Internships in Mexico

My semester in Cuernavaca, Mexico was an experience that pushed me far beyond simply studying in another country. Through my Social Work in a Latin American Perspective program, I learned in the classroom while also spending time in the community, engaging with people and organizations, practicing Spanish, and learning about social issues through a Latin American lens. I was expected to be open-minded, reflective, and willing to sit with the discomfort of not always understanding everything right away, and that became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. What made Cuernavaca so meaningful were the everyday moments: navigating a new city, communicating across language and cultural differences, listening to people's experiences, and learning from communities rather than assuming I already knew their stories. There were definitely moments when I felt uncomfortable or unsure, but those moments taught me courage. The people I met taught me compassion, and the relationships I built reminded me of the importance of connection. I came to Mexico wanting to learn about social work in a different context, but I left with a deeper understanding of myself and the kind of social worker I hope to become. Studying abroad reminded me that cultural humility means being willing to listen before speaking, to learn before judging, and to recognize that my way of seeing the world is not the only way. It was not always an easy experience, but it was an amazing one, and I know I will carry the lessons, relationships, and perspective I gained in Cuernavaca with me long after leaving Mexico.

This internship abroad was a very positive and enriching experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to develop new skills while strengthening those I already had, in a supportive and encouraging environment. Being in an international setting helped me become more adaptable, independent, and open to new perspectives. I also improved my communication and organization skills, which I found especially valuable. One of the most important aspects was how much it broadened my vision, giving me a better understanding of different ways of working and thinking. It encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and gain confidence in unfamiliar situations. At the same time, the overall experience remained balanced and enjoyable, making it both rewarding and motivating. This internship has helped me clarify my goals and has given me a stronger sense of direction for the future. I am grateful to InternMexico for helping me find this opportunity and making the process smooth and accessible. I would highly recommend an experience like this to anyone looking to learn and expand their horizons.

Having studied in Madrid the previous semester I really wanted to come back and have a different type of work experience during the summer. I enjoyed the laid back environment of my internship with Fundación Tríangulo yet I gained valuable insight about public health and sexual health in Spain, among many other skills which will benefit my future career/studies. I did enjoy the centrality of our apartment but it was quite small, I know this is normal for Madrid, but I we did not exactly have private living spaces. I really love Madrid and the availability of outdoor activities, shopping, diverse food choices, the kind people, nightlife, and much more. It will stay in my heart forever, the memories, friends, education and work experience, and I hope to return soon.

I spent the summer in Barcelona shadowing psychologists at an assisted living residence. My coworkers were kind and helpful, and the patients were charming and sweet. The local program advisor was very helpful to me and my friends in the program anytime we needed anything. I also completed 2 weeks of Spanish classes prior to my internship. My Spanish improved tremendously, as did my professional skills. I feel that this program exceeded my expectations and helped to prepare me for a career in psychology. In addition to this, Barcelona was just an incredible city with so much life and character--I never ran out of things to do or places to see.

This was an amazing experience and I 100% recommend it for anyone interested in physical therapy and looking for an adventure! It’s the perfect mix of learning and having fun. You create precious moments with everyone and it truly was one of the best experiences of my life!

I had an incredible experience with Adelante Abroad in Barcelona. I did a gap year after high school and had the time of my life. The team gave me lots of support leading up to my departure. Someone came and picked me up from the airport and toke me to my accommodation which was in a very central, safe area! The Spanish school was great and I made lots of friends which I stayed close to for my whole time in Barcelona. My internship itself was better than I could have ever asked for. The office was incredible and I loved the team I worked with. I learned new skills and I met people that will become lifelong friends. Overall, I truly had the experience of a lifetime. Barcelona has become a second home to me and I could not be more grateful for my time there! 10/10 experience and highly recommend.

I enjoyed my time in Barcelona very much. I was ecstatic to get there and start. When I first started it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every minute of it. I have made some dear friends. I can say I will be back in Barcelona. I would recommend Adelante. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Spain in general is beautiful, but Barcelona has to be my favorite. It has everything. From mountains, oceans, beaches, forests, etc. They have the cold, breezy weather and the hot, humid weather.

My experience with CFHI allowed me to compare the uses of traditional medicine practices in Oaxaca to the understanding of integrative medicine and traditional practices in the United States. I am so incredible grateful for the opportunity to learn in such an expansive and lively city. Being able to immerse myself in the Oaxacan culture was an experience I will never forgot and will only continue to inform my practice as a physician during residency. I improved my medical and conversational Spanish to the point of intermediate learner and was able to engage in learning that was entirely in Spanish. I learned so much about the traditional medicine practice in Oaxaca and different herbs that I can continue to learn about and utilize in my medical practice. I developed a deeper understanding of the interactions between traditional medicine and hospital medicine to inform my practice as an integrative medicine – family medicine physician. I also immersed myself in the Oaxacan culture and food and found a deeper appreciation for the way of life present in Oaxaca. The local team in Oaxaca is so responsive and really helped to create an experience for me that was both incredibly unique and also representative of the culture of Oaxaca. I met my objectives for medical school and beyond during my time there. I am so grateful I applied for this program and will continue to draw on experiences from this journey for the rest of my life.

