Medical school is no joke. Countless tests, labs, and high expectations can be overwhelming. That’s why you should break out of the typical pre-med routine and look into pre-med summer internships abroad.
Summer medical programs for undergraduates will give you one of the most valuable summers of your life!
There are tons of benefits to enrolling in pre-med summer programs abroad. If you’re studying medicine, you’re gonna need to do an internship at some point. And if you do it during summer break, it won’t interfere with other classes you need. And, c’mon, if it's possible to condense medical school even by a few months…why not?
It’s also a way to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and develop some cultural competence. The world is a very diverse place, and building empathy through a little culture shock is super important for all of you budding docs out there.
Pre-med internships abroad are a great way to get hands-on experience from some Grey’s Anatomy-level professionals and gain a new perspective on how the medical field works abroad. You'll get experience treating illnesses you’ve never been able to work with before, scrub in on groundbreaking surgeries that aren’t as common at home, and have a chance to live abroad.
You may even dabble in different specializations, and discover what you want to focus on for the rest of your schooling!
9 summer opportunities for medical students abroad
Editor’s note: In light of ongoing events due to COVID-19, please reach out to individual providers to confirm program dates for summer 2020 and beyond.
1. International Medical Aid: Pre-Med/Health Fellowships
International Medical Aid (IMA) is a not-for-profit organization that has collaborated with hospitals around the world to provide pre-med summer internships abroad in the areas that need it most. You’ll work alongside experienced doctors in unique places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. This fellowship might even turn into a high paying job!
If you’re looking for an internship program that’ll make a lasting impact on your career and your life, IMA is the program for you. IMA provides MCAT prep and Medical School Admissions Support to their interns, including letters of recommendation, personal statement review, and interview coaching.
IMA’s summer medical programs for undergraduates connect students with the tools to create meaningful contributions to disadvantaged populations through holistic care methodologies. These pre-med summer internships abroad are sure to deepen your understanding of medicine and healthcare abroad, as well as your own passion and interest in the field. (Plus, if you want to extend beyond summer, IMA offers fall and winter programs as well!)
- Where? East Africa, South America, Haiti
- When? May – September
- Read International Medical Aid reviews
2. Shadow Doctors in Rome's Best Hospitals – 40 to 90 hours
If you love pasta as much as you love learning, consider choosing Rome for your medical internship. For international students who want a taste of adventure and a taste of Italy, this program in Rome is the pizza pie of internships!
The Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program encourages students to explore their passion for medicine while giving them the experience and tools to move towards their dreams. Summer opportunities for medical students abroad should give you a glimpse of what life will look like once you’re working in the field, and this program does just that. Shadow doctors, make friends, and eat good food. How could this program be any better?
- Where? Italy
- When? May – September
- Read Doctors In Italy Fellowship Program reviews
3. Medical and Nursing Internship in Cardiac Surgery
Summer medical programs for undergraduates are a perfect way to figure out what to focus on for your medical career. As an undergrad, you have the luxury of exploring the world and exploring your interests through pre-med summer programs abroad.
This program is sure to get your blood pumpin’; get to the heart of it with cardiac and vascular surgery in the Czech Republic. This specialty program will introduce you to a variety of treatments, surgeries, and medicine that focus on veins and arteries.
It’ll give you a closer look at diseases like arterial occlusive disease, aneurysmal disease, and blockages in the bloodstream.
- Where? Czech Republic
- When? May – September
- Read Czech Hospital Placements Program reviews
4. Medicine, Public Health, & Biology Internships
The process of getting into pre-med summer internships abroad shouldn’t deter you from an amazing experience. That’s why Connect-123 works closely with applications to facilitate the perfect internship placements possible. They make sure you get into the best program based on your interests, help you with the application process, and ensure you get secure, centrally-located housing.
The summer opportunities for medical students abroad are endless: medicine, biology, nursing, pharmaceuticals, psychology, and physical therapy to name a few. These programs provide valuable work experience, and introduce you to a variety of cultures and other students, making it a great social experience as well. Live a little, learn a little, right?
- Where? Argentina, Australia, China, Ireland, South Africa, Spain
- When? May – September
- Read Connect-123 reviews
5. Shadow Doctors in Italy: 20+ AAMC-Compliant Hours per Week
Make your medical journey legendary with Atlantis. You will traverse the seas to a faraway land (Italy) and shadow wise mystics (doctors) to learn the ancient art of medicine. Embark on weekly excursions to experience the vibrant colors, landscapes, and cuisine that make up Italy.
