An international internship for occupational therapy abroad entails real-world experience of a detailed study that calls for careful observation and a broad perspective on the relationship between patient and provider. Exposure to a real clinical setting is what puts OT interns at an advantage as they deepen their knowledge and gain valuable skills abroad. Occupational therapy requires individuals to work daily to the best of their ability, and therefore requires interns to hold a high level of passion and integrity to deliver the best service they can as they interact, participate, and team up with other people during their occupational therapist internship.
International Internships in Occupational Therapy
WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNSHIP
Shadowing qualified practitioners, you can expect to get a behind the scenes view into what it’s like to be an occupational therapist during an OT internship. Interns will not provide direct patient care or treatment, but they will be able to observe and assist local licensed professionals as they provide care to patients. World Endeavors offers occupational therapy internships in varying sectors, from working in NGOs and care centers to supporting pediatric or geriatric patients or helping with OT related to neurology, hippotherapy, or even group therapy.
We offer occupational therapy internships in some of the top destinations in the world, like Italy and Australia, as well as unique locations like Thailand and Ecuador.
HIGHLIGHTS & BENEFITS
- Develop and enhance health management skills through learning behavioral practice
- Increase your independence in confronting challenges
- Gain experience in a sector of occupational therapy where you hold interest, and thrive through focused learning and activities
- Get exposure to a real clinical setting
- Contribute to rehabilitation and treatment, and make an impactful difference in local communities
- Gain an understanding of how to make sound evaluations.
Our Occupational Therapy Internships
Check out all our incredible Occupational Therapy internships in some of the top global destinations for health and life sciecne programs. It’s time to change YOUR world!

Occupational Therapy Internship with Care Center in Czech Republic
Occupational Therapy Internship with Care Center in Czech Republic
Work with a multi-disciplinary team of occupational and physical therapists, psychologists and special education teachers, collaborating to develop effective individual care plans based on each child’s educational and medical needs. Intern responsibilities include:
– Assisting staff in facilitating a variety of occupational therapy sessions at the center
– Observing and assisting with therapy programs including canistherapy, hippotherapy/equine-assisted therapy, hydrotherapy, locomotion therapy, psychomotor development, speech therapy and physical therapy

Occupational Therapy Internship in Italy
Occupational Therapy Internship in Italy
The Occupational Therapy Internship in Italy offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional healthcare environment while immersed in the rich culture of Italy. Interns work alongside licensed occupational therapists in clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals, supporting patient care and contributing to treatment plans under supervision. This immersive setting provides valuable insights into the therapeutic process, including patient assessment, rehabilitation techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Participants may observe or assist with a range of cases involving physical, neurological, or developmental conditions, deepenin

Occupational Therapy Internship in Thailand
Occupational Therapy Internship in Thailand
Through this enriching experience, they not only delve into the intricacies of patient care but also explore diverse facets of their field. From honing their therapeutic techniques to understanding the nuances of assessment and intervention planning, these interns acquire invaluable practical knowledge that paves the way for their future in the realm of Occupational Therapy in Thailand.

Occupational Therapy Internship in Spain
Occupational Therapy Internship in Spain
Through this immersive experience, they not only gain insights into patient care but also explore various facets of their field. From understanding therapeutic interventions to honing their skills in assessment and treatment planning, these interns acquire invaluable practical knowledge that lays the foundation for their future in the realm of Occupational Therapy in Spain.

Occupational Therapy Internship in South Africa
Occupational Therapy Internship in South Africa
The Occupational Therapy Internship in South Africa gives students and aspiring professionals the chance to deepen their understanding of patient-centered care in a dynamic and multicultural environment. Interns work alongside experienced occupational therapists in clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, gaining hands-on exposure to diverse therapeutic approaches.
Through daily collaboration with healthcare teams, interns support the delivery of care to patients dealing with a range of physical, neurological, or developmental challenges. This experience offers a holistic view of the profession—blending clinical observation, patient interaction, and exposure to treatment planning. Man

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ireland
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ireland
The Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ireland provides a unique opportunity to gain meaningful experience in a collaborative, inclusive early childhood education environment. Interns join a multi-disciplinary team at a Montessori preschool that supports both children with disabilities and their typically developing peers, offering a comprehensive and inclusive model of care.
Working alongside occupational therapists, physical therapists, music therapists, speech and language practitioners, psychologists, and special education teachers, interns gain firsthand exposure to a range of therapeutic approaches. Intern responsibilities may include observing therapy sessions, assisting wit

