International Medical Aid (IMA) expands access to healthcare in underserved communities across Africa, South America, and the Caribbean while helping future medical professionals gain meaningful clinical exposure.

Group of healthcare and pre-med interns in blue scrubs smiling outdoors, holding an International Medical Aid banner in front of palm trees.

International Medical Aid has opportunities for doctors, medical residents, medical students, pre-med undergraduates, and gap medics to work in busy international hospitals, mentored by our outstanding staff of dedicated physicians and other healthcare professionals. We collaborate with an extensive network of public and private hospitals to provide rewarding hands-on programs…

Nursing/Pre-Nursing Internships

9.96/10

A group of people wearing blue scrubs poses for a photo indoors, possibly related to a medical internship.

Nursing Internship opportunities abroad are offered for undergraduate and graduate students in addition to registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Utilizing IMA’s strong network of healthcare facilities, nursing electives are designed around each intern's specific goals and interests. In many developing countries, hospitals are not adequately staffed with nurses; consequently, our…

Physician Assistant and Pre-PA Internships

9.96/10

Group of physician assistant and pre-PA interns in matching blue scrubs smiling outside a clinical training facility.

International Medical Aid has internship opportunities for pre-physician assistant students, students in graduate physician assistants programs, and licensed physician assistants to work in busy international hospitals, mentored by our outstanding staff of dedicated healthcare professionals. We collaborate with an extensive network of public and private hospitals to provide rewarding hands-on…

Sample Program Schedule [East Africa]

Paid Medical Internships Abroad for Undergraduates Are Rare, But Worthwhile

IMA’s programs require an investment, yet they deliver structure, safety, and recognition that casual volunteering cannot. The documentation you receive — combined with the mentorship, networking, and personal growth — gives you an advantage that shows up clearly in your applications. For students serious about medicine, pre med shadowing abroad is more than a résumé-builder. It’s a pivotal learning experience. Through international medical internships abroad, you’ll return with a clearer sense of purpose, stronger clinical understanding, and stories that prove you’re ready for the path ahead.

Start Your Application

Benefits of Shadowing a Doctor Abroad

Many students ask what is shadowing a doctor and what they are expected to do during clinical hours. In simple terms, shadowing is supervised observation. You watch how physicians evaluate patients, make decisions, and communicate with families. You learn the real responsibilities of healthcare providers in different settings. That is the value of shadowing physicians: you see medicine as it truly works.

In IMA programs, shadowing in hospitals happens in departments such as emergency medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Interns may observe triage, patient interviews, and clinical procedures. You do not perform any task that would require a medical license in the United States. You do record what you learn, take notes on cases, and track all clinical hours in your logbook.

What to Do When Shadowing a Doctor

You will follow your supervising physician on their schedule. During rounds, you will stand near the bedside and observe the medical team assess symptoms and discuss next steps. You will not interrupt care. If the physician invites you to ask a question, you may do so at an appropriate moment. That is a key part of what to do when shadowing a doctor: be present, attentive, and professional.

There are times when you may be asked to help with simple tasks that are safe for pre‑meds. These tasks may include:

Helping organise charts and supplies
Recording vital signs under supervision
Assisting with non‑clinical community health outreach
Participating in public health education events

This is how you gain patient care experience while still respecting the boundaries of your training.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

7:00AM Breakfast and transportation to hospital site
8:00AM Morning rounds with a supervising physician
10:30AM Observation in specialty clinics such as paediatrics or surgery
12:30PM Lunch break
1:30PM Continue clinical observation and case discussions
4:00PM Group debrief and reflection with mentor
6:00PM Return to residence housing

Sample Program Schedule [South America]

These activities provide direct patient care observation hours that matter for medical school. You are seeing real cases, working inside real healthcare teams, and learning how to handle pressure. If you are interested in how to shadow physicians in the United States as well, IMA offers guidance through articles such as how to shadow a doctor which students can review before travelling.

IMA’s clinical staff monitor every aspect of your shadow a doctor experience to ensure that all learning is safe and properly recorded for clinical shadowing documentation. This makes your completed time not only meaningful but also strong enough to include as clinical experience for medical school application.

