants up close. 

Medical Electives in Vietnam

Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, and our medical elective programs are based in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest and busiest city. Interns who choose to visit get to experience the buzzing city for themselves, making it perfect if you’re seeking a fast-paced and culturally rich experience. See Saigon’s fascinating blend of modern skyscrapers, historic French colonial architecture, and fascinating street life up close and personal with a medical elective in Vietnam.

Our 4-storey volunteer house offers a lovely reprieve from Ho Chi Minh City’s tropical climate. Share facilities and stories with like-minded interns, who you’ll get to know on a deeper basis through our calming and welcoming accommodation. Located just 3km from District 1, you won’t have far to travel to immerse yourself in all the amazing wonders Vietnam has to offer. 

Places to Explore and Things to Do in Vietnam

During your free time, consider exploring: 

• Mekong Delta: Explore the floating markets during a cultural river escape in the Mekong Delta, with its lush canals stretching for miles and quaint village life. 
• Côn Đảo Islands: Remote beaches paired with a strong historical element, Côn Đảo Islands are more peaceful and natural than other tourist islands around Vietnam.   
• Tây Ninh & Củ Chi Tunnels: Make the most of your weekend by visiting Cao Đài Holy See Temple and the famous Vietnam War tunnels for a rich dose of culture and history. 

Ready to Plan Your Medical Internship Abroad? 

Choosing to intern abroad is an incredibly worthwhile and exciting adventure. Not only will you get to learn by shadowing some of the best in the world and immerse yourself in completely different healthcare systems, but you’ll also get the chance to experience local communities and culture that many people won't. 

Med Trips is passionate about making dreams of internships abroad a reality for any medical student who wants to participate. Check out our medical internship opportunities and start the process of making a meaningful difference today.