Applications Open for Summer & Winter 2026 Programs
Develop Your Healthcare Career and Explore the World

IMA's Award-Winning Healthcare Internships Abroad

Get Started

Hospital shadowing programs are proven to strengthen med school applications — and our programs go above and beyond. Unique, in-depth, and focused on multiple medical specialties, our summer and winter internships take place in East Africa, South America or in multi-country formats. In part thanks to our immersive and multifaceted internship model, IMA alumni go on to top MD, DO, and PA programs across the country.

International Medical Aid Healthcare Students in Clinical Setting

Globally Trusted, Alumni Approved

ICO
ICO
ICO
ICO
ICO
ICO
ICO
ICO
ICO

Premier Partner

ICO
IMA Medical Internship Programs - Global Healthcare Training Opportunities

Reasons to Join IMA

Reasons to Join IMA

International Medical Aid (IMA) offers healthcare and pre-med internships in various medical specialties, providing students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in clinical settings and develop specialized skills, including the following: 

Maximize Your Learning

Students in clinical setting discussing healthcare

Compared to typical pre-health shadowing programs, IMA delivers exceptional depth and breadth — more hands-on, didactic, and service-learning experiences, as well as expansive global and intercultural insights.

Prioritize Your GPA

Students showing their certificates

Our programs are so full of extracurricular accomplishments that you can focus on your academic goals while in school, without worrying about how your pre-med requirements will fit into your schedule.

Impress Top Medical Schools

Students working in medical laboratory

IMA helps you showcase your competencies through powerful stories. More than a list of accomplishments, our programs give you the extensive skillsets medical schools are looking for — notably grounded in compelling, real-world experience.

What's in an IMA Program?

Image
International Medical Aid ensures an enriched learning environment that goes beyond the typical classroom structure. As a participant, you have the chance to interact directly with patients, practitioners, and global health challenges, all under the careful guidance of experienced mentors.

Our Impact and Success Stories

At International Medical Aid, the value we offer extends beyond our programs. It's echoed in the positive impact we have on the lives and careers of our students. Each student's journey is unique, yet they all share a common thread - transformative experiences that have shaped their academic and professional journeys, while creating lasting connections with peers and mentors from around the world.

From enhancing their understanding of global health to gaining hands-on exposure in their respective fields, our alumni have found their time with IMA to be profoundly impactful. They've not only honed their skills and knowledge, but also learned to navigate the complexities of healthcare with a renewed perspective and confidence.

