Occupational Therapy & Pre-OT Internships Abroad | IMA
Program Overview
See how occupational therapy helps people return to the activities that matter most. Part of International Medical Aid’s award-winning healthcare programs, these internships give pre-OT students, OT/OTA students and graduates a closer look at function, independence and participation in everyday life.
Shadow therapists working with children and adults in hospital, rehabilitation and community settings. Observe how they assess motor skills, sensory needs, cognition and daily routines, then use purposeful activity to support school, work and family life. Supervised session preparation and group activities offer further insight into the therapeutic process.
Learn how clinicians adapt care with locally available materials, caregiver coaching and practical changes to a client’s environment. IMA’s nonprofit approach connects this learning with community partnerships, cultural exchange and mentorship that can inform your path into occupational therapy. IMA maintains a 100% safety rating, supported by teams available around the clock in-country and in the United States.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
- Health Sciences
- Public Health
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Work Experience
- Health Sciences
- Community Development
- Health Education
- Public Health
- Experiential Learning
- Internships
- Medical
- Volunteering
Updated Oct 26, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Ecuador
- Kenya
- Peru
- Colombia
- Tanzania
- Haiti
- Rwanda
- Uganda
Types & Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Health Sciences
- Public Health
- Focus Areas
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Work Experience
- Fields
- Health Sciences
- Causes
- Community Development
- Health Education
- Public Health
- Types
- Experiential Learning
- Internships
- Medical
- Volunteering
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
- Terms Available
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
- Throughout the Year
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High School Freshman (1st Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
- Some high school, no diploma
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Transcript
- Resume
- Online Application
Age Requirement
14+
Duration
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- Fall
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- During High School
- Post High School
Starts At
Payment Terms
- Payment Plan
- Scholarships
- Upfront Deposit
Refund Policy
Refund with conditions
View Refund Policy
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about International Medical Aid (IMA).
Who can apply for the Occupational Therapy Internships?
Pre-OT students, OT/OTA students, and recent graduates who wish to gain clinical observation and global practice exposure are encouraged to apply.
What kinds of clients will I see?
Depending on placement, you may observe children with developmental delays, adults recovering from stroke or injury, patients with orthopedic conditions, or clients with cognitive and mental health needs.
Will I have hands-on responsibilities?
Direct intervention and independent caseloads are not permitted. You may assist with setting up activities, supporting groups, and helping therapists with non-invasive, supervised tasks.
How will this support my OT school application or career?
You’ll gain a clear picture of the OT role in different health systems, plus concrete examples of client-centered practice and interprofessional teamwork for your essays and interviews.
Is prior therapy experience required?
No. We seek individuals with a consistent interest in occupational therapy, strong professionalism, and a willingness to learn in cross-cultural settings.
Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider
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