Projects Abroad, an international volunteer organization, has brought more than 100 North American volunteers overseas to contribute to medicine and health care projects in the developing world. The majority of these interns are focusing on medicine, while the rest are interning in public health, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy, and other specialized healthcare fields.
Over the rest of the summer, these interns will devote their time to activities that will give them direct experience and knowledge of medicine in practice, all under the guidance and supervision of local medical professionals.
Projects Abroad has organized internships in medical facilities abroad since 1998. To date, thousands of interns have benefited from spending time in hospitals, clinics, and on outreaches around the world.
“Every year, returning interns share with us what they valued most about their placements: observing the major differences between hospitals in North America and abroad first-hand, proving their flexibility by adapting to a different culture, learning about hospital structures and the role it plays in patients’ lives, to name just a few,” says Kaisa Partanen, a program advisor for Projects Abroad Canada. “For a large percentage, the internship has made them more aware of the health issues facing underprivileged communities and they are more determined than ever to become physicians.”
Projects Abroad has opportunities for students of every skill level, including those on a pre-med track. Programs run from 1-4 weeks or more throughout the year and interns can choose exactly when they want to start and end their internships. Once a student has applied, the organization organizes all the details of the placement, from the medical facilities where they will be interning, to their accommodation, meals, and insurance.
If you know of any candidates for this opportunity or wish to learn more, visit www.projects-abroad.ca/projects/medicine-and-healthcare.
