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International Internships in Occupational Therapy

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.

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.

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 2 to 6 months

CAREER READINESS PROGRAM

  • Resume clinic and interview skills workshop
  • One-on-one coaching
  • Professional competencies development

ACCOMMODATION

  • Variety of options available – host family, shared apartment, student residence
  • 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
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance
  • 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.

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.

SEARCH

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!