WHAT IS AN INTERNATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNSHIP WITH WORK THE WORLD?
An occupational therapy internship abroad is a clinical placement done in the developing world in a low-resource hospital.
You’ll see a big difference between healthcare systems abroad to what you’ve seen back home. You’ll see practices you might never have encountered before - paraffin therapy for example.
You’ll encounter uncommon cases like leprosy and polio, and learn how limited resources affect the provision of care for more common conditions like neuropathies, and contractures. In fact, much of the rehabilitation equipment you’ll use is handmade.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN OT INTERNSHIP ABROAD?
With experience like this on your resumé, you’ll stand out from all the other occupational therapy students who graduate every year. With us, you’ll:
- Expand your clinical knowledge and skill set
- Sharpen your communication skills
- Develop your confidence and resourcefulness
- Build your personal and professional network
- Become more attractive to employers
The clinical aspects of your placement run Monday to Friday. That leaves your evenings and weekends free to make the most of the travel opportunities your destination of choice offers.
Who are we?
We're Work the World — We plan, build and oversee occupational therapy internships abroad, and we’re the experts. Since 2005 (when we started) we've designed internships for 18,000+ student from 400+ universities around the world.
Our service is end-to-end, and includes:
A customized occupational therapy internship in a destination of your choice | Comprehensive pre-trip preparation | 24/7 in-country support | Private, catered accommodation
You arrive in-country on a Sunday (we operate 52 weeks a year so you choose when you start). Internship durations start from one week.
Click here for more detail about how our service works.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
As long as you have started your professional occupational therapy degree you are eligible.
You can also volunteer abroad if you are already graduated. However, please note that our occupational therapy placements are educational in their nature and designed to give you experience in a low-resource hospital setting under the supervision of local qualified professionals.
STEP 1. SUBMIT AN INQUIRY
First, submit an inquiry using the form at the bottom of the page. Tell us where, when and why you want to travel as well as your current level of study.
STEP 2. WE'LL GET IN TOUCH
Next, a member of our consultation team will review your inquiry then call you to discuss your eligibility. They will also answer any questions you may have.
STEP 3. APPROVAL AND CONFIRMATION
Once we have confirmed your eligibility, you need to submit your application form and pay your registration fee. We will then confirm your placement and availability within 48 hours.
DESTINATIONS
Philippines - Iloilo
Find out more
You'll get experience with a broad range of cases on your occupational therapy internship in Iloilo. Typical cases include Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, stroke, RTAs, and spinal cord injuries.
You'll interact with patients of all ages, presenting at various stages of severity. You'll undertake your OT placement in our partner hospital's physical therapy rehabilitation department. This offers you the chance to see how interdependent the two disciplines are. You'll also notice a focus on inpatients, with staff spending up to an hour with patients.
Tanzania - Dar es Salaam
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Dar es Salaam is a vibrant and fast-moving city surrounded by some of the world’s most impressive natural beauty. Wildlife roams the African plains to the north, and Zanzibar—a paradise island—is a short boat trip away.
Dar es Salaam is one of the best countries for occupational therapy internships. Show proactivity and you could have the chance to gain experience with cases of arthritis, neuropathies, and contractures. The occupational therapists here also perform home visits, giving you an immersive experience of how OT works in the developing world. If you're looking for an occupational therapy internship in Africa, Tanzania is the choice. Read stories from those who’ve already travelled with us to Dar es Salaam.
"On placement, I learned how thermoplastic splints were made - they melted and moulded down PVC material to make splints which I thought was such an innovative idea".
Charlotte Eastick, University of Sunderland 2024
Read moreWhat is an occupational therapy internship?
An occupational therapy internship is a clinical rotation students can undertake in low-resource hospitals overseas. To create your own customized internship overseas, learn more here.
How old do you have to be for an internship?
You have to be at least 18 years old to undertake a hospital internship with Work the World. Apart from age, you need to be a college student enrolled in or accepted on a professional OT degree.
How long is a Work the World occupational therapy internship?
An OT internship is as long as you want it to be. Our minimum placement duration is one week with a maximum duration of 12 weeks. Costs vary depending on location and duration.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A WORK THE WORLD OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNSHIP?
The benefits of our occupational therapy placement include:
- Expanding your clinical knowledge and skill set
- Becoming more confident, independent and resourceful
- Making yourself more attractive to employers
- Doing some traveling
- Building your personal and professional network
- Sharpening your language and communication skills
