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.

Physiotherapy elective in takoradi ghana

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 20,000+ 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

The Philippines - Iloilo

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

Explore Iloilo

Sri Lanka - Kandy

On an OT placement in Kandy, you'll spend time alongside the occupational therapy team, which supports patients with upper extremity injuries and neurological conditions, focusing on rehabilitation clinics with occasional ward visits. Therapy is divided into hysical Occupational Therapy (injuries and disabilities) and Psychiatric Occupational Therapy (mental health and well-being). Common cases include burn injuries, fractures, congenital abnormalities, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, and cerebral visual impairments. Therapists handle around 30 patients daily, and you can get involved in assessments, treatment planning, and rehabilitation exercises to restore mobility and function.

Explore Kandy

Tanzania - Dar es Salaam

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.

Explore Dar es Salaam

"It was definitely an incredible experience! The healthcare system I observed during my placement in Sri Lanka differed significantly from my experiences in the UK. I am really thankful to the Work the World team and the staff at the hospital".

Saarah Nomani, Cardiff University, 2026

"To anyone considering doing a Work the World placement, I cannot recommend it enough"

George Hart, University of Sheffield, 2026

"The staff are so warm and welcoming, the food was amazing, and the whole house felt very cosy."

Amber Rollier, Ghent University, 2026

"All of the in-country team are so supportive and kind... you can talk to them about anything."

Rachael Jamieson, Edinburgh Napier University, 2026

"It was amazing to spend time with such lovely people and we created many memories together"

Anya Willsea, University of Brighton, 2026

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What 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.