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Career Field

Public Health/Medicine

Overview

For a full list of career fields available in all our locations, click here .

Check out the Internship Company Examples below but know that these are just examples of common employers and not the only possibilities. Students are matched by our Global Partner with an employer based on their interests/experiences and the employer’s hiring needs.

Build Your Own Internship - Location of Your Choice

Not seeing an internship for you below? If you have a very specific internship placement in mind or are looking through our program list and not seeing your location of choice, you still have options! You can “ Build Your Own Internship ,” where you research and secure your own internship while working with the GEO office to receive relevant academic credit. Students are responsible for finding this internship, housing, and travel arrangements independently, which is what differs from the existing internship placement programs that GEO offers. All students will be charged in-state tuition for this program and receive a guaranteed $250-$1000 scholarship.

Atenas, Costa Rica with World Endeavors

Emergency Health Services Internship in Costa Rica — Atenas or Alajuela, Costa Rica

This ambulance service and paramedic clinic offers pre-hospital care, trauma response, and emergency services, responding to local emergencies at patients' homes and hospitals with fully equipped ambulance units.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Shadowing paramedics on calls
Checking and managing equipment and medication in ambulances
Accompanying paramedics to patient homes and hospitals during emergencies
Providing excellent, respectful bedside manner and support to staff and patients

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Costa Rica — Alajuela, Costa Rica

This child development center offers personalized therapies and educational programs for children from birth through adolescence, including pediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, early stimulation, and sensory integration.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Assisting in individualized and group therapy sessions for motor skills, sensory integration, and daily activities
Helping develop and implement tailored therapy plans for each child
Observing and documenting progress, providing feedback for assessment
Communicating with parents to reinforce therapy strategies and skill development

Public Health Internship in Costa Rica — Atenas, Costa Rica

This 24/7 comprehensive health services clinic provides general medicine, laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, pharmacy services, medical imaging, labs, and physical therapy.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Organizing and delivering workshops on hygiene, nutrition, and health education as part of a public health campaign
Working at the clinic and local elementary schools, with varying weekly shifts

Bangkok, Thailand with World Endeavors

Public Health Internship in Thailand — Bangkok, Thailand

This organization collaborates with government and nonprofit organizations including the Royal Thai Ministry of Health on disease prevention, community health assessments, and policy development, working closely with a community hospital that provides primary care, dental care, and Thai traditional medicine.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Promoting programs to foreign residents and documenting community engagement for projects
Updating and enhancing website content to improve accessibility and information dissemination
Facilitating collaborations and expanding organizational networks
Coaching staff in presentation skills for international conferences or events
Supporting media and video production for educational purposes
Organizing English classes and contributing to article production on community participation

Public Health Internship Focused on Urban Disease Control in Thailand — Bangkok, Thailand

This public health institute focuses on urban disease control and prevention, developing new innovations and technologies to advance effective public health strategies in cooperation with national and international organizations.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Participating in the routine activities of the daily Travel Medicine Clinic and Skin and Leprosy Clinic
Joining community, school, and house visits as part of outreach programs
Assisting with research, statistics, and data collection related to urban diseases such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and tuberculosis
Supporting vaccination programs and the design of measures for controlling urban diseases
Assisting in the production of English-language media, such as brochures and website content
Teaching English to local staff, typically in the afternoon on a schedule of one to two sessions per week
Observing clinic operations, community visits, and staff meetings

Public Health Internship in Thailand — Bangkok, Thailand

This organization helps promote the quality of life of laborers and other workers, with a focus on the health of fishers and workers who have experienced labor abuse.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Researching and developing systems to promote the health of fishers who have been victims of labor abuse
Investigating existing public health frameworks for fishers and workers in Thailand
Helping expand the organization's network and social media presence within relevant university, NGO, or sector connections
Assisting with editing, rewriting, and analyzing news and articles, including contributing original content
Identifying strengths and weaknesses of the organization and providing suggestions for improvement or expansion
Helping organize and run day camps and activities for fishers and their families to improve overall health outcomes
Supporting report writing and fundraising efforts

Public Health Internship with Disability Advocacy Organization in Thailand — Bangkok, Thailand

This regional cooperative center promotes the empowerment of persons with disabilities and the realization of a barrier-free, inclusive society, serving as a regional center on disability across the Asia-Pacific region in collaboration with government and international agencies.