By the end of the program, you will understand what does shadowing a doctor mean in a way that no textbook can explain. You will know how healthcare teams work. You will have proof of your commitment to medicine. And you will have a realistic sense of what life as a physician looks like each day.

Shadowing Different Specialists and Preparing for Each Day

IMA provides exposure to a wide range of healthcare fields because medical schools expect applicants to understand more than one specialty. This is where physician shadowing abroad can stand out compared to local programs that only allow observation in a single clinic.

Shadowing a Surgeon

If you are interested in surgery, shadowing a surgeon gives you a close look at how operating rooms function. Students observe pre‑op checks, sterile field preparation, and case review discussions. During procedures, interns stand back and watch the surgical team communicate clearly and quickly under pressure.

Shadowing in surgery also strengthens observation skills. You learn to note vital signs, monitor patient status changes, and follow each step of an operation — helping you decide whether to pursue a surgical path in the future.

Can You Shadow a Psychiatrist?

Yes. Can you shadow a psychiatrist? This is one of the most common questions from students who are considering mental health careers. Psychiatry shadowing offers a different type of clinical exposure. Instead of procedures, you observe conversations, emotional assessments, and behavioural health treatment plans. You see how psychiatrists collaborate with psychologists, nurses, and families.

Observing this environment teaches empathy, confidentiality, and how to communicate with vulnerable populations. It is a key part of building well‑rounded shadowing experience for medical school.

Other Areas You May Observe

Emergency medicine
Paediatrics
OB/GYN
Internal medicine
Community health outreach

This allows students to explore different career interests while completing job shadowing doctors requirements.

Preparing for Your
Clinical Shadowing

Students sometimes stress about how to prepare for shadowing abroad. Here are the essentials to help you arrive confident and professional.

What to Bring When Shadowing a Doctor

Students sometimes stress about how to prepare. Here is a simple checklist covering what to bring when shadowing a doctor overseas:

Closed‑toe shoes and clean scrubs

Small notebook and pen for reflection and case notes

Water bottle to stay hydrated during long hours

Identification and hospital badge at all times

Respectful attitude toward patients and staff

If you ever feel unsure, your mentor will guide you. Being prepared shows professionalism — something medical schools expect.

How Do You Shadow a Doctor Professionally?

Students often ask how do you shadow a doctor in a way that reflects medical professionalism. The answer is:

Listen more than you talk

Maintain patient privacy

Introduce yourself only when permitted

Follow staff instructions immediately

Stay focused on learning, not taking photos or using your phone

These habits show maturity and readiness for higher‑level training.

Do Medical Students Shadow?

Yes. Do medical students shadow? Absolutely. Even after admission, medical students shadow before they begin clinical rotations. This means your time observing doctors now is preparing you for the expectations you will face in medical school.

If you continue onto IMA's advanced program tracks like Physician Assistant Internships Abroad or Nursing Internships Abroad, your experience can grow along with your goals.

By combining specialty exposure with clear preparation, IMA ensures your physician shadowing experience is both professional and impressive when reviewed by admissions committees.

How to Get Shadowing Experience and Clinical Hours for Med School

There are many ways to earn clinical hours for med school, but not all options provide the structure, documentation, or supervision that admissions committees expect. Students often ask how to get shadowing experience when they don’t have family in medicine or easy access to hospital contacts. Programs like IMA eliminate the barriers by securing clinical placements for you and ensuring every hour is supervised.

How Can I Shadow a Doctor?

You can pursue several pathways:

Personal Networks

Use personal networks (family doctor, referral from a professor)

Contact Clinics

Contact clinics directly to ask about shadowing opportunity availability

Structured Programs

Apply to structured programs like IMA's international medical internships abroad

Options 1 and 2 work for some students, but opportunities can be limited and documentation may be inconsistent. With IMA, your placement is guaranteed and every hour counts.

How to Shadow Doctors Professionally

When students ask how to shadow doctors, the answer is simple: follow a system that respects patients and physicians. IMA prepares you before you enter the hospital so you know how to introduce yourself, protect privacy, and observe respectfully.

Programs also cover professional expectations when shadowing in hospitals, including:

Arriving on time and prepared

Wearing clean attire and maintaining a calm presence

Watching how the care team communicates

Asking questions only at appropriate moments

These behaviours show that you take your shadowing physician experience seriously.

