Health Science Internships Abroad

Hi, my name is Maya, I am from North Carolina and I am a surgical intern here with Cerca Abroad. I am a senior in college and I like Athens. It’s a great city. There’s a lot to do here. The hospital I work at is amazing. The doctors are really nice, they’re patient, they explain everything to you, as long as you tell them what you’re interested in, they’ve got you. I like Cerca Abroad because they were really good at coordinating everything. They would provide services through this entire process and help me out with everything that I needed. Honestly, I would come back. I don’t want to go home.

FutureforAfrica is a reliable NGO, with coordinators who love what they do and everything collected goes to the people in full, Ghana is a beautiful country, with very happy and pleasant people, would return a thousand times.I have done several volunteers during my life, but this has been one of the best, starting from the beginning with the organization, the coordinators who have been a support before and during the trip, had a little doubt about the food, the water we could consume in the house, but everything has been clean and packaged. Every day it was planned and on weekends we could go somewhere to meet, Ghana is a beautiful country, it would return again.

My experience in Ghana was truly rewarding. I had the opportunity to participate in projects focused on education, access to clean water, and sustainable housing adapted to the local climate. The association was very welcoming and ensured that I felt comfortable throughout my stay. I was impressed by the kindness of the local people and their appreciation of our work. This experience allowed me to discover a new culture, gain valuable knowledge, and contribute to meaningful initiatives. I would highly recommend it!

Wow. what an amazing opportunity to take part in a wonderful work environment, with amazing colleagues, I learnt so much in my internship and had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience. Specifically to beyond academy, the team was so helpful, supportive and very interesting. From community engagement, to exploring different parts for london and taking part in a vast variety of events. A very active group chat where one can connect with both the team and fellow interns. Guidance on career progression, London culture and way of life and even wonder day to day Hacks and ideas. Amazing accommodation, close to transport facilities. Great communication and insight on multiple experiences, ideas and perspectives.

Hi, I’m Morgan, I am from California, I go to San Diego State University. I came to Greece to learn more about the medical profession and to get some shadowing experience. The hospital has been really great, all the doctors are super eager to help you learn and I got to see a lot of cool procedures and surgeries and explore the city of Athens as well. There’s a lot to do here. The friends I’ve made through the other Cerca Abroad programs have been amazing. Pretty well coordinated, I would say.

I only had about 3 weeks to plan my trip to Africa, so I honestly wasn't sure if I could make it happen. Almost immediately after applying online, I was connected with someone from the Go Elective team who was really friendly and helped me figure out which hospital departments would best suit my interests, especially with the limited time I had. They were also incredibly helpful with my visa application, vaccination requirements, packing checklist, and even flight suggestions. They made the whole process so much easier, and I went from being a little stressed to genuinely excited about the trip! The experience itself definitely exceeded my expectations. Spending time in the hospital and seeing the work doctors and nurses do every day made me appreciate just how much of an impact healthcare can have on people's lives. I learned so much in such a short time, and I honestly wish I could have stayed longer. I'm about to start my Master's in Clinical Neuroscience, and this experience has made me even more excited about the next chapter of my studies. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to come back again!

One thing I particularly enjoyed was getting to experience everyday life in Mombasa alongside my hospital placement. We spent our mornings at the hospital, where I got to observe different cases and learn from the doctors, and still had plenty of time to explore in the afternoons. I also met some lovely students from the United States, and we became friends so quickly. It was really fun getting to know people from different backgrounds, sharing stories about our universities, and spending time together outside the hospital. I especially enjoyed visiting Old Town and learning more about the local culture. The Go Elective staff were also so kind and always made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. I honestly didn't expect to make so many friends during my time in Kenya, and saying goodbye was probably the hardest part!

Hi, my name is Brianna, I am from Toronto, Canada. I decided to join Cerca Abroad, specifically their dental shadowing program, to gain more experience in the dental profession. I also decided to choose this program because of my Greek heritage roots. This opportunity has not only allowed me to connect with the Greek community, but also to explore many different areas of Athens, including trying different ethnic foods as well as exploring historic sites of Athens. The last couple of weeks I have been in the dental clinic shadowing many different procedures, including tooth extractions and root canal treatments as well as getting hands-on experience with the actual dentists themselves, practicing some surgical techniques as well as my own, personal canal treatment. Overall, I highly recommend this program to any students who are interested in pursuing dentistry in the future. The Cerca team has made this transition to Athens very smooth and they’re always willing to help you when you have questions. I also want to say I’m grateful to the staff and patients here who have come to the clinic here. Dr Costas has made this experience very memorable for us and he always answered our dental-related questions. For that reason, I highly recommend this program to anyone.