Buenos Aires, Argentina with Road2Argentina

Research Internship

IECS is the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy; an academic institution affiliated with the Buenos Aires University School of Medicine. IECS is devoted to scientific evidence-based research, education, and technical cooperation in healthcare to improve the efficiency, equity, quality, and sustainability of healthcare services in Argentina and the Southern Cone.

Research Internship

The main goal of FIC Argentina (Fundación Interamericana del Corazón) is to generate high quality and independent research necessary to promote public health policies that prevent chronic diseases, such as heart diseases or diabetes. They educate on the cultural changes necessary to adopt healthy habits and lifestyles and the main topics they tackle are tobacco use, unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.

Cape Town, South Africa with World Endeavors

Healthcare/Medical Internships in Cape Town — Cape Town, South Africa

Gain real-world exposure to healthcare systems, public health challenges, and clinical environments through supervised medical internships in Cape Town. These placements suit students interested in public health/medicine, chemistry/biology, or psychology, and are customized to each participant's academic background and career goals, with tracks available in general medicine, infectious disease, women's health and obstetrics, public health, pediatrics, and dentistry.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Shadowing physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff during consultations, rounds, or clinic operations
Observing rehabilitation sessions, healthcare workflows, and interdisciplinary care discussions
Participating in meetings, outreach initiatives, and health education activities
Supporting research or administrative projects tied to healthcare delivery
Gaining exposure to healthcare inequality and public health challenges within the South African healthcare system

Please note: these internships are observational and professionally supervised — interns do not diagnose patients, administer treatment, perform medical procedures, or provide unsupervised care.

Public Health Internships in Cape Town — Cape Town, South Africa

Work alongside qualified healthcare professionals conducting epidemiological research, assessing access to care, and running community education outreach programs addressing South Africa's most pressing health threats, from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19. These placements suit students interested in public health/medicine, government/policy, or social services.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Assisting with public health programming through marketing, social media, and report writing (administration track)
Supporting lectures and coursework alongside university faculty and students (university work/affiliations track)
Working closely with mentors on current public health issues and research projects (experiential learning track)
Conducting research, data collection, and epidemiological analysis
Supporting community education and outreach initiatives

Physical Therapy Internships in Cape Town — Cape Town, South Africa

Gain an immersive, supervised physical therapy experience in Cape Town, with placements available across sports, pediatric, geriatric, neurological, and orthopedic physical therapy settings. These placements suit students interested in public health/medicine or sports industry/business, geared toward those completing or continuing their education in the PT field.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Shadowing physical therapists working with athletes on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance (sports PT and conditioning)
Helping children with disabilities and developmental delays improve mobility, coordination, and strength (pediatric track)
Learning techniques to support elderly patients with balance, mobility, and fall-risk reduction (geriatric track)
Learning from PTs working with patients managing stroke, Parkinson's, MS, and spinal cord injuries (neurological track)
Gaining hands-on exposure to helping patients regain joint mobility and function (orthopedic track)

Please note clinical internship placements require registration with a South African university under local law, along with additional student registration fees, particularly those with graduate-level fieldwork supervision requirements.