Pre-med internships abroad provide ideal summer medical programs for undergraduates who want to get away from the daily drab of life at home. This internship will open the doors to romance and adventure, and an amazing assortment of freshly made pasta.
Shadowing healthcare professionals will give you ample time to ask questions, take notes, and learn valuable medical procedures. Expand your mind (and your belly?) with this Italian pre-med internship.
- Where? Italy
- When? May – September
- Read Atlantis reviews
6. Medical, Nursing & Healthcare Internships in Ambato, Ecuador
Pediatrics, women’s health, ER, pathology… whatever you are interested in, Adelante has the program for you. Spend two weeks in Quito to learn about culture, eat amazing food, and practice Spanish.
Then, you’ll work with doctors, nurses, and lab techs in Ambato — a municipal hospital outside of Quito. The atmosphere is less chaotic and more organized than a typical state-run hospital, making it the perfect environment for pre-med summer programs abroad. You’ll have time to ask important questions and take a few deep breaths, without being overwhelmed.
Not all summer medical programs for undergraduates offer hands-on experience, so this one is quite the treat! You’ll help intake patients, give vaccinations, insert IVs, and even assist during operations.
- Where? Ecuador
- When? May – September
- Read Adelante Abroad reviews
7. Vietnam – Medical Placement in Ho Chi Minh
Not all pre-med summer programs abroad are in cities as intriguing as Ho Chi Minh. The bustling metropolis is a vibrant blend of modernity and history, perfect for exploring the past and creating your future as a medical resident!
This program will give you insight on Vietnam’s healthcare system, and a chance to shadow doctors on the job while performing check-ups, monitoring, and analyzing conditions. It’s a good blend of observation and learning while doing.
Also, the food is legendary. You’ll be Banh Mi-kin’ a great decision by following your medical career to Vietnam!
- Where? Vietnam
- When? May – September
- Read GoEco reviews
8. Hospital Medicine in Coastal Ghana
You’re Ghana love immersing yourself in one of Child Family Health International’s pre-med summer internships abroad. The program itself gives a unique experience, where you rotate through various departments, work with a myriad of specialists, med students, and other professionals.
This is a good program for someone who wants to better understand how healthcare systems are affected by socioeconomic factors, and structural and financial challenges.
The women and men in these hospitals grapple with different difficulties than many U.S. hospitals, giving them a broader perspective on global systems in general.
- Where? Ghana
- When? May – September
- Read Child Family Health International reviews
9. Medical Internships and Volunteer Work in Uganda
Summer opportunities for medical students abroad are first and foremost learning experiences. But we would be remiss not to emphasize how important it is to explore the country you’re in!
This program through ELI Abroad puts you in Uganda, a country with striking wildlife, diverse terrain, and adventures galore. Trekking through the jungle to find gorillas? DO IT. Walk along the banks of the Nile? YES PLEASE. How do these doors open for you? Pre-med internships abroad.
This Uganda-based program places you in small clinics where you will work with patients, doctors, and other students. You’ll also have the chance to pursue public health projects like educational programs that cover topics like HIV/AIDS/STD prevention, hygiene practices, and nutrition.
- Where? Uganda
- When? May – September
- Read ELI Abroad reviews
Pre-med internships abroad will boost your career — and your summer!
Ready for a transformative break?
Not every medical internship for international students is the same, and that’s what makes them so special. There are endless opportunities when it comes to pre-med internships abroad! Do you want a classy, state-of-the-art hospital? Boom, you’re in Spain. Do want to analyze the deep-rooted socioeconomic systems that make global health so varied? Ghana is the spot for you.
There are some things you should know before your medical internship abroad, so be sure to do your research on specific program requirements and expectations. But the bottom line in terms of things to know: pre-med summer internships abroad are one HUNDRED percent worth it.
When you come home, you’ll have a whole new perspective on global health issues, and perhaps even an exciting new job. You’ll build empathy through cultural interaction and you’ll be fulfilling a truly noble cause.
Working in the medical field is quite a feat, and we commend you for it. Whether you choose to support rural communities lacking resources or intern in world-class modern facilities, you’re helping people and helping medical progress. Maybe you’ll have the chance to make medical history?!
Oh yes, it’s also a nice little snack for your resume. And nobody says no to snacks.
Grab your scalpel and cut into ALL Pre-Med Summer Programs Abroad on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from International Medical Aid. IMA is a not-for-profit organization that offers medical programs for students in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean through an ethics-based approach to care. They offer summer, fall, and winter programs.
Look for the Perfect Internship Program Now
Start Your Search