Description

There is a shortage of skilled physical therapists and occupational therapists in Thailand. Whether you're currently training, recently qualified in physical therapy or occupational therapy, on a career break, or looking to spend a summer abroad, you'll provide valuable support and to the staff and children at a special education center or hospital.

The experiences you'll have on an international physical therapy or occupational therapy internship will be extremely valuable to your education and work in the field. You will gain a detailed overview of how the medical system works in Thailand while understanding how physical therapy or occupational therapy treatments are done abroad.

You'll go home knowing that you've made a real and lasting contribution to this project and the people it serves. This program is also a chance to improve your resume, gaining experience difficult to at home.

Physical Therapy interns work at special education centers in Krabi or Phuket. All Physical Therapy interns need to have completed at least 2 years of related education. Those with more experience are encouraged to apply as well and share their knowledge. We will ask you to provide your resume after you apply to determine what placement is best for you. Please let us know if you are applying as part of a university internship.

The special education centers in Krabi and Phuket were established by the government to provide integrated educational and social opportunities for children with special needs. The children are aged from about 5 to 19 years old and are split into groups depending on their needs. As an intern at the centers you will work directly with children who have a variety of physical, mental, and multiple disabilities.

At the Phuket Special Education Center there is one qualified physical therapist. At the Krabi Special Education Center there is only a qualified occupational therapist. At both placements interns are often expected to work independently with the children. While the local staff speak little English, the Projects Abroad coordinators will help explain the work and give you detailed information about the patients when you first arrive. They will also visit you regularly.

The staff at the special education centers would also appreciate help with some general educational activities during some parts of the day.

All Occupational Therapy interns need to have completed at least 2 years of related education. If you are fully qualified or in your final year of studying occupational therapy can work in the occupational therapy department of Surat Thani hospital, about two hours drive from Krabi. To work at this placement you need to commit to at least two months.

All interns with two years or more of related education can work at a special education center in Krabi. To work at this placement you need to only commit to at least one month.

Highlights

At the hospital in Surat Thani Occupational Therapy interns help care for patients with a wide variety of physical disabilities to help them carry on with their daily lives. Thailand became a member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists in 2002. The number of working therapists is still low and your personal experiences and knowledge will be welcomed.

Occupational Therapy interns at the hospital work with both adults and children with a range of problems including physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairment, dementia, autism, and children with communication difficulties or behavioral and emotional problems.

There are several qualified occupational therapists at the hospital. Interns can gain experience in pediatrics, orthopedics, and hand therapy. Interns spend the first week observing the local staff; after this you will be given your own cases to work on and will be expected to work independently. You will work in the same treatment room as the local staff and they will be available to help and advise you.

The special education center in Krabi was established by the government to provide integrated educational and social opportunities for children with special needs. The children are aged from about 5 to 19 years old and are split into groups depending on their needs. As an intern at the centers you will work directly with children who have a variety of physical, mental, and multiple disabilities.

At the Krabi Special Education Center there is a qualified occupational therapist. Interns are often expected to work independently with the children. While the local staff speak little English, the Projects Abroad coordinators will help explain the work and give you detailed information about the patients when you first arrive. They will also visit you regularly.

The staff at the special education center would also appreciate help with some general educational activities during some parts of the day.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy students nearing the end of their degree can choose to do an elective in Thailand. Physical Therapy interns will be placed at the special education center in Krabi. Occupational Therapy interns will be placed at the hospital in Surat Thani.

Qualifications

An open mind and desire to travel.

Intern Types

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational, Envir. Health

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Disability Issues
• Handicapped
• Health
• Health Care
• Medicine

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992