Speech Pathology and Audiology Internships in Cape Town — Cape Town, South Africa

Gain hands-on training in speech pathology or audiology in Cape Town, working with seasoned mentors across clinics, private practices, and schools.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Gaining practical experience helping people, often children, with physical or developmental communication delays (speech pathology track)
Learning to diagnose and treat hearing disorders across patients of all ages (audiology track)
Observing procedures and shadowing seasoned therapists in clinical settings
Gaining hands-on exposure across clinics, private practices, and schools
Building confidence and clarity around career specialization within the field

Public Health Internship in South Africa — Cape Town, South Africa

This all-women-led nonprofit promotes gender equality, works to end period poverty, and educates youth on sexual health and rights.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Helping run educational courses in schools teaching young men and women about sexual health and rights
Assisting the program manager with outreach, curriculum writing, and program research
Evaluating and helping develop the organization's educational programs
Gaining hands-on, in-field experience working directly with children and community members

Dublin, Ireland with World Endeavors

Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy Internship in Ireland — Dublin, Ireland

This organization offers hands-on experience in equine-assisted occupational therapy for children, covering horse welfare, session structuring, and therapeutic coaching.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Assisting with the preparation of horses for therapy sessions
Side-walking with children during sessions
Shadowing a therapeutic riding coach
Learning about the uses and structure of Equine Assisted Therapy
Participating in client and horse welfare and selection processes
Learning about contraindications and safety protocols
Gaining insight into visual impairment, disabilities, and the role of horses in therapy
Transitioning from non-child-facing roles to therapeutic riding sessions after initial training

Occupational Therapy Internship in Ireland — Dublin, Ireland

This holistic, trans-disciplinary practice supports children ages 0-18 through a variety of therapies and programs.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Interacting with children with developmental delays and other sensory processing difficulties
Getting involved with therapies such as Sensory Integration and Neurodevelopmental Therapy
Exploring specializations in Speech and Language Therapy or Play/Expressive Therapy, among other fields

Physical Therapy / Clinical Exercise Science Internship in Ireland — Dublin, Ireland

This medically based exercise program supports clients through structured, clinically informed exercise classes.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Assisting clinical exercise instructors in delivering classes
Supporting induction tests and retests for program participants
Helping with basic administrative tasks during classes and inductions

Public Health Internship in Ireland — Dublin, Ireland

This home care service supports individuals with disabilities, offering hands-on exposure to public health and community care work.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Assisting with office administration
Supporting daily projects and initiatives focused on disease and injury prevention for clients and the community
Evaluating the effectiveness of current health education programs for clients
Assisting staff with daily care for elderly patients
Promoting public health policies, educational programs, and resources

Public Health Internship in Ireland — Dublin, Ireland

This clinical research center, based at a major university teaching hospital, focuses on the vascular complications of diabetes and obesity, bringing together a multidisciplinary research group with expertise spanning molecular cell biology, genetics, bioinformatics, pharmacology, and clinical medicine. The center runs clinical trials aimed at developing new and more accurate treatments for patients, supported by a biobank facility for the processing and storage of biological samples, with research routinely published in leading medical journals.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Training in the tasks and responsibilities of a Clinical Research Assistant, supporting the day-to-day running of clinical trials and research studies
Assisting with patient recruitment, screening, and coordination for ongoing studies
Supporting the collection, processing, labeling, and storage of biological samples for the biobank
Helping maintain accurate biobank and study records in line with clinical research standards and protocols
Participating in educational sessions and team meetings to learn about diabetes and obesity research
Gaining exposure to the "bench to bedside" translational research process, from laboratory science and biobanking to patient care

Florence, Italy with World Endeavors

Nutrition Internship in Florence, Italy — Florence, Italy

This nutrition and wellness company specializes in personalized nutrition services, offering tailored meal plans, nutritional counseling, sports nutrition support, and corporate wellness programs through a multidisciplinary team.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Attending site visits across the organization's clinic locations
Performing bioimpedance tests and indirect calorimetry assessments
Developing personalized diet plans
Preparing written texts and materials
Assisting with daily organization and administrative tasks
Collaborating on ongoing projects with the multidisciplinary team

Public Health Internship in Italy — Florence, Italy

This organization collaborates with government agencies and nonprofits on disease prevention, community health assessments, and public policy initiatives.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Supporting daily projects and initiatives on disease and injury prevention
Conducting research and community health assessments to inform public policy
Engaging in social assistance, fundraising, and health education activities, particularly targeting younger generations
Providing support to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled
Educating the community on health issues like diseases, road safety, and emergency management
Participating in fundraising activities during events or public demonstrations