How to Get Clinical Experience for Med School

Schools want proof that you understand patient care environments. The best way to gain clinical experience for medical school application is to engage in rotations where doctors are teaching and supervising.

IMA interns log time in:

Emergency and trauma units

Paediatric and maternity wards

Internal medicine and surgical departments

This provides direct patient care hours — even if most tasks are observational — because you are following real cases and seeing how diagnoses are made.

Direct Patient Contact Hours

Admissions teams differentiate between direct patient contact hours and general hospital volunteering. With IMA, you are present at the bedside watching medical decisions unfold, so your experience supports what schools want to see. Every hour of clinical shadowing is validated through hospital and mentor signatures.

Students who worry how to shadow a physician without a connection now have a clear solution. Through IMA's established partnerships, you gain access to professional environments that would otherwise be difficult to arrange.

When You Need Verified Documentation

If you are applying through AMCAS, AACOMAS, or CASPA, documentation matters. IMA ensures your shadowing experience for medical school is supported by:<br />

A Signed Certificate

Official program completion certificate issued by IMA upon finishing your internship.

A Detailed Hour Log

Dates, hours, and specialties verified by your supervising physician.

Physician Endorsement

Supervisor letter confirming the skills and clinical hours you earned.

This proof helps you meet program-specific direct patient care requirements. Instead of sending unanswered emails to clinics, you can start developing practical skills that will matter when you enter medical school.

Clinical Experience vs Shadowing: What Counts for Med School?

Many students misunderstand what admissions committees consider real clinical experience for medical school application. Schools want proof that you spent time in patient care settings and that you understand how healthcare works. They look for depth, consistency, and supervision. Shadowing is part of this, but not the only requirement.

Shadowing is observation. You are watching licensed physicians interact with patients and teams. That is important because it exposes you to the decision-making side of medicine. It shows schools that you have seen what doctors truly do each day. This qualifies as shadowing experience for medical school and is expected of serious applicants.

Clinical experience can include supervised patient interaction. Examples include recording vitals under supervision, assisting with non-invasive tasks, or supporting public health outreach. These activities demonstrate responsibility and communication skills within a healthcare environment. That is why many medical schools specifically ask for hands-on clinical experience in addition to shadowing.

Programmes like International Medical Aid give pre-med students both forms of experience. You may observe medical rounds in the morning and participate in supervised community health sessions in the afternoon. This combination helps you build stronger pre med clinical experience than passive volunteering alone.

Admissions teams review your logs to make sure your hours include:

Time spent with patients, not only in hallways

Observation of real medical decision making

Exposure to more than one clinical department

Professional accountability and on-site supervision

There is no universal minimum clinical hours med school requirement. However, students aiming for competitive programmes should target enough time to show they understand medical environments and can speak confidently about their involvement. Many students also ask how to log clinical experience correctly. With IMA, your hours are documented daily by your supervising physician, which gives your application more credibility than handwritten notes or estimates. When students ask what counts as clinical experience for med school, the answer is simple: admissions committees want to see that you were in the room when medicine happened, not just in the building. Structured exposure through a programme such as IMA meets that expectation and helps you avoid the common mistake of relying only on general volunteering.

Hospital Volunteer Programs and Clinical Volunteer Opportunities

Not all experience has to come from job shadowing. Many students gain early exposure through hospital volunteer programs or supervised clinical volunteer opportunities. Schools understand that most pre-meds start with entry-level involvement, but they still expect that the time spent supports learning and patient interaction.

Volunteering that involves simple movement of supplies or general hospitality can be included as clinical service hours, as long as students are working inside patient care areas and observing how the care team operates. Assisting with health education events or greeting patients in waiting areas are examples of acceptable early patient care experience.

However, admissions committees look at intent and environment. Hours that focus only on administrative work — far from medical decision-making — may not be strong enough to count as clinical experience. That is why many pre-meds choose international programmes that offer deeper involvement.

IMA offers options that blend volunteering with shadowing through medical internships abroad. In community settings, interns may help distribute supplies, reinforce hygiene education, or assist with non-clinical public health activities. In hospitals, the focus shifts back to observation. This balance allows students to gain experience while respecting professional boundaries.

