ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNSHIPS ABROAD
World Endeavors Occupational Therapy internships give participants the opportunity to gain knowledge while working alongside experienced professionals in their field. Although daily tasks will vary widely, interns will observe professionals as they provide day-to-day care and rehabilitation of patients. Depending on their placement, interns may work in children’s hospitals, special education programs in schools, or care facilities for those with disabilities.
DESTINATIONS AND FEATURED INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
OTs work with an organization that provides support to people with aphasia, a communication disorder usually caused by stroke or brain injury. You can work with the team of therapists to help patients reach greater independence and provide rehabilitation support that promotes patients' reintegration into the labor market.
Visit our Intern in Argentina page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Gain valuable experience assisting at an elementary school for students with developmental disabilities, learning from teachers as they work with students. Interns also work one-on-one with students and support some developmental goals, like improving fine motor skills. There is not an occupational therapist working full-time on-site, but licensed OTs are brought in from time-to-time upon request and based on funding availability. Interns will be supervised by the school teachers, and not a licensed occupational therapist in most cases.
Visit our Intern in Australia page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Intern with an organization that provides therapies and early interventions for children with developmental delays - regardless of their income. 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.
Visit our Intern in Costa Rica page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
There may be an additional fee for some Occupational Therapy placements.
Gain valuable skills in occupational therapy while making a real difference at a care center for children and young adults with various special needs. 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
Visit our Intern in Czech Republic page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
There may be an additional fee for some Occupational Therapy placements.
NEUROLOGY/REHABILITATION
Join a multi-disciplinary team at a dynamic clinic providing Occupational Therapy and Psychology services for patients. The OT program focuses on four key elements:
- Rehabilitation of patients with pedagogical cognitive diagnoses (aphasia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and others)
- Neurological rehabilitation of patients who have suffered cerebrovascular accidents
- Rehabilitation and reintegration of psychiatric patients and patients with traumatic injuries
Working alongside two licenced occupational therapists, and supervised by a doctor and a psychologist, main responsibilities include:
- Assisting patients in re-training in the basic and instrumental activities of daily life, readjusting habits according to their abilities, and preventing further injury
- Conducting assessments of the capabilities and limitations of patients, including sensory, social and psychological assessments
- Developing and evaluating rehabilitation treatment programs with individualized objectives based on specific patient needs
- Working together with patients to adapt their environment and developing architectural barrier removal programs
- Training in the use of technical aids, orthoses and prostheses as necessary and recommended
- Encouraging individuals to achieve the highest degree of socio-labor reintegration possible as an active member within their communities
- Collaborating with institutions for the promotion and development of intervention programs in populations with disabilities
Spanish language skills required.
APPLY NOW
PEDIATRICS
Work with an organization that provides therapies to children and teens with diagnoses like Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy. In addition to shadowing an OT, you can also help with therapies in a pool (hydro therapy) and with horses (equine therapy).
Visit our Intern in Ecuador page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Occupational Therapy interns work in clinics and hospitals working with occupational therapists to learn about patient care, as well as other aspects of their field.
Direct clinical contact with patients is not permitted. These types of placements are likely to be observational, administrative or research-oriented.
Visit our Intern in France page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Join a wonderful organization providing therapy services for children and young adults with sight loss, autism, and other disabilities. Clients involved in the Equine Assisted Therapy program care for horses and engage in therapy-based activities to enhance their physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills. Interns work closely with the clients, their care teams and the horses, assisting with:
- Sensory preparation - helping clients prepare the horses for riding sessions
- Horseback riding sessions - guiding clients through therapeutic activities and exercises on horseback
- Grooming - assisting clients as they care for the horses following the riding sessions
Placements now available for durations as short as 4 weeks!
Visit our Intern in Ireland page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
OT placements may incur an additional fee.
Gain experience in a group occupational therapy setting, shadowing the OTs and assisting in leading groups. Therapy is carried out in Italian but your supervisor can speak English so they will explain patient interactions and talk with you about the Italian approach to Occupational Therapy.
Visit our Intern in Italy page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Occupational Therapy interns work in clinics and hospitals working with occupational therapists to learn about patient care, as well as other aspects of their field.
Visit our Intern in Morocco page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Intern at a care facility for residents with intellectual and physical disabilities. Join client therapy sessions alongside the OTs, PTs, and their care team, and assist with basic health and wellness routines at the center.
Visit our Intern in South Africa page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Guided by professionals, interns gain valuable experience with multiple therapies like OT, PT, and speech/language at an NGO that supports patients with cerebral palsy.
Interns can also work with a geriatric population in a residential care home where OT, PT, and speech/language therapy sessions are facilitated with residents.
Visit our Intern in Spain page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
Join the dynamic team at a special education school that provides education and necessary assistance to children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Shadow occupational therapy sessions and bring your own ideas for other activities to enrich the students' academic experience and development!
Work with therapists to provide treatment for veterans and civilian populations at a veteran's hospital. Gain diverse experience including rehabilitation, long-term and short-term treatment for veterans with disabilities, and therapy for patients with prostheses and orthoses.
Visit our Intern in Thailand page for specifics about program fees, housing and FAQs.
There may be an additional fee for some Occupational Therapy placements.
World Endeavors arranges unpaid internships. Specific internship placements cannot be guaranteed. We will work closely with you and our in-country coordinator to arrange an internship that matches your interests and goals.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ABROAD
Interning abroad is one of the best ways to gain real-world experience working with professionals. Through observation, international interns will gain a broader perspective on the relationship between patient and provider. Including an international internship on a resume indicates a highly motivated individual with enhanced cultural awareness in addition to a commitment to the field of occupational therapy.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Prospective interns should have strong communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to show empathy and patience are also highly regarded characteristics in this field. Successful interns will possess cultural sensitivity, be self-motivated, and express an eagerness to learn more about their chosen field. Some prior knowledge or study of the field will be helpful. Interns do not provide direct patient care or treatment but are there to observe and assist local licensed professionals as they provide care to patients.
QUESTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19?
The health and safety of our participants is our highest priority. We are meticulously monitoring travel recommendations and restrictions for each of our program countries, and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants' safety. World Endeavors is implementing a number of initiatives to ensure our participants can continue to be transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.
EXPERIENCES
Jaquelynn went to Costa Rica to complete an internship in Occupational Therapy.
Bridget is from Denver, Colorado and went to Prague to complete an internship in Occupational Therapy, working with children at an outpatient daycare center.