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year filled with profound impact and shared achievements. This year, we hosted some of our largest initiatives yet! Through our… Verified
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year filled with profound impact and shared achievements. This year, we hosted some of our largest initiatives yet! Through our…
Join Maggie Cornelius from the University of Colorado Boulder as she guides us through a day in the life of an IMA intern in Cusco! From engaging with local communities… Verified
Join Maggie Cornelius from the University of Colorado Boulder as she guides us through a day in the life of an IMA intern in Cusco! From engaging with local communities…
Melina Masselli ‘24 shares a look into her life as an intern with @internationalmedicalaid in Mombasa, Kenya this summer. #WheatonMA #Internship #DayinTheLife 🎥: @m_masselli ‘24 ・・・ #Repost @wheatoncollege Verified
Melina Masselli ‘24 shares a look into her life as an intern with @internationalmedicalaid in Mombasa, Kenya this summer. #WheatonMA #Internship #DayinTheLife 🎥: @m_masselli ‘24 ・・・ #Repost @wheatoncollege
jambo jambo! 🇰🇪 Verified
jambo jambo! 🇰🇪
Stepping into Mombasa Cultural Village offered our interns a glimpse into Kenya’s vibrant heritage and welcomed them into the heart of its living traditions. As they walked through the village,… Verified
Stepping into Mombasa Cultural Village offered our interns a glimpse into Kenya’s vibrant heritage and welcomed them into the heart of its living traditions. As they walked through the village,…
At the heart of Maweni Primary School, we launched our first Community Medical Clinic of the summer at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—marking a strong start to this season’s medical outreach… Verified
At the heart of Maweni Primary School, we launched our first Community Medical Clinic of the summer at our flagship site in East Africa—Mombasa, Kenya—marking a strong start to this season’s medical outreach…
Our recent Hygiene Education Session at Shimo La Tewa Primary School highlighted how our interns take active, hands-on roles in improving community health and patient outcomes at the grassroots level.… Verified
Our recent Hygiene Education Session at Shimo La Tewa Primary School highlighted how our interns take active, hands-on roles in improving community health and patient outcomes at the grassroots level.…
I am so grateful to have spent some time in Mombasa, Asante Kenya! :) Verified
I am so grateful to have spent some time in Mombasa, Asante Kenya! :)
First week on the equator 🌍 #kenya #mombasa #mombasakenya #africa #medical #premed #student #studyabroad #premedstudent #premedmotivation #futuredoctor #travel #travelgram #publichealth #volunteering #exceedyourself #motivation #africanwildlifephotography #giraffes Verified
First week on the equator 🌍 #kenya #mombasa #mombasakenya #africa #medical #premed #student #studyabroad #premedstudent #premedmotivation #futuredoctor #travel #travelgram #publichealth #volunteering #exceedyourself #motivation #africanwildlifephotography #giraffes
In Mombasa, Kenya, our largest and flagship site in East Africa, we recently had the privilege of speaking with approximately three hundred and fifty students from Mtopanga Secondary School about one of the most important aspects of mental well-being: asking for help. Too often, young people are taught that reaching out when they’re struggling is a sign of weakness. But we’re working to change that narrative by empowering students to understand that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. In our Mental Health Awareness Clinic, we created a safe space for students to talk openly about their emotional challenges, stresses, and fears. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, we helped them… Verified
In Mombasa, Kenya, our largest and flagship site in East Africa, we recently had the privilege of speaking with approximately three hundred and fifty students from Mtopanga Secondary School about one of the most important aspects of mental well-being: asking for help. Too often, young people are taught that reaching out when they’re struggling is a sign of weakness. But we’re working to change that narrative by empowering students to understand that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. In our Mental Health Awareness Clinic, we created a safe space for students to talk openly about their emotional challenges, stresses, and fears. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, we helped them…
Finding Purpose Through Medicine: My Transformative Internship in Mombasa, Kenya with IMA
Image
Tyra Dennis Tyra Dennis
My experience with International Medical Aid in Mombasa, Kenya, was deeply meaningful and transformative. From the moment I arrived, the in-country support team made me feel grounded and safe. Margaret, my program mentor, was incredibly supportive—always checking in on my well-being and helping me...
Make Sure Your Soul Gains More Than Your Hands: My Transformative Medical Internship
Image
Kayla McBride Kayla McBride
My experience in Kenya was amazing. I loved fully embracing the culture and meeting so many new people. The people who worked at IMA and in the hospital were wonderful. From the moment Michelle picked me up from the airport, she made IMA feel like home. She was so welcoming, and we quickly became...
Humbled and Inspired: My Time with IMA in Kenya
Image
Grace Munoz Grace Munoz
This trip was truly life changing and inspiring, I am very thankful for all of the staff for their amazing support through the process. I loved everything, the food and culture were beyond amazing. I want to give a shout out to my bestie Janet, she accompanied me through my weekend treks. I had a...
Lessons in Compassion and Clinical Judgment from My Pre-PA Internship
Image
Ija Mumford Ija Mumford
My experience in Kenya with International Medical Aid was incredible. The in-country support was excellent, and I always felt safe thanks to clear guidance and protocols. Accommodations were comfortable, and the food was a wonderful introduction to Kenyan cuisine. The clinical experience was...

Frequently Asked Questions About IMA Internship Programs

Subject