Clinical volunteering also introduces students to challenges they must be comfortable facing as physicians: fear, uncertainty, illness, and recovery. Learning this early helps applicants confirm that they are choosing medicine for the right reasons.

Global Health Internships and Medical Volunteer Abroad Options

Many future physicians want more than observation. They want to understand how healthcare systems function in different parts of the world. Global health internships give pre-med students that broader view. These programmes strengthen cultural awareness and prepare students for a career where patients come from many backgrounds.

Through organisations like International Medical Aid, students can participate in medical volunteer abroad placements that complement their daily hospital shadowing. These activities are structured, supervised, and designed for learning — not for replacing trained staff.

Examples of tasks during healthcare internships abroad include:

Supporting intake procedures during outreach clinics
Assisting with hygiene and nutrition education programme
Participating in vaccination or health screening campaigns
Observing how medical teams adapt to limited resources

These experiences build resilience, teamwork, and adaptability. They also give students compelling examples to discuss in medical school interviews, showing they\'ve seen healthcare delivered under real-world constraints.

Healthcare and Pre-Med Internships

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Nursing/Pre-Nursing Internships

9.96/10

Program Overview The foundations of our global internship programs.

Ethical Standards

IMA programs follow strict ethical medical internships for pre-med guidelines. Students never perform tasks they would not be legally allowed to do in the United States. Staff monitor every interaction to ensure patient safety and appropriate student involvement.

Financial Aid & Support

Financial aid and scholarships are available to help students access opportunities abroad. Structured housing, transportation, and 24/7 supervision are included — reducing both risk and stress.

Why It Matters

Completing a pre med volunteer abroad program demonstrates real initiative. Admissions reviewers recognise that not every applicant seeks experience outside their comfort zone. International participation shows maturity, adaptability, and a strong desire to serve — qualities medical schools respect.

Do Clinical Hours Abroad Count for Med School?

One of the most common questions students ask is whether clinical hours abroad count for med school admissions. The answer is yes, as long as the hours are supervised, structured, and properly documented. However, informal volunteer tourism programmes do not count — only educational programmes that follow accepted clinical standards will be recognised.

Admissions offices care about the quality of your experience, not just the location. They want evidence that you:

Observed real clinical care taking place

Learned under licensed healthcare professionals

Logged your activities accurately

Respected ethical and safety guidelines

Community Outreach and Public Health Engagement

In addition to hospital experience, interns participate in supervised community engagement that shows how healthcare extends beyond the walls of a clinic. These activities help future medical professionals understand the preventative side of care, which is a growing emphasis in U.S. medical education.

Depending on your placement location, supervised outreach may include supporting hygiene education for children in local schools, assisting with nutrition guidance where malnutrition is common, helping with screening events for conditions like hypertension or diabetes, observing vaccination campaigns and community health programmes, and learning how local leaders participate in improving health access.

These experiences reinforce the importance of communication and teamwork. You see firsthand how many health challenges are driven not only by illness, but also by environment, economic stability, and education. Understanding these issues prepares you to advocate for your future patients more effectively.

Community activities also help build confidence speaking with patients and families from diverse backgrounds. You will learn how to adapt your communication style depending on age, culture, and emotional state. These are foundational skills for compassionate medical practice, and they are difficult to gain through shadowing alone.

Public health exposure gives meaning to what you observe inside the hospital. You connect individual patient stories to broader healthcare issues — a perspective that helps you stand apart in medical school interviews and future clinical training.

Why Documentation Matters

Medical schools must be able to confirm that your time in the hospital reflects true clinical experience for medical school application.
They expect:

Supervisor signatures
Rotation documentation
Accurate logs of clinical hours
Proof of your involvement in patient-focused settings

IMA provides official clinical shadowing documentation so admissions reviewers know your hours are valid and relevant.

Why Documentation Matters

Schools appreciate global health experience because it shows:

Initiative beyond local opportunities
Adaptability in unfamiliar environments
Understanding of healthcare challenges worldwide

Your experience abroad demonstrates that you’re learning with purpose — not just checking a box. When reviewers see that you contributed responsibly in a structured international setting, it strengthens your entire application.

