Choosing to complete a medical internship abroad is an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience, where you can make a lasting impact on the country you choose. But with so many internships available for your elective, how are you supposed to know which is the best?
The best country for your medical internship is completely up to personal preference and available opportunities. Today, we’ll explore how you can choose the best country for your future internship with Med Trips.
What Makes a Country ‘Best’ for Medical Internships?
With so many medical internship opportunities out there, the idea of there being a ‘best’ country can be overwhelming. After all, the best country isn’t objective. The great thing about the medical profession is that there are so many avenues to explore, so your experience won’t be the same as someone else’s.
However, this does mean you’ll have to do some introspection to find the best country for your medical internship. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
When considering medical internships abroad, ask yourself the following questions to get a feel of where in the world you might like to search:
- What’s your chosen elective?
There are several electives to choose from when interning abroad. Are you hoping to experience a pre-medicine internship, or are your passions with midwifery or radiology? Deciding on your elective early helps you narrow down possible countries, as there’s no use considering places that don’t offer internships in your chosen field of study.
- What are your personal and professional goals?
Do you have an idea of what specific experience you want to pursue? If so, make sure your chosen internship program involves it. A medicine internship in Ghana might look very different from one in Greece, so research each option to make sure you’re only choosing one that aligns with your personal interests and career ambitions.
- Are you interested in location-specific healthcare systems?
Healthcare systems all over the world operate in different ways. Some interns choose the best country for them depending on the specific areas of medicine they want to explore. Check out the resources available to interns, challenges, and common ailments you’ll be tasked with to get a basic understanding before committing to anything.
- Where are your ‘bucket list’ destinations?
While the main focus of your internship abroad will most likely be making a meaningful contribution to global healthcare, you’ll also get the opportunity to explore your chosen country during your free time. Choose a country that gets you excited about travelling and sightseeing.
- Can you speak any other languages?
A good internship organization will give you resources to help with communicating with patients and healthcare professionals, but you can save yourself some time if you already have a basic understanding of the native language of an available country.
Most countries with available internships are considered safe, but if you're worried about travelling abroad alone, it’s worth checking out crime rates and current political affairs.
Best Countries for Medical Internships Abroad
Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to choose the right country for your future internship, let us introduce you to some of the most popular destinations abroad:
Nepal
Nepal is a small but mighty country in the Himalayan region. Unfortunately, much of the population doesn’t have access to basic healthcare, meaning interns are needed to help provide much-needed healthcare to those living in rural areas. No matter what elective you choose, you’ll develop clinical skills and learn from dedicated local professionals.
During your downtime, Nepal features amazing places to explore, full of rich culture and natural beauty. Visit an ancient temple or enjoy a breathtaking Himalayan trek, exploring a corner of the world you might otherwise never get to experience.
India
There are plenty of amazing internship opportunities for medical interns in India, so if you’ve always wanted to visit this amazing country, now’s your chance! You’ll get the opportunity to develop your skills by earning hands-on experience in a range of medical conditions and clinical settings.
Outside of internship hours, India offers unparalleled travel experiences. From the Taj Mahal and vibrant festivals to local markets and picturesque views, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Indian culture and traditions during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a rapidly developing country where rural areas still face challenges accessing quality healthcare. Choosing to intern here offers you the chance to broaden your clinical knowledge, see less common conditions that you may have never even heard of before, and learn from dedicated local healthcare professionals.
Free time can be spent exploring the incredible vibrancy Vietnam has to offer. Cruise through Ha Long Bay, take a hike along the terraced rice fields of Sapa, or explore the local area on foot and make incredible memories with your fellow interns.
Cambodia
Cambodia continues to rebuild its healthcare system, especially in rural areas where resources are limited. As a medical intern, you’ll earn hands-on experience and exposure. Strengthen your clinical and communication skills, and learn from local practitioners as you work towards a common goal of improving community health.
The evenings and weekends are reserved for making the most of Cambodia. Enjoy a slow, relaxing day while exploring the rich heritage and white-sand beaches. If you’re a fan of food and art culture around the world, Cambodia won’t let you down. We recommend checking out Phnom Penh for its incredible offerings.
Peru
Peru’s healthcare system frequently requires interns in pre-med, medical, nursing, midwifery, and radiology, making it a great country for interns hoping to make a real difference. You’ll get the opportunity to experience diverse cases, develop adaptability, and learn directly from skilled professionals working with limited resources.
Peru is full of world-famous wonders, so don’t worry about being bored in your downtime! Explore Machu Picchu, wander down Cusco’s cobblestone streets, or even journey through the Amazon rainforest.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s healthcare system blends modern medicine with traditional practices, providing you with a unique learning experience impossible to replicate at home. Hospitals and surgeries face staff and resource shortages, so whichever elective you choose to focus on, you’ll be able to make a lasting impact while furthering your future career.
Beyond medicine and learning opportunities, Sri Lanka offers incredible diversity. Relax on the palm-fringed beaches or spend the day exploring ancient Buddhist temples. If you’re a fan of wildlife, there are several national parks to travel through and marvel at.
Honourable Mentions
If you’re not completely set on one of the countries we’ve looked at above, here are five more honourable mentions to consider:
- Ghana: Africa is a wonderful place to visit, explore, and make a meaningful difference to local communities through important medical internships.
- Thailand: Develop practical skills and learn the importance of thinking on your feet as you take Thailand by storm.
- Greece: Witness all European healthcare has to offer by getting stuck in, and spend the weekends exploring ancient ruins, gorgeous islands, and Mediterranean culture.
- Morocco: Experience how healthcare differs from urban to rural settings, then take the time to wander souks and blue towns.
- Tanzania: Encounter diverse medical cases and traditions that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to learn in Tanzania, before adventuring on safaris and exploring Kilimanjaro up close.
Ready to Plan Your Medical Internship Abroad?
No matter where you choose to intern, you want to work with an organization that prioritizes your interests. Choosing the best country to intern in won’t do much good if you feel unsafe or anxious and have no in-country support to turn to.
Med Trips aims to make your medical internship an opportunity of a lifetime, with assistance before and during your trip. We’ll handle accommodation, transportation from the airport, and provide resources to make your journey as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
Check out our medical internship abroad opportunities to find out where you can further your training and make a lasting impact!
