Internship abroad
Gain new experience in another country and expand your medical skills at the same time - you can do that with an internship abroad! Immerse yourself in other living environments and get to know medical work in an environment that is new to you. You will not only acquire technical knowledge, but also develop yourself personally. Here you can find out exactly what an internship is, what special features there are for an internship abroad and everything to do with planning.
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Internship in medical studies – What is an internship?
during yours medical school You will not only be given theoretical knowledge, but you will also learn how to put your specialist knowledge into practice. During your studies, both an internship and a Practical year intended.
A pair of care Internship is an independent training course that focuses on caring for patients and is completed by prospective nurses.
To summarize briefly: Traineeship and practical year are phases in medical studies, while a nursing internship is training for prospective nurses. The meaning of these terms may vary depending on the country and context.
The clerkship is required under the licensing regulations for doctors and is carried out in various medical facilities. During your traineeship, you will take on simple medical activities under the guidance of a doctor and get to know everyday work in various medical facilities. This not only gives you the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge, but also serves as an orientation for your future career choice.
How is the internship structured?
The traineeship consists of several internships that you can complete in various medical institutions. In Germany, the traineeship usually lasts four months. Depending on the federal state and university, there may be different regulations. In general, however, the traineeship is divided into three sections:
- Hospital clerkship: Two months in a hospital or in an inpatient rehabilitation facility
Important: The facility must have stationary beds! - Internship: One month in a general or specialist practice or in an outpatient facility, such as a day clinic or an emergency room.
- Family doctor traineeship: One month in a family doctor’s practice. These include general practitioners, paediatricians and internists without a specialization
This structure gives you the opportunity to gain a wide range of experience and learn about different medical specialties.
When is an internship possible?
As a medical student, you can usually complete your clinical traineeship after completing the fourth semester or after the Physics course. However, this may vary from country to country, state to state, and university to university. For example, the successful completion of certain examinations or courses can be a prerequisite for admission to the clerkship.
It is therefore best to find out early on which guidelines and requirements you have to meet for your traineeship.
How long does an internship last?
The traineeship in medical studies lasts four months (120 calendar days) and may only be completed during the lecture-free period.
Why you should do your traineeship abroad
As a student: Gaining practical experience abroad in medicine has many advantages. This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into working in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare facilities in another country and thus expand your knowledge and skills in an international environment.
Expanding your professional skills abroad
During an internship abroad, you not only improve your clinical skills - you also encounter new medical approaches on site. Your stay abroad is therefore a perfect opportunity to get to know diagnostic and treatment methods as well as therapeutic approaches that may be less common in your home country.
In addition, you may be able to improve your skills in special areas. In certain specialist areas, such as tropical medicine or rare diseases, you will certainly benefit from the expertise of the local specialists and deepen your knowledge.
intercultural competences
If you complete your traineeship abroad, you will not only gain technical knowledge but also valuable intercultural skills. In exchange with the local people and through everyday life in another country, you will get to know previously foreign living environments and experience cultural differences up close. Dealing with patients and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds promotes your communication skills and empathy.
You will also get to know the structures and processes of other healthcare systems during your traineeship abroad. You can definitely use this experience in your future work.
Personal development
Last but not least, your personality development also plays an important role during your stay abroad. Working in another country not only improves your communication and language skills - by overcoming new challenges in a new environment, you also promote your independence and flexibility.
During your traineeship abroad, you will certainly gain new perspectives on health and illness and thus broaden your horizons.
Where can you do the traineeship abroad?
In principle, it is possible to complete an internship abroad in any country and any medical specialty. The choice ultimately depends on your individual interests and goals. For example, would you like to learn more advanced medical procedures? Then a country with a well-developed healthcare system would be a suitable destination. On the other hand, if you would like to deepen your understanding of global health issues, a country with limited resources is an apt choice. In any case, you will return with many new impressions and skills!
In which institutions is an internship abroad possible?
In principle, you can complete your practical training in the medical field in all types of healthcare facilities - whether in clinics, hospitals, practices or nursing homes. Depending on your subject and interest, you can choose a suitable placement for you.
With Rainbow Garden Village, for example, you can live in larger and smaller Clinics collaborate, about in Tanzania, Uganda or in the Dominican Republic. But also in day clinics and outpatient clinics, including in South Africa or Sri Lanka, you can complete your traineeship.
What can you expect from the traineeship in Africa, Asia and Latin America?
When doing medical work in countries in Africa, Asia or Latin America, you are often confronted with different standards than you may have been used to. This can be a challenge at first, but it will certainly help you advance professionally and personally.
For example, you will learn how to deal with the different medical standards and limited resources in order to still ensure the best possible care for the patients. Especially in rural areas, you often face special challenges, but you learn to develop suitable solutions.
In certain regions, you may also encounter alternative and traditional healing methods. These experiences are also very valuable, because they expand your understanding of holistic therapy approaches. You may also be confronted with diseases that are less common in your home country, such as malaria or dengue fever. In this way you will develop your skills in the field of tropical medicine and infectious diseases.
How do I plan my internship abroad?
Have you decided to do your traineeship abroad? Then you should think about a few things in advance: What financing options are there? What insurance do I need? Who recognizes an internship abroad?
Application for an internship abroad
For an internship abroad you have to go through a certain application process. This can vary from country to country - and application deadlines can also vary. If you organize your internship abroad yourself, you apply directly to the clinics and hospitals. You can also contact an organization like Rainbow Garden Village, which will help you plan your stay abroad.
All you have to do is get in touch with us and we will work with you to find a suitable medical facility for your traineeship abroad.
For the further application process you have to submit some documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- the Motivationsschreib
- Certificates
- certificate of study
- Proof of language proficiency
- criminal record
- Birth certificate
- Passport (valid for at least six months after return)
- Proof of foreign health insurance & liability insurance
- In the case of minors: declaration of consent from legal guardians
- if necessary proof of vaccination
How much does an internship abroad cost?
During your traineeship abroad, you will incur a number of costs. Depending on your destination and the length of your stay, the participation costs be different in height. It is therefore best to think in advance about how you will finance your commitment abroad.
We give you 10 tips in our guide Financing on hand to help you finance your traineeship abroad.
What insurance do I need for an internship abroad?
If you plan to do your traineeship abroad, then a comprehensive one is required Insurance coverage for your trip essential. The basic requirements are international health insurance and liability insurance that apply in your country of assignment.
Do I need a visa?
For a stay abroad, you often have to register in advance apply for visa. You are responsible for applying for your visa yourself, but we would be happy to advise you on current visa and entry requirements. Also on the side of Foreign Office you will find a lot of helpful information about the applicable entry requirements and whether you need a visa.
Recognition of internship abroad
We advise you to find out in advance from your university which criteria apply to internships abroad so that your commitment is also credited for your studies in Germany.
Conclusion
Your traineeship abroad can be a totally exciting experience with lots of valuable insights and experiences. In any case, good preparation is crucial. The above points are intended to provide you with initial assistance in planning. You can find out what else you should consider in our guide for Travel preparation.
It is important that you inform yourself in good time and plan your stay abroad early. Then nothing stands in the way of a successful internship abroad.