Healthcare Internship in Italy — Florence, Italy

This dental facility offers hands-on exposure to dental care operations, from equipment care to patient support.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Caring for dental equipment
Recording information in patient records
Preparing patients for dental work
Shadowing dentists and dental hygienists
Assisting with office and administrative work

Occupational Therapy Internship in Italy — Florence, Italy

This organization offers top-quality rehabilitation and prevention programs, collaborating with universities on research in VR rehab, visio-motor activity, and athlete performance.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Shadowing a physiotherapist and assisting in physical and occupational therapy
Supporting rehabilitation techniques, sensory reweighting, and specialized exercises for Parkinson's patients
Utilizing advanced equipment and techniques, including Virtual Reality for rehabilitation

Hua Hin, Thailand with Travelbud

Teaching Internship (Paid)

Students will complete a 120-hour TESOL/TEFL course and teach English in local schools. Teaching placements (including grade levels) are made based on the intern's experience working with youth, school needs, and preference. Interns learn how to teach and then are supported throughout their teaching period. Students with a strong background in the Sciences or Technology could potentially teach a class in their STEM subject along with their English classes.

Madrid, Spain with World Endeavors

Mental Health Support Internship in Madrid, Spain — Madrid, Spain

This mental health center provides psychological and psychiatric services for adults, children, adolescents, and families, working through an interdisciplinary team with personalized treatment plans for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional difficulties.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Observing and analyzing psychological assessment and intervention processes in the clinical setting
Participating as an observer in psychosocial intervention groups, including peer support groups
Assisting with mental health prevention and promotion programs in schools, including workshops and training sessions
Participating in clinical and coordination meetings of the multidisciplinary team
Attending internal training sessions with the team
Supporting document review and the preparation of psychoeducational or training materials

Physical Therapy Internship in Spain — Madrid, Spain

This multidisciplinary physiotherapy clinic specializes in a range of therapeutic services, offering a comprehensive and realistic training experience that prioritizes learning, professional ethics, and patient-centered care.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Observing physiotherapy assessments and clinical case progress
Collaborating in the preparation and delivery of physiotherapy sessions
Assisting in physiotherapy sessions
Supporting the organization and monitoring of exercises during group therapeutic physiotherapy sessions
Participating in clinical reasoning and adapting treatments to the individual needs of each patient

Osaka, Japan with CRCC Asia

Research Internship

Intern at one of Japan's leading research centers in immune bioinformatics and information and structure analysis of immunity. The company has some of the world's most advanced technologies and knowledge in the field and conducts research and development in collaboration with teachers at institutions and universities and business companies such as pharmaceutical companies. Duties may include conducting research projects about applications of machine learning technologies to biological and/or immunological problems.

Prague, Czech Republic with World Endeavors

Physician Assistant Practicum at Residential Care Facility in Prague, Czech Republic — Prague, Czech Republic

This senior living and care center provides residential care services for elderly residents, offering hands-on geriatric care practicum experience alongside on-site medical and care staff.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Supporting resident health assessments and monitoring under supervision
Assisting with basic clinical procedures appropriate to Physician Assistant training
Observing and participating in geriatric care practices and daily resident care routines
Supporting communication between residents, families, and care staff
Assisting with documentation of resident health status and care plans

Public Health Internship with Substance Use and Addiction NGO — Prague, Czech Republic

Founded in 1990, this nonprofit works to reduce the health and social harms associated with substance use and addiction, offering a comprehensive network of outreach, harm-reduction, counselling, and treatment services.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Supporting outreach and harm-reduction activities within community-based programs
Assisting with client engagement and coordination across counselling, medical, and social support services
Contributing to public health education campaigns aimed at reducing stigma around substance use
Observing or assisting with the coordination of outpatient clinic or therapeutic community services
Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of counsellors, medical staff, and social workers
Assisting with research or documentation related to public health advocacy and drug policy work

