Physical Therapy Internships Abroad

Practical Experience. Gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings while applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Cultural Immersion. Improve cross-cultural communication skills in both professional and personal settings.
Professional Development. Enhance your resume with international experience while

networking with healthcare professionals worldwide.

Things to know

Here are some important things to know, along with additional tips, for making the most of your physical therapy internship:

Language skills: Learning basic phrases in the local language can be valuable both professionally and socially. It shows respect and can foster stronger relationships with patients and colleagues, helping to bridge communication gaps.
Cost of living: The cost of living can vary widely depending on your destination, so research in advance. Look into local transportation or experience-oriented passes that could save you money. Have a detailed budget and an emergency fund prepared before your internship starts.
Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary visas and permits well ahead of your departure. Check if you need additional transfer documents, especially if you have layovers in different countries, to avoid any unexpected issues.
Health precautions: Stay informed about required vaccinations and health insurance for your host country. Have emergency plans in place for various scenarios, such as needing transportation or dealing with lost or stolen items, to ensure peace of mind during your stay.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

The best countries for physical therapy internships abroad include Australia for its diverse clinical settings. Spain offers rich cultural experiences alongside quality medical facilities. South Africa provides exposure to varied patient populations and conditions. Canada is renowned for high standards in healthcare education and practice. These destinations provide robust programs combining professional development with cultural immersion.

To find physical therapy internships for undergraduates, start by checking with your university’s career services and allied health departments for available programs and partnerships. Professional organizations, such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and international platforms list placements and resources for finding internships tailored to physical therapy students.

9 Meaningful Medical Internships Abroad for Undergraduates

Yes, there are paid physical therapy internships abroad. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UAE often offer paid internships through hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Online platforms, like GoAbroad, and professional associations can help you find the right placement, ensuring you gain valuable experience while receiving financial compensation.

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Typical requirements include being enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited physical therapy program. Interns often need a minimum GPA, completed coursework in anatomy and physiology, and relevant clinical experience. Additional requirements may include CPR certification, immunization records, background checks, and letters of recommendation. Some internships abroad require proficiency in the host country’s language.

Physical therapy interns often help licensed therapists assess patients, develop treatment plans, and conduct therapeutic exercises. Administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records and scheduling appointments, are also common. Interns often observe and participate in various treatment techniques, learning to apply modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation under supervision.

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I haven't yet had the opportunity to participate in the Doctors in Italy program, but I've followed everything closely through a friend who went—and her experience simply blew me away. She described the program as one of the most transformative experiences of her life, both personally and academically. What struck me most was how she was able to learn from professionals in different specialties, observe hospital routines, exchange knowledge, and build a real network with people from various countries. She came back talking about how inspiring it was to see medicine from another perspective, more humanized, more global, and more connected. In addition to the technical learning, she also experienced Italian culture intensely, meeting new people, cities, stories, and ways of seeing the world. It was a complete immersion: medicine, culture, language, friendship, and professional growth—all at the same time. Even without having gone yet, I've already talked to the team on Instagram, and they were simply sensational! I realized how special this program is, and how it has become a lifelong dream. This is the kind of opportunity that opens doors, broadens horizons, and transforms careers. I have enormous admiration for the project and a huge desire to live this experience myself. I very much hope that my next step will be to be in Italy with the program, learning, growing, and taking with me all that is most beautiful about medicine.

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My time with Doctors in Italy was nothing short of extraordinary. Participating in clinical rotations at the leading hospital in Alessandria, completely reshaped my understanding of medicine and helped me discover what I truly wanted for my future in the field. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to rotate through multiple medical services, each offering a unique perspective on patient care and clinical decision-making. From internal medicine to surgery, emergency care, and specialized departments, every rotation challenged me, inspired me, and deepened my passion for medicine. The physicians and healthcare teams were incredibly welcoming and eager to teach, allowing me to observe real cases, engage in meaningful discussions, and witness firsthand the precision, compassion, and teamwork required in high-quality medical practice. This experience broadened my vision of what it means to be a physician. It pushed me to grow not only academically but also personally reinforcing my commitment to pursue medicine with purpose, empathy, and global awareness. Being immersed in the Italian healthcare system, learning from exceptional professionals, and exploring diverse medical specialties gave me clarity about the path I want to follow. Doctors in Italy was more than a program; it was a turning point. I left Alessandria inspired, motivated, and profoundly grateful for the opportunity. It is an experience I will carry with me throughout my medical journey.

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I haven't yet had the opportunity to participate in the Doctors in Italy program, but I've followed everything closely through a friend who went—and her experience simply blew me away. She described the program as one of the most transformative experiences of her life, both personally and academically. What struck me most was how she was able to learn from professionals in different specialties, observe hospital routines, exchange knowledge, and build a real network with people from various countries. She came back talking about how inspiring it was to see medicine from another perspective, more humanized, more global, and more connected. In addition to the technical learning, she also experienced Italian culture intensely, meeting new people, cities, stories, and ways of seeing the world. It was a complete immersion: medicine, culture, language, friendship, and professional growth—all at the same time. Even without having gone yet, I've already talked to the team on Instagram, and they were simply sensational! I realized how special this program is, and how it has become a lifelong dream. This is the kind of opportunity that opens doors, broadens horizons, and transforms careers. I have enormous admiration for the project and a huge desire to live this experience myself. I very much hope that my next step will be to be in Italy with the program, learning, growing, and taking with me all that is most beautiful about medicine.

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My time with Doctors in Italy was nothing short of extraordinary. Participating in clinical rotations at the leading hospital in Alessandria, completely reshaped my understanding of medicine and helped me discover what I truly wanted for my future in the field. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to rotate through multiple medical services, each offering a unique perspective on patient care and clinical decision-making. From internal medicine to surgery, emergency care, and specialized departments, every rotation challenged me, inspired me, and deepened my passion for medicine. The physicians and healthcare teams were incredibly welcoming and eager to teach, allowing me to observe real cases, engage in meaningful discussions, and witness firsthand the precision, compassion, and teamwork required in high-quality medical practice. This experience broadened my vision of what it means to be a physician. It pushed me to grow not only academically but also personally reinforcing my commitment to pursue medicine with purpose, empathy, and global awareness. Being immersed in the Italian healthcare system, learning from exceptional professionals, and exploring diverse medical specialties gave me clarity about the path I want to follow. Doctors in Italy was more than a program; it was a turning point. I left Alessandria inspired, motivated, and profoundly grateful for the opportunity. It is an experience I will carry with me throughout my medical journey.