Where You May Complete Your Clinical Experience

International Medical Aid collaborates with hospitals and public health facilities in carefully selected global regions. Each placement site is chosen for educational value, cultural depth, and strong supervision. Students complete shadowing in hospitals that serve diverse and often underserved patient populations. Current locations include East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.

East Africa

Since 2012, we have had a presence in East Africa, in the areas of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The poverty levels are much too high and there is still a significant shortage of resources available. IMA develops cultural bridges between tribal leaders and governmental entities to provide ongoing care in the areas we serve.

Even hospitals considered more modern for the region lack supplies and technology. Locations such as Kenya are still overrun with communicable diseases such as Malaria, Haemorrhagic Fever, and HIV/AIDS. All safety precautions are taken when dealing with these patients.

Beyond treatment, we provide the means to educate the people of these areas. The basis of our organisation was to provide access to resources in medicine and hygiene in populations most in need.

Kenya Tanzania Uganda

South America

IMA began its mission to bring medical care to underserved areas in 2012 in Ecuador. Despite growth in the region, less than half the population has access to medical care. A Universal Health Care system is in place, but due to corruption and fragmentation, there are too many areas still lacking — with an estimate of only 1.5 beds per 1,000 members of the population in the most underserved areas.

Our efforts have extended into Colombia, which is in a transitional state. An estimated 6 million people are displaced due to violence. Beyond normal healthcare needs, the country is beginning to deal with large numbers of conditions normally found in more developed regions, including obesity and heart disease.

The needs in South America differ greatly from those in Africa and the Caribbean, but they are all in serious need of care. As long as there is a need for medical intervention in countries less resourced than the U.S., interns who support our efforts remain essential.

Ecuador Colombia Peru

Caribbean

The challenges in Haiti are well documented due to the devastating earthquake in 2010, which brought an already seriously impoverished area further elements of devastation. This area is our most recent target to provide the medical interventions we have brought to other countries.

In Haiti, we are still at the stages of surveying the areas for its most important needs, while developing relationships with speed. The challenges in Haiti are very similar to those we see in Africa. Incidents of communicable diseases are high and there are vast shortages of supplies and medical facilities.

Unfortunately, the publicity that brought in funds shortly after the earthquake has slowed, leaving the country in dire need of care.

Cultural Learning and Professional Growth

Students learn more than medicine in these placements. Working in another country exposes future clinicians to different social norms, languages, and beliefs about health. You may shadow a physician who adjusts their communication style for every patient. Small details matter. In some settings, only same-gender medical professionals speak with patients during private care. In others, extended families participate in healthcare decisions.

This kind of cultural competence is an essential part of medical professionalism today. Admissions teams increasingly look for applicants who understand how background, faith, and tradition influence care. By seeing how global clinicians approach challenges with limited technology, you gain resourcefulness and strong clinical awareness that supports your future.

Students often say that shadowing abroad teaches them how to listen first. You will learn when to step back and observe quietly, and when to ask a mentor for guidance.

During your internship, mentors help you develop confidence when talking with patients. Every interaction is supervised so you always remain within approved training limits, but you still begin to understand how clinicians support patients in uncertain moments. That is a skill that carries directly into medical school and your future career.

Preparing for Cultural Differences

Getting to know as much as you can about the region that you are travelling to before you arrive can be very helpful. The cultural immersion can be much more rewarding if you have prepared for the possibilities that can present themselves with exposure to new experiences.

Each area has a breakdown of varying indigenous people, religions, and cultural norms. You can learn a lot of this information online or through books or resources advised by their embassy. These areas are proud of their culture and look forward to sharing it with you. The more you can learn, the more prepared you might be for any eventuality.

Preparing You For A Career In Healthcare

Our goal is to provide you with broad exposure to the various areas within medicine and healthcare. An IMA volunteer internship will introduce you to the nuances of the healthcare field. You will find yourself developing your bedside manner with patients. You will shadow doctors, observe surgeries, and begin to form your personal network with those you encounter in the healthcare field — including your mentors, personal counsellors, and other students in your group.

Areas of Medicine

Medicine | Pre-Medicine Develop hands-on medical skills in underserved communities.