I went to Israel for agriculture internship for 2 years from 2019 to 2021. It was a great opportunity for me to learn more about agriculture and how can be horticultural production can integrate with aquatic or fish farming. Apart from that I learned about Jewish culture and pay visit to different places as written in the Bible about Israel

When I applied for this program, I was terrified of being in another country, especially since i haven’t traveled in awhile. However, the group that I was with made me feel so comfortable and I had lots of fun. It solidified my passion for physical therapy and I was excited to apply for this year’s cycle. It inspired me to look for programs that had clinicals in other countries and entertain the possibility of working abroad after I get my PT license. This program made me realize that there are so many ways I can explore healthcare on a global scale. I can’t wait to travel more, learn more, and eat more!

Where to start… this was the most amazing trip. I learned so much, grew so much, & experienced so much. This is a fantastic program. It has great work/fun balance & it’s worth every penny. I would suggest saving up as much spending money as you can. You will want to shop, eat, & participate in everything everywhere. Pack light & be prepared to bring pieces of Mexico home with you. If it had it my way I would live like this. The people are so genuine & sweet. Speak their language even if you’re embarrassed, learn about the culture, ask all of the questions & lean into it all the way.

I honestly can’t thank Phil and Fernando enough for having such an amazing and creative program. This experience was 10000% worth it and I am glad that I got to experience it. I met some of the greatest people that I will never forget. The memories that were made working with the Physical Therapists in the Mexican Community will also not get forgotten. ✨ They we’re so caring and thoughtful of the patients. I absolutely LOVED Toucan Abroad and I wish I could just go back in time and live it all over again!

You can Abroad was one of the best decisions I have made in my life!! I got to learn how PT’s do their jobs and compare it to how my PT’s do it here! Outside of learning tons from the therapists that were all soo pleased to have us and teach us all they could in a week; Felipe and Fernie had amazing excursions for us each week!! All of which I’d never done before but I was stoked I did it there! Puerto Vallarta had incredible views, the sweetest people and now a very special place in my heart! Will for sure come back to visit all the amazing friends I made!❣️

Toucan abroad offers an incredible shadowing experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico. Along with gaining the experience needed for applying to physical therapy school, I learned how different healthcare is in Mexico versus the US in a very comfortable and hands-on environment. In addition to the experiences gained in the clinic, there are many more experiences to be had in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. Phil and Fernando do an excellent job at connecting us with the local community through our rotations, as well as introducing us to the culture of Mexico and all it has to offer through excursions and other activities.

I did a legal internship in Oaxaca for three months with Adelante and it exceeded my expectations. I met the best people and lived in a great location with a kind host family and the best internship placement. My spanish has definitely improved thanks to the spanish lessons at the beginning as well as all the other people I met including those at my internship who were very patient and taught me a lot of legal and complex terms. If you are independent and enjoy exploring the city and having great opportunities for cultural immersion and meeting new people this is definitely a great program and excellent value for money. It really helped with my university application and I will definitely be returning to Oaxaca!

Toucan Abroad exceeded my expectations in so many ways! I gained so much hands on experience in the clinics as well as created many connections for my future as a physical therapist! Outside of shadowing, I loved every excursion, adventure, and hang out! I made so many great friends that I would have never connected with if I didn’t take the leap to study abroad. This was very outside of my comfort zone but through the entire experience I was only encouraged to continue to push myself and grow!

I don’t even know where to begin with my Toucan Abroad experience. Never in my life have I been surrounded by 19 other people with the same life goals AND the same adventurous spirit. The physical therapists we worked with were welcoming and knowledgeable. I thought the language barrier would be a big issue, but a lot of the therapists spoke at least a little English, and those who didn’t were happy to make it work. I met some of the most amazing patients and learned their stories which only made me more passionate for the career. And the excursions we went on were the most fun I have ever had. If you’re looking to push your limits and have the best time, apply for this program!

The three weeks that our group spent in Puerto Vallarta was an amazing experience. So many forever relationships were created exploring all what PV has to offer and more. From learning so much in the clinics to enjoying different activities with each other, I have no regrets. Phil and Fern are doing some amazing things and I am so thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I learned so much about physical therapy and I highly recommend this program to others wanting to go explore the world with some pretty fun people.

The PTs in Mexico were truly incredible. They were very hands on and cared about us learning the most we could in the short amount of time we had. Not only did they care about us, they catered to us, invited us to family birthday parties, and treated us like family. Similarly, the other participants in the program were basically family to each and everyone of us. We got along since the first day we met each other. These people will always be apart of my life and I’m so happy to have met them.

If you are unsure about going abroad, Do it! I cannot stress enough how great this program is. I made friendships that will last a lifetime, while feeling more confident in my career as a physical therapist. The program directors and therapists are so kind and welcoming; I assure you you will not want to leave! Coming from somebody who has anxiety, I thought I wasn’t going to love it, but that could not have been further from the truth. 100% recommend!!