A disabled child does basic exercises using a ball with a student doing an Occupational Therapy internship abroad.

Occupational Therapy Placements Abroad

Learn from skilled professionals in a developing country and gain occupational therapy work experience.

Signing up for a Projects Abroad Occupational Therapy internship will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to further your career. You’ll learn about occupational therapy practices in a global context and deepen your understanding of local healthcare challenges.


You can complete your internship in a wide range of settings. These include hospitals, schools, community centres, daycares, and specialist rehabilitation centres. During your time abroad, you’ll learn directly from skilled local professionals and observe them as they go about their day.


This unique educational experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out from the crowd. It’s also a great opportunity for personal growth, as you develop your confidence and understanding and gain insight.

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1-3 of 3 Projects

An Occupational Therapy intern gains work experience by helping treat a disabled child in Cambodia.
Occupational Therapy Internship in Cambodia
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  • Price: €1,835 for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: €290
  • Start Date: Completely flexible dates
  • Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
  • Age: 16 or over
Projects Abroad Intern taking part in a busy physiotherapy session whilst on her occupational therapy internship in Kenya.
Occupational Therapy Internship in Kenya
See this project
  • Price: €1,870 for 1 week
  • Extra Weeks: €315
  • Start Date: Completely flexible dates
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Age: 16 or over
Occupational therapy internships in the Philippines allow interns to take part in Physiotherapy sessions whilst gaining work experience.
Occupational Therapy Internship in the Philippines
See this project
  • Price: €1,920 for 1 week
  • Extra Weeks: €365
  • Start Date: Completely flexible dates
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Age: 18 or over

Can't find what you're looking for? 

We’d be happy to talk about creating a custom project for you. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re well placed to answer your questions, big or small.

+353 1 571 5080

or

to start planning your project

Is an Occupational Therapy placement abroad right for me?

We have internships available to suit a wide range of skill levels, whether you’re new to the field or have previous experience. Thinking about pursuing a career in occupational therapy? Our internships will give you the exposure and insight you need to decide.


Are you a current occupational therapy student? An internship is a great way to supplement your learning with real-world experience. Maybe you’re a qualified occupational therapist looking for a new challenge? Your skills will be put to use on an placement that will really broaden your horizons.


During your time abroad, you will be well-supported by our local Projects Abroad staff, as well as the professionals you’ll be working alongside and learning from. There is also the opportunity to take part in outreach work in disadvantaged communities. This is a wonderful way to give back to others while you learn.


All in all, our Occupational Therapy internships will prepare you for the next stage in your studies or career. You’ll boost your CV as well as any future applications for jobs or further study.


If you’re currently a student, you might find yourself better suited to our Occupational Therapy Electives. Perhaps you’re more interested in a related field: we have a range of Physiotherapy internships on offer. Read our full list of projects for internships abroad.

A child does physical exercises with a student doing an Occupational Therapy internship abroad in Vietnam.

What will I gain from an Occupational Therapy placement abroad?

There are so many great  advantages to completing one of our Occupational Therapy work experience placements. You’ll gain skills and knowledge that will be invaluable for your future career in the field.


You’ll benefit from:


  • Developing soft skills such as teamwork, communication, organisation, resilience, planning, and time management
  • Experiencing conditions and techniques that you may not encounter back home
  • A more in-depth internship experience than you would receive in your home country
  • Developing a global mindset from working with people of many different cultures and backgrounds
  • Increased self-confidence as you broaden your horizons


All of the above will also enhance your CV, UCAS applications, and your personal development.

Why does this internship matter?

This experience will bring you closer to a future working in your chosen field. We’re proud to support future talent who will bring vital skills to communities in need.

How are Projects Abroad’s Occupational Therapy internships different?

At Projects Abroad, our first aim is to benefit the communities we work in. You can be assured that your internship is ethical, well supported, and part of a better future. Here’s just a few elements of our work that set it apart from other internship programmes:


Recording our work in a secure database


We created a Global Impact Database so we can track the positive impact our projects have. This is a secure and anonymous database that we use to identify specific areas of need. It allows us to use data to shape medical outreaches and health awareness programmes. We can also monitor individuals we see often, report our results and collect data for research. All of this work is guided by our Management Plans.


Real work with trained professionals


On our internships, you’ll work alongside real healthcare professionals. You can observe them in their everyday work, ask questions and hear more about their experiences. You’re likely to get more insights into the frontline of medical care than in your home country.


A tailored approach


We are often able to tailor your internship to your interests. You can work in more than one department or focus on one particular area, or experience outreach work in the local community.

A local child looks at pictures with an Occupational Therapy intern in Vietnam.

Our Medicine & Healthcare policy

We take the safety of our volunteers, interns, and the people they work with very seriously. That’s why we’ve put in place a comprehensive Medical Ethics Policy.

Next Steps

Our accreditations