Physician Assistant | Pre-PA Enhance PA expertise through international exposure.

Dentistry | Pre-Dentistry Gain practical dental experience in global settings.

Nursing | Pre-Nursing Advance nursing skills through global healthcare service.

Nutrition | Dietetics Engage in global nutrition and community health practices.

Physical Therapy Participate in PT practices in international environments.

Mental Health Build mental health expertise in culturally diverse contexts.

Midwifery Strengthen midwifery skills with global health experiences.

Healthcare Internships in Peru Immerse in Peru's unique healthcare landscape.

CRNA | Pre-Anesthesiologist Observe anesthesia practices in global healthcare settings.

Optometry | Pre-Optometry Practice optometry skills internationally.

Pre-Radiologic Technology Learn radiology techniques in global clinics.

Occupational Therapy Participate in OT services worldwide.

Chiropractic Apply chiropractic care in global communities.

High-School Global Healthcare Internships for High School Students.

Medical Internship Abroad Application Process

Many students worry that applying to an international clinical programme will be complicated. Medical internship abroad application process requirements are actually very straightforward, especially when working with a structured provider. International Medical Aid simplifies each step so students and parents know exactly what to expect.

1
Submit the Online Application
Share basic academic info, your desired healthcare track, and where you're interested in going.
2
Speak With an Advisor
A short conversation helps match you with the right country and clinical setting based on goals, availability, and comfort level.
3
Secure Your Placement
Once accepted, your hospital assignment is confirmed. This avoids the stress of how to get shadowing opportunities on your own.
4
Pre-Departure Preparation
IMA helps with health clearances, travel insurance, visas (if needed), packing lists, and cultural expectations so you feel prepared before leaving home.
5
Clinical Training Begins
Upon arrival, interns complete orientation, meet mentors, and start rotations with supervision from licensed clinicians — ensuring responsible clinical shadowing from day one.

The entire process is designed for students who are eager to gain experience but lack connections to hospitals. With guidance at every stage, the programme replaces uncertainty with a clear plan.

What to Expect After Arrival

Students enter a structured schedule that blends hospital time with public health outreach. Every day includes logged clinical exposure, faculty mentorship, and transportation support from staff. This gives students the chance to learn confidently — without worrying about logistics.

This consistency is why shadowing hours accepted for medical school carry more weight when they are verified through IMA. Documentation is prepared throughout the programme, not reconstructed months later.

Entering With the Right Mindset

A meaningful international experience requires curiosity, humility, and respect. Students should arrive ready to watch, listen, and ask questions. Medical schools want to see evidence of maturity and thoughtful reflection — and this kind of programme is the ideal environment to develop those qualities.

Rotations and Real-Time Learning With Healthcare Teams

Every student arrives with different interests. Some want exposure to surgery, others want to build confidence around patient communication, and many are still deciding what type of physician they want to become. IMA’s rotation structure supports all of these goals by giving interns supervised access to multiple departments instead of limiting you to a single specialty.

Hospital exposure

Common rotation departments

Emergency and trauma care
Maternal and newborn services
Paediatrics
General medicine and surgery
Internal medicine and infectious disease
Public hospital outpatient clinics

Observing multiple departments helps you compare different medical roles and better understand where you may thrive in the future.

Tailored pathways

Specialty-aligned opportunities

If you already have a direction, you can shadow mentors in more focused tracks:

Pre-PA

Learn from clinical officers who serve roles similar to physician assistants

Pre-Nursing

Observe bedside care, wound dressing, and patient comfort strategies

Pre-Dental

Monitor oral health interventions in community settings

Mental Health

Shadow psychiatrists and social workers evaluating behavioural conditions

Public Health

Participate in supervised health promotion activities in surrounding communities

These experiences provide clarity — instead of guessing what a field is like, you see the work as it actually happens.

Specialty Focus

Our goal is to give you the opportunity to observe and shadow physicians in the specialties you have chosen or are interested in, including Emergency Medicine, OB/GYN, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, ENT, Epidemiology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, and region-specific tropical medicine.