Hello, my name is Cassidy, I come from Denver, Colorado, USA and I go to Whitman College. I chose to intern this summer because I wanted to experience other cultures outside the United States. I also wanted to gain some more experience in the physiotherapy world. During this internship I have learned so many different things, whether that was electrotherapy, stone therapy or how to move or maneuver somebody who is in a coma. I’ve learned so many different things and I am really grateful that I’ve been able to experience so much within this internship and learn so much from my peers and those around me. I am very happy with my internship experience with Cerca Abroad. It truly has been a life-altering experience and I hope to take what I learned here in this program and apply it back to America and my practice in the future. I one hundred percent enjoyed my stay in the country. Thessaloniki is a beautiful city. The food is amazing. There’s so much to do. All the people have been so much more than welcoming to me and my friends. It’s been a very great time. Hopefully I will come back when I’m older and visit again.

Hi, my name is Paxton, I go to UC Berkeley. I came to the Athens Metropolitan Hospital for a two-week program. I got to see a lot of different stuff at the hospital. I got to see the clinic as well as the OR. In the clinic I got to see cardiology and neurology and in the OR I got to see orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery. I think this program has been very valuable for me as a premed student. I would say that I actually gained a lot of insight during this experience. I got to see some medical fields that I otherwise wouldn’t have gotten to. The program itself has been super amazing and the staff has been super accommodating, especially on helping me get all my documents in order and navigate Athens. Being in Athens has also been absolutely amazing, beautiful city, lots of great landmarks. I was able to see Hadrian’s Library, the Acropolis, and many great things. So, I definitely enjoyed my time here.

I had a good time here. The VAC staff were so welcoming and friendly and definitely one of the best parts. My internship was fulfilling, the doctors were patient and friendly, and I got to do a lot of things as well!! During my internship, I pushed myself to be a bit more confident and not afraid to try new things at the hospital. My advice for future interns is to be open and friendly, learn some isiXhosa, and don’t hold yourself back. I stayed for four weeks and definitely see how staying longer would be even more beneficial educationally. Outside of the internship, there were some fun things to do in Cape Town and lots of places to try. The pre-arrival information had so much detail and made me feel reassured, and the airport pickup was very friendly and reassuring. I also really appreciated the internship placement and the weekly activities.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to understand how youth programs work here because I’m interested in working for a youth program back in the States. During my internship, I was able to learn more about different political issues here in Cape Town. I also really appreciated the weekly activities, the support and knowing I could call VAC staff if I needed anything. I really love the VAC staff <3

My internship gave me the opportunity to grow both creatively and personally. It was an incredibly open-minded and creative environment, with a strong sense of belonging and community. There were so many opportunities to get involved, build meaningful relationships with the students, and contribute to different creative projects. During my time there, I gained much more confidence in my creative process as an artist and developed a clearer sense of direction about what I want to pursue in the future. I was able to contribute to projects that supported the organization’s mission while also supporting students on their own creative journeys as artists. What stood out to me most was seeing how music and creativity can create opportunities for young people to express themselves, heal, and shape the direction of their lives. Being part of an environment driven by creativity and a genuine sense of community made my internship especially meaningful. I also really appreciated the support I received from VAC. The calls and communication before arriving made me feel much more confident about joining the program, and I especially appreciated how responsive my placement advisor was throughout the process. Once in Cape Town, I enjoyed the weekly check-ins, Friday meetups, and Monday culture series, which gave us opportunities to connect throughout the program. My advice to future interns is to really take advantage of the opportunities around you. Get involved, make connections with the people at your internship, and don’t be afraid to ask if there are projects you can help with. There is an abundance of opportunity if you’re willing to put yourself out there.

One thing I really liked about Go Elective was the Global Health sessions. We got to discuss some of the things we'd seen at the hospital and learn more about the challenges facing healthcare in Kenya. I also really enjoyed visits to a local orphanage, where we spent time playing and interacting with the children. It was nice getting to experience another side of Kenya outside the hospital. I loved the balance between clinical learning and community activities.

