Medical Electives in Europe 2026

Are you considering applying for a medical internship in 2026? Medical electives are excellent and meaningful ways to make a true difference in the world and further your medical career. You’ll stand out to employers and interviewers, and improve your global knowledge of healthcare systems. 

If you’re considering Europe for your internship, you’re in luck. There are several great opportunities to choose from, allowing you to experience healthcare systems unlike those you have at home. Today, we’ll explore the best medical electives in Europe for your 2026 internship. 

Why Choose to Be a Medical Intern in Europe? 

Medical interns are in high demand all over the world, so why choose Europe? Doing so comes with a number of unique advantages, such as getting to experience diverse cultures and healthcare systems. 

You’ll also get to earn hands-on experience shadowing professionals in different settings and develop crucial skills like cultural sensitivity, resilience and leadership, all while boosting your confidence and CV. 

Europe is a large continent made up of lots of smaller countries, which all have a unique healthcare system. Not only does this mean you can travel to lots of different countries during your trip, but you’ll also get to develop a strong sense of cultural understanding.

Exciting Medical Elective Opportunities in Europe 2026

If you’re considering Europe as your place of internship, there’s no better country to choose than Greece. Not only can you travel to exciting cultural hotspots like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Milos and Corfu, but you can also choose an elective that best suits your future career aspirations. 

Medical Elective in Greece

If you’re a medical student craving hands-on observation experience abroad, our Medical Elective Placement in Greece is one of Europe’s most rewarding options. Designed for students from pre-med to advanced medical programs, this elective allows you to shadow English-speaking doctors and healthcare professionals in real clinical settings throughout Athens.

You can choose placements for 2 to 12 weeks, making it easy for you to fit your elective around your academic schedule. 

What you can expect from this medical elective: 

• Clinical exposure: Get the opportunity to observe doctors, surgeons and nurses in action, from consultations to diagnostic procedures and treatment planning. 
• Structured schedule: Placements typically run up to 40 hours per week, across Monday to Friday, giving you enough time to learn without overwhelming your schedule. 
• Shadowing focus: This medical elective is an observational internship, which means you won’t be performing clinical procedures. However, you’ll gain valuable insight into how healthcare teams work in European hospital environments. 
• Flexibility: You can tailor your placement based on your interests and aspirations, helping you focus on specialities most relevant to your future career. 

Dental Elective in Greece

For future dentists, dental therapists, or those interested in oral health careers, Med Trips also offers a dedicated Dental Elective in Greece that’s equally immersive and educational. You’ll earn international experience and work exposure while interning in a clinic setup, shadowing dental professionals in a unique environment. 

Dental interns typically work Monday through Friday, often from late morning to early evening. While days are long, this schedule leaves your evenings and weekends free from exploration. 

What you can expect from this medical elective: 

• Focused dental experience: You’ll shadow dentists and other specialists in busy Athens clinics, observing real patient care and diverse treatment routines. 
• Professional insight: This placement gives you a front-row seat to how modern dental teams operate, from patient intake to diagnosis and treatment planning. 
• Shadowing role: Similar to the medical elective role, the dental placement is observational, allowing you to learn by watching and absorbing the clinic workflow and professional practice. 
• Option to choose between specialities: Depending on availability, you’ll have the choice of specialities (endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, maxillofacial surgery, paediatrics, prosthodontics, and more).

10 Benefits of Choosing Greece for Your Medical Elective

Greece uniquely blends high-quality clinical exposure with unforgettable cultural experiences. There are plenty of benefits for choosing Greece as the backdrop of your medical elective in 2026, including our 10 favourites:

1. International exposure: Earn valuable insight into how medicine is practised within a modern European healthcare infrastructure, which you can compare to your home country’s system. 
2. Rich cultural immersion: Experience Greek culture, hospitality and traditions for yourself while living in historic cities, like Athens. 
3. Earn knowledge and mentorship: Learn from experienced doctors, nurses and specialists who want to share their knowledge and provide guidance through real-world cases. 
4. Get to explore Greece: Spend weekends and evenings exploring world-renowned landmarks, visiting Greek islands, or discovering ancient ruins. 
5. Diverse clinical exposure: Seize the opportunity to rotate around the hospital’s departments and develop a broader understanding of healthcare practices.
6. Develop personal and professional growth: Step outside of your comfort zone and adapt to a new environment, fostering essential personal qualities such as resilience, independence, and cross-cultural communication skills. 
7. Observe unique cases: You’ll get to encounter different conditions and treatment approaches influenced by local health challenges, which may not be found in your home country. 
8. Enhance your CV: International experience is a surefire way to stand out to future employers and residency programs, demonstrating qualities such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a global perspective on healthcare. 
9. Network with professionals and other interns: Meet and collaborate with other medical students and professionals to build a valuable global network. 
10.  Affordability: Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Greece is often lower, making the experience more accessible to many. 

Do You Need a Visa to Intern in Greece? 

Yes, most people will need a type of visa to work as a medical intern in Greece. However, the type of visa you need will largely depend on where you’re originally from, as rules are different for non-EU citizens and EU citizens. 

Visa Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

You’ll most likely need a long-stay National D-type visa if you’re planning on interning for longer than 90 days. Even for short stays below 90 days, you may still need a visa, as internships are considered work rather than tourism. 

The required documents may include proof of financial stability, health insurance, a valid passport, documentation from your host institution, a criminal record certificate and more. 

Visa Requirements for EU Citizens

You shouldn’t need a visa or work permit if you’re interning in Greece from another EU or EEA country, or Switzerland. However, if you’re planning on staying for longer than three months, you will need to register with local authorities and obtain a Residence Certificate. 

Med Trips can help advise you if you have any questions or concerns about obtaining a visa for your trip. Should you need one, we can also assist with the documentation to ensure the easiest and most efficient process possible. 

Ready to Plan Your Medical Internship in Europe? 

Greece is a stunning country with incredible white-sand beaches and a well-developed healthcare system, always in need of driven interns seeking to make a positive impact. It’s in close proximity to many other European countries, so you can truly make the most of your experience on a new continent. 

Check out our medical electives in Greece and click ‘Apply Now’ on any that catch your eye. One of our Med Trips advisors will be happy to answer any questions and walk you through the application process, ensuring a positive, stress-free experience.