Week 1

Sample schedule A: Emergency
Sample schedule B: General Surgery
Sample schedule C: Internal Medicine

Week 2

Sample schedule A: Neurosurgery
Sample schedule B: Orthopedic Surgery
Sample schedule C: Pathology

Week 3

Sample schedule A: Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Sample schedule B: Intensive Care
Sample schedule C: General Surgery

Week 4

Sample schedule A: Cardiology
Sample schedule B: Paediatrics
Sample schedule C: Cardiothoracic Surgery

Week 5

Sample schedule A: Dermatology
Sample schedule B: Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Sample schedule C: Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Week 6

Sample schedule A: Tropical Medicine
Sample schedule B: Radiology
Sample schedule C: Oncology

	Sample Schedule A	Sample Schedule B	Sample Schedule C
Week 1	Emergency	General Surgery	Internal Medicine
Week 2	Neurosurgery	Orthopedic Surgery	Pathology
Week 3	Obstetrics & Gynaecology	Intensive Care	General Surgery
Week 4	Cardiology	Paediatrics	Cardiothoracic Surgery
Week 5	Dermatology	Obstetrics & Gynaecology	Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Week 6	Tropical Medicine	Radiology	Oncology

Patient Interaction With Professional Boundaries

Clinical observation teaches more than medicine. You begin to understand how healthcare workers approach illness, uncertainty, and cultural considerations in every conversation. Interns observe patient interviews, care discussions, and provider communication with family members.

Our goal is to properly introduce you to the etiquette involved with patient interaction. By directly interacting with the patients, you will begin to develop your own style of bedside manner. However, at no time are you to attempt to, nor will you be allowed to, perform any duties or answer any questions that reach above your level of training. These guidelines are set in place by the Association of American Medical Colleges and protect both IMA's liability as well as your own.

Interns do not:

Diagnose patients
Provide treatment
Perform procedures
Offer medical advice

Reflection and Mentorship

At the end of each day, mentors guide interns through short reflection sessions. You discuss cases observed, clinical decisions made by providers, and the emotional challenges that come with patient care. These reflections help you develop the professional communication and empathy that medical schools expect.

Community Outreach

Beyond the walls of the hospital, each intern will participate in various community outreach activities. These can include visits to schools and community centres, homes for the elderly, or other groups. These can be teaching experiences where you demonstrate hygiene that is lacking among the population. This is where you will best develop more of your cultural education.

Healthcare Policy

Our goal is to help you develop a thorough understanding of healthcare policy and observe the differences that exist between the various healthcare models in both developed and developing healthcare systems. Seeing some of them in action provides you with an incomparable experience.

AMCAS Clinical Experience Criteria Explained

Many applicants are unsure how to classify their activities when preparing for AMCAS. Accurate reporting is essential. Anything listed as AMCAS clinical experience should involve real exposure to patients and teams delivering care.

For your application to be credible, your record of clinical experience for medical school application should show:

Work near or with patients
Accountability to a licensed supervisor
Understanding of medical workflows
Consistent involvement over time

Shadowing counts in its own category. It does not replace the need for clinical participation. Schools expect applicants to gain both observation and interaction. IMA supports proper classification by providing logs, letters, and full descriptions of rotations. This ensures your experiences meet what AMCAS defines as clinical experience while also demonstrating direct patient contact hours even when observation-focused.

Programme Options: Hospital Internships and Study Abroad Tracks

Students pursue medicine from different angles. IMA offers several paths that match various health career goals. Each option provides supervised involvement in real healthcare settings, including the chance to shadow a doctor while supporting broader clinical roles.

Program Overview The foundations of our global internship programs.

Medicine | Pre-Medicine Develop hands-on medical skills in underserved communities.

Physician Assistant | Pre-PA Enhance PA expertise through international exposure.

Dentistry | Pre-Dentistry Gain practical dental experience in global settings.

Nursing | Pre-Nursing Advance nursing skills through global healthcare service.

Nutrition | Dietetics Engage in global nutrition and community health practices.

Physical Therapy Participate in PT practices in international environments.

Mental Health Build mental health expertise in culturally diverse contexts.

Midwifery Strengthen midwifery skills with global health experiences.

Healthcare Internships in Peru Immerse in Peru's unique healthcare landscape.

CRNA | Pre-Anesthesiologist Observe anesthesia practices in global healthcare settings.

