Healthcare and Pre-Med Internships

Medical schools value applicants who have proactively sought out diverse experiences in the field. An IMA Medical Internship offers you a unique chance to shadow experienced healthcare professionals in both optimal and challenging environments, and helps you build essential core competencies. 

By participating, you’ll gain hands-on insight into patient care, develop resourcefulness, and acquire a realistic perspective on global healthcare challenges—all of which are qualities that medical schools look for. 

Furthermore, your active engagement, thoughtful questioning, and thorough documentation of your experiences (such as maintaining a journal) can lead to strong letters of recommendation and a deeper understanding of the medical profession.

We offer rotations across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and other critical medical fields. You’ll be placed in a setting that complements your skills and career objectives.

• 24/7 In-Country & U.S.-Based Support
• Pre-Departure Assistance (travel, visas, immunizations, etc.)
• Physician-Led Orientation covering local healthcare systems, safety protocols, and cultural norms
• Hospital/Clinic Placement with structured rotations and mentorship by licensed physicians and other healthcare professionals
• Global Health Lecture Series led by local and international experts
• Community Medical Clinics & Health Education initiatives
• Weekly Cultural Activities such as treks, language lessons, and local excursions
• Safe, Gated Housing with 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, an in-house chef for meals, and weekly laundry service
• Access to online medical courses to supplement your learning
• Support for Graduate School Applications (letters of recommendation, advising, etc.)

IMA admits cohorts ranging from approximately 35 to 70 interns in any given cycle, ensuring ample opportunities to learn and network with peers from diverse backgrounds.

You’ll reside in one of our comfortable Program Residences located in safe neighborhoods within our host countries. Accommodations are shared and include amenities such as Wi-Fi, meals prepared by an in-house chef, laundry facilities, and 24/7 security, fostering a supportive, community-centered environment.

Interns in the Healthcare and Pre‑Med Internship program typically spend 6–8 hours in the hospital during clinical rotations (for example, from 8 AM to 4 PM) followed by afternoon downtime for activities—including our Global Health Lecture Series and Community and Clinical Outreach Activites. There is an option to work one night shift per week, and weekends are available for excursions or additional hospital work. Once admitted, you collaborate with your Program Mentor to create your schedule.
Here is a Sample Program Schedule.

Yes. While the nature of patient interaction varies depending on your role, the hours you accumulate during an Healthcare and Pre‑Med Internship are considered direct patient care experience. Furthermore, these hours are validated by our Medical Director in the US, ensuring that your experience meets professional standards.

Yes. We support interns through:

• Payment Plans (2 or 4 installments, with the full balance due 30 days prior to start)
• Guidance on Scholarships (through your university or external organizations)
• Fundraising Resources on platforms like GoFundMe and FundMyTravel
• Uplift Loans for flexible, monthly payment options

Program fees typically include:

• Housing: Secure, shared accommodations
• Meals: Three daily meals provided by an in-house chef
• Transportation: In-country transportation (airport pick-up/drop-off and daily travel to clinical sites)
• Clinical Placement and Mentorship: Structured rotations with experienced physicians and healthcare professionals
• Medical Insurance: Coverage up to $1,000,000 for emergencies
• Cultural and Educational Activities: Weekly cultural excursions, community outreach, and local health workshops
• 24/7 In-Country Support: Ongoing assistance from our dedicated staff
  Please check our website for the most current fee schedule based on your chosen location and program duration.

We suggest budgeting around $50–$100 per week for personal expenses (e.g., dining out, local transportation, souvenirs, or weekend activities).

Absolutely. IMA maintains a 100% safety rating across all program sites. We prioritize intern safety by selecting secure housing, providing comprehensive orientations, and offering 24/7 in-country support. Our staff is well-versed in local protocols and emergency procedures.

Visa regulations differ by country. Upon acceptance, IMA provides guidance on the visa application process, including required documents and timelines. Interns are responsible for completing any necessary paperwork, but we’ll guide you every step of the way.

• Pre-Departure Briefing: Assistance with logistics (flights, vaccines, travel insurance)
• In-Country Orientation: Sessions led by experienced physicians and healthcare professionals on local systems, cultural norms, and safety protocols
• 24/7 On-Site Staff: Always available to help with health concerns, housing, placements, or cultural adjustments
• Ongoing Mentorship: Consistent support from licensed physicians and other medical experts throughout your rotations

If you have further questions or need additional information about International Medical Aid’s Medicine/Pre-Medicine Internship Program, please contact our admissions team. We’re here to ensure you have a fulfilling and impactful clinical experience abroad!