Occupational Therapy Internship in Czech Republic — Prague, Czech Republic

This private medical facility offers a neurorehabilitation follow-up care clinic, giving interns exposure to occupational therapy for patients recovering from acute illness or surgery.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Aiding staff in facilitating a range of therapy sessions at the clinic
Working within a care setting supporting patients recovering from acute illness or surgery
Surveying various therapy programs

Public Health Internship in Czech Republic — Prague, Czech Republic

This organization partners with government and nonprofit agencies to address community health needs and shape public policy, with a current focus on refugee integration.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Assisting in childcare during adaptation groups and summer urban camps
Building trust and rapport with children and team members
Conducting educational and play activities in English to enhance refugee children's language skills
Co-leading conversation clubs for children aged 12+ and adults to foster language proficiency and community integration

Seoul, South Korea with CRCC Asia

Healthcare Internship

Intern at a healthcare organization empowering patients to make the right decision for medical procedures. Duties may include assisting on patient inquiry answers: patients seeking assistance finding the right procedures, doctors in Korea and writing blog posts, and creating content with medical information.

Healthcare Technology Company Internship

Intern at a healthcare tech company that developed an AI Skincare Assistant, the world’s first portable device that analyzes a whole facial skin in a snap and recommends the products using AI technology. With this AI and big data solution, this company is innovating the beauty industry by connecting all the beauty entities with skin data. Duties may include supporting the Global Sales & Marketing team with critical thinking for B2B marketing and partnership, operational execution, and Business Development.

Sydney, Australia with World Endeavors

Optometry Research with School of Optometry and Vision Science in Australia — Sydney, Australia

This leading Australian university school offers high-quality training in vision science and clinical optometry, driving impactful research in areas such as myopia, dry eye, and ocular disease.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Supporting research event facilitation, including preparation and note-taking
Assisting with research study planning, preparation, and delivery, such as water sampling
Building communication skills for working with diverse healthcare stakeholders, including clinicians, patients, researchers, and regulators

Exercise Science, Health & Fitness Coaching Internship in Sydney, Australia — Sydney, Australia

This personal training and wellness business focuses on structural balance, biomechanics, and customized fitness and nutrition programming for clients.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Completing structural balance assessments and explaining injury factors or biomechanical concerns to clients
Applying knowledge of human anatomy to design customized plans, helping clients progress toward functional strength goals
Building referral networks and connections with other businesses to increase brand awareness
Learning sales and marketing tactics to help convert prospects into customers
Designing 12- to 24-week programs covering fat loss, muscle hypertrophy, and strength phases
Applying an understanding of macro- and micronutrients to provide nutritional audits and identify red flags requiring specialist referral

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Internship in Australia — Sydney, Australia

This disability specialist company offers hands-on exposure to pediatric occupational therapy, supporting patients with a range of physical and neurological challenges.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Providing individualized support to patients with challenges such as physical and neurological disabilities
Acquiring meaningful experience by helping within various therapy programs
Performing administrative tasks and gaining a well-rounded perspective on the managerial skills necessary to support an occupational therapy practice

Health Technology Internship in Australia — Sydney, Australia

This company builds medical diagnosis systems using algorithms and programming, offering hands-on R&D experience at the intersection of healthcare and technology.

Tasks and responsibilities may include:

Supporting research and development of algorithm-based diagnostic tools
Assisting with programming and testing of medical diagnosis systems
Contributing to data analysis related to system performance
Gaining exposure to the development process behind health technology products
Website/App Design and Development

Tokyo, Japan with CRCC Asia

Health Start-Up Internship

Intern at a startup that helps people live healthier and longer lives. Their product is a urine analyzer which provides instant feedback to help people improve their health and fitness. Duties could include calibrating a urinal device prototype to prepare it for beta testing.

Healthcare Company Internship

Intern at a company focused on providing stress-free access to healthcare, foods, products, and accurate information to keep your body and mind healthy in Tokyo and beyond. They have grown to be a leader in CBD oil, vegan offerings and health and wellness in Japan. Duties may include marketing and design support.