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ecuador
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ecuador
The Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Ecuador offers hands-on experience for students and aspiring professionals interested in working with children and adolescents with developmental and neurological conditions. Interns are placed with a local organization that provides essential therapies to young people diagnosed with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and related conditions.
Under the guidance of licensed occupational therapists, interns observe and assist with a variety of therapeutic approaches designed to improve motor skills, sensory processing, and daily functioning. In addition to traditional clinical settings, interns may also take part in hydrotherapy sessions in t

Pediatric or Geriatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Costa Rica
Pediatric or Geriatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Costa Rica
This clinic uses play as the main vehicle for teaching. Interns have exposure to other therapies like physical therapy and speech/language therapy to get a big picture view of developmental interventions.
Join the welcoming team at an elderly care facility, where you will assist with OT sessions along with daily health and wellness routines. Interns also gain experience with a wide range of therapeutic techniques, in addition to OT.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Costa Rica
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Costa Rica
The Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Costa Rica offers participants the chance to gain hands-on experience in early childhood intervention while contributing to a clinic committed to accessible care for all families. This inclusive organization supports children with developmental delays through a variety of therapies—regardless of their financial background.
Interns work alongside a passionate, interdisciplinary team that uses play as a central tool for teaching and therapy. Under the guidance of licensed occupational therapists, interns observe and assist with treatment sessions aimed at improving fine motor skills, sensory integration, and functional independence. The placemen
Every World Endeavors Internship Program Includes
Our internships are as unique as the countries that host them, but there are program features that unify all of our internship experiences.
YOUR INTERNSHIP
- Professional customized internship placement
- Year-round program availability
- Flexible durations from 1 to 6 months, depending on the destination
CAREER READINESS PROGRAM
- Resume clinic and interview skills workshop
- One-on-one coaching
- Professional competencies development
ACCOMMODATION
- Housing vetted and selected with quality, safety and proximity to your placement in mind
CAREER AND ACADEMIC INTEGRATION
- Re-entry handbook and support
- Academic credit facilitation
- Post-program assistance with resume updates and completion certificate
- World Endeavors Alumni Network
TEAM OF EXPERTS
- Dedicated one-on-one advisor
- Local on-site coordinator
- Internship placement supervisor
PEACE OF MIND
- Comprehensive travel medical insurance (not included with internships in the UK)
- Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance (not included with internships in the UK)
- Professional liability insurance
Our Top Intern Abroad Destinations
World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.
Types of Health & Life Sciences Internships
Kick-start your career by selecting an internship that aligns with your professional goals. Don’t panic if you don’t see your preferred career path listed! Our advisors are proud of their ability to find great internships in interesting locations and will be able to match you to the best internship.
How to choose the best Internship program
Choosing your internship program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.
Explore a New Career
Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.
Choose Your Dream Destination
Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.
Improve Language Skills
Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.
Fit your budget
Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.
Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.
Occupational Therapy Internship FAQs
How to get an occupational therapy internship?
All you have to do to get started is choose World Endeavors! To sign up for an occupational therapy internship, select a program from our list of internships above, or scroll down to fill out an application. If you have any questions you’d like to ask before applying, just click on the Request Info button below, and the World Endeavors’ team will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Is it possible to become an occupational therapist through internships?
Becoming an occupational therapist requires experience as well as certification. You cannot become an occupational therapist solely through an internship; however, through an OT internship you can make vital progression toward becoming a fully fledged professional occupational therapist. Occupational therapy internships will also give you proven work experience and exposure to the real clinical setting, which is crucial to an occupational therapist’s role.
Where am I most likely to work as an Occupational Therapy Intern?
Interns may work at children’s hospitals, schools (supporting special education programs), or in care facilities for people with disabilities. OT internships always take place in locations that offer a real clinical setting.
Does World Endeavors ensure I'm assigned to a trusted Occupational therapist and organization?
Throughout all our internships, we ensure interns are placed with trusted organizations and experienced professionals. See testimonials about personal experiences of past interns through our stories, check organizations linked to internships, and read more about our mission and expertise in providing exceptional, trusted programs.
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How to apply for an Internship Abroad
You’ve decided to intern abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. Get ready to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!
STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK
Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.
STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.
STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE
Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!
STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!
You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready to gain skills and grow your network abroad!