I had a really positive experience with Beyond Academy. I think you get out of the program what you put into it, so having an open mind, being willing to meet different people, and taking initiative makes a real difference. The coordinators were fantastic: approachable, supportive, and genuinely lovely people who made it easy to ask for help and advice whenever needed. I really appreciated how personal and welcoming they made the experience feel. Overall, the program was a great opportunity to gain professional experience abroad, expand my knowledge, and step outside my comfort zone. My biggest advice to anyone considering it would be to stay curious, be proactive, and make the most of the opportunities and connections around you. Your attitude really shapes the experience you have.

Hello, my name is Taylorann, I am from Utah and I attend Utah Tech University. Here, Athens is very safe, I feel very good traveling to the hospital every day and being here at the hospital has been really great because doctors explain everything and are very kind. I’ve had the opportunity to sub for two different placements, which is something I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do elsewhere. In terms of the program, it’s been really great. They gave us a place to stay which is very safe and they gave you places to go and recommendations. Overall, I’ve had a great experience.

Working with AIP was a great experience! AIP helped me locate an internship in Tainan, Taiwan. On the weekdays I received hands-on experience with my company, and on the weekends I adventured. My accommodations were right in the heart of the city, which made sampling Tainan’s cafe and food scene very convenient! I also had the opportunity to partake in mid-autumn festival. Enjoying mooncakes and pomelos under a bright night sky was unforgettable memory. I made so many meaningful experiences and connections from this trip, and I really appreciate AIP’s dedicated team for helping me along the way.

Hello, my name is Elisabeth and I am from California and I study at San Diego State University. I picked this program because in the future I want to become either a nurse, surgeon or a plastic surgeon, which was solidified while doing this program. I got to witness tons of surgeries in the operating room and it really helped me along the decision of what I want to do when I am older, which is something I’ve been pondering for a little bit. With Cerca Abroad, they’ve been really responsive, so quick and great at communicating for anything I need- from directions to any issues, if there was anything with the apartment. Athens overall has been a great experience. There’s so much to do here and I would definitely recommend doing this program to anyone who is interested in healthcare. It’s extremely flexible and will help you figure out your decision on what you want to do in the future.

I really enjoyed my time in the emergency department. It was quite busy, and I got to see how doctors handled different cases and made decisions under pressure. I was a little overwhelmed at first, but everyone was welcoming, and I became more comfortable as the days went by. I also liked that we had free afternoons and weekends to explore Kenya. One of my favorite experiences was going on safari in Tsavo National Park, where I got to see elephants, lions, and even dikdiks! Overall, it was a great experience, and I'd happily recommend it to other students!

From my very first interaction with Medi Trip and speaking with Pearl about what I wanted to gain out of my trip, until my very last day in Tanzania, I felt fully supported, completely safe, and genuinely cared for. It is clear that everyone involved in Medi Trip truly wants to change the world. Day by day, they create experiences that shift your perspective on life, teach you how different people see the world, and help you learn how to be a better person in the process. Not a day goes by now where I don’t mention my trip to Arusha and the time I spent with exceptional humans who all shared the exact same goal of making a positive change. During my 3-week nursing internship, I learned multiple lifelong skills that have fundamentally shaped my practice. Immersed in a resource-limited environment, I vastly improved my clinical adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and rapid triage assessment skills, while learning to navigate complex pathologies less common back home. The staff at the hospital were extremely friendly and wanted to learn as much from us as we did from them. Every single member of staff I came across was incredibly grateful for our presence, eager to learn about our culture, and fascinated by how the healthcare world differed across borders. A definitive highlight of my trip happened on a day when I was asked to support the junior doctors with learning catheter insertion, as I was already qualified to do this back home. In return—through what I believe was full trust built by constantly asking the doctors questions and showing genuine dedication—the doctors got to know me and wanted to say thank you. They asked if I wanted to stay in on an emergency C-section. That day, I got to experience the birth of a healthy little boy. I supported the mother, handed medical equipment to the lead doctor, and took part in a clinical milestone I will absolutely never forget. Coming back from the hospital each day was pure comfort. The accommodation felt so homely, the food was absolutely tasty every single day, and the welcome home each afternoon was incredibly warm and loving. From the moment I got home, all I wanted to do was return. I am still utterly grateful for the lessons I learned. I came home a better clinician and a better person, and for that, I will be forever grateful to Medi Trip.