Medicine Internships in Canada

Set goals

Setting clear goals is an inevitable part of your internship experience to make the most of it. Start by identifying what you hope to achieve—some basics could be:

• What specific medical skills do you want to develop or take extra time to learn about and experience?
• Are you looking to specialize in a particular area of medicine? If it’s a rotating program, take note of your top departments and pursue them.
• Do you want to build connections with professionals in the Canadian healthcare system? Determine who you want to connect with before going to be more intentional about it.
• How will this internship influence your future career plans? Is there anything to work on presently to add to the sustainability of your career growth?

Understand the benefits

Interning in Canada comes with plenty of advantages regardless of what field you are in.

• High-quality training. Gain exposure to advanced medical professionals, practices, and technologies.
• Diverse patient population. Experience and grow your patient understanding by treating a wide range of medical conditions.
• Professional growth. Walking away with an internship like this one can enhance your resume with international experience.
• Cultural Exchange. Canada has a broad and wide-ranging amount of communities and by working with some of them it can help your perspective widen.
• Networking Opportunities. Connect with leading healthcare professionals and institutions while you spend time in the Great North.

Things to know

There are plenty of exciting sights and experiences waiting for you in Canada but there are plenty of things to learn about and know of the country before heading there. Here are a few top things to be aware of.

• Visa and paperwork requirements - Ensure you understand the current visa regulations for your program and follow the instructions carefully. Be prepared with all necessary documents, such as background checks and certificates, if applicable.
• Housing and money - Canada can be semi-expensive, so plan your budget accordingly. Interns are typically paid, but housing varies, so it's essential to have a plan in place if accommodations aren’t provided.
• Cultural Sensitivity - When greeting someone, a handshake is common, while hugs are appropriate for closer acquaintances. Social interactions tend to be lighthearted, avoiding sarcasm or discussions on politics and other sensitive topics.

When choosing a place to intern, you really can’t go wrong! The key part is to figure out what you want to take away from the experience. Canada has an incredible amount of locations offering exciting internships.

Toronto

The city of Toronto, is a bustling metropolis known for its leading hospitals and research centers, making it an ideal place for medical internships in North America. If you’re looking for something cool to do, Niagara Falls isn’t too far and it, and the town, are a sight to see.

Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia, offers a unique blend of urban and natural environments, providing interns with access to top-tier healthcare facilities and outdoor recreational activities. If you’re interested in TV and film, Vancouver is a great option to look into.

Montreal

Montreal, Quebec, is renowned for its bilingual environment and cutting-edge medical research, perfect for those interested in language skills and innovative healthcare practices. Montreal boasts a great nightlife and music scene for your enjoyment after a day of work.

Going on a medical internship in Canada doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this simple 6-step guide, completing each step to stay organized and track your progress.

1. Get matched

If you’re ready, head to our Online Advisor! It can match you with leads right now. Matches are sent to your inbox!

2. Choose a program

Log in to or sign up for a MyGoAbroad account to book, compare, and research your recommendations along with collecting more programs you’re interested in.

3. Choose how long to stay

Depending on many factors (specialty, availability, money) can all factor into how long an intern can stay! Figure out what’s realistic for you and go for it.

• 1-3 months. This period offers great options, perfect for gaining quick exposure and basic skills. Whether you’re a young student or professional looking to gain more insight, these offerings still pack a punch.
• 3-6 months. For those looking for a bit more hands-on time, this timeframe allows for more in-depth learning and integration into the healthcare system while getting to see more of Canada.
• 1 year. Finally, those who have a year available, can partake in comprehensive training and a thorough introduction to the field.

4. Funding & scholarships

Fill out our scholarship and deals application if you’re curious about financial support in Canada.

5. Apply

After applying to some volunteer positions that excite you, a program coordinator will be in touch.

6. Get your essentials

If you’ve found out you’ve been booked into a program in Canada, it’s time to apply for your passport and visa, book your flight, and buy travel insurance.