Optometry | Pre-Optometry Practice optometry skills internationally.

Pre-Radiologic Technology Learn radiology techniques in global clinics.

Occupational Therapy Participate in OT services worldwide.

Chiropractic Apply chiropractic care in global communities.

High-School Global Healthcare Internships for High School Students.

IMA also supports public health internships abroad for students interested in preventive care and community wellness. All of these qualify as study abroad medical programmes that combine clinical shadowing, professional mentorship, and meaningful involvement in global health efforts.

Keeping You Safe

Safety, Housing, and Supervision

Parents often have the most important questions: Is IMA safe? and Is International Medical Aid legit? The answer to both is yes. Hospitals and housing sites are carefully selected, and students are supervised throughout every clinical and community activity. Safety isn’t just a feature of the programme — it is the foundation.

Support From the Moment You Arrive

From airport pickup to housing orientation, students have staff with them every step of the way. IMA maintains on-site teams that:

Provide secure transportation to and from clinical sites
Stay in the same housing communities as interns
Assist with health, travel, or personal concerns
Maintain direct communication with families if needed

Parents appreciate knowing that their student is never left trying to figure things out alone in a new environment.

Safe, Comfortable Housing

Interns live in supervised residences with other students. Rooms are clean and set up for privacy and rest — important after long days in the hospital. Meals and water are provided safely, so health and comfort remain a priority. Evening check-ins and established curfews ensure accountability.

Families often say they are surprised by how supported their student feels while abroad.

Professional Supervision in Clinical Settings

Students never walk into a hospital alone. Staff coordinate schedules and escort groups into each department. While shadowing, you are under supervision in international clinical settings at all times. Physicians and licensed staff are responsible for teaching and protecting both students and patients.

This structure also protects student career goals. Because every activity meets medical internship supervision standards, schools can trust that the experience is educational and ethical.

Prepared for the Unexpected

Even with strong planning, travel always comes with unknowns. That is why IMA:

Reviews hospital and regional safety conditions continually
Has emergency medical protocols in place
Maintains backup housing and clinic options
Keeps communication open with local authorities

Parents have peace of mind knowing there is a plan for every scenario — including those that never happen.

Extra

Adventures Beyond Medicine

Our goals are to give you the opportunity to enjoy your downtime while you are on your internship. At IMA, we believe that each internship should be a well-rounded experience in every way, and enjoying the culture outside of the hospital is an important aspect of the experience itself.

East Africa

Embark on a safari or explore the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro — one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Experience the wildlife, culture, and natural beauty of the African savanna up close.

Kenya Tanzania Uganda

South America

Visit the sacred grounds of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most remarkable ancient sites. Explore Incan history, dramatic mountain terrain, and the rich cultural heritage of the Andean people.

Ecuador Colombia Peru

Caribbean

Discover the vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty of the Caribbean. Explore local markets, historic sites, and coastal landscapes that reveal the resilience and spirit of the communities you serve.

IMA Reviews and Proof of Credibility

Families considering international placements often search for IMA reviews to verify programme quality. Past participants consistently report that the experience helped them become more independent, confident, and prepared for medical school expectations.

Parents looking into whether is IMA safe or is International Medical Aid legit find reassurance in several facts:

Programmes operate inside established healthcare facilities
Students are supervised and supported at all times
Housing, meals, and transportation are organised by staff
Documentation confirms hours and responsibilities
Programme structure follows accepted U.S. guidelines for pre-health education

Students also mention that mentors provide detailed letters that help distinguish their applications from others who only have casual shadowing experience. These reports confirm the impact, structure, and personal growth that come with participating in supervised international healthcare settings.

Hear From Our Alumni

Don’t just take our word for it—listen to the experiences of our past healthcare and pre-health interns. Our alumni have pursued successful careers, using the skills and knowledge gained during their internships to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Here are some of our alumni's success stories:

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 process the emotional weight of clinical work. Janet was equally encouraging, […]

Tyra Dennis

North Carolina A&T State University

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 very […]

Kayla McBride

University of Georgia

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 […]

Grace Munoz

Stockton University

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 invaluable, I got to shadow PAs and physicians, learning how they provide […]

Ija Mumford

Howard University