Physiotherapy Internship in the Philippines

Are you a current physiotherapy student wanting to gain practical work experience? Or are you a recent graduate looking to supplement your CV with work in an international setting?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then this is the ideal internship for you. To join, you do need to be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of six months to one year of physiotherapy studies or training.

Your level of hands-on involvement depends on your level of training and experience. If you don’t have much experience, you’ll shadow a physiotherapist, and learn by observing them. Once you’re more confident, you can do more under supervision. Interns with more training and experience also work under supervision. Your supervisor is a qualified physiotherapist, who is also the director of the community rehabilitation centre where you’ll work.

Since English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, you don’t need to worry about a language barrier. If you do encounter a patient who doesn’t speak English, one of your fellow staff members will be able to translate.

This internship is available year-round. Your start and end dates are flexible, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast with your host family, you’re ready to start the day. You’ll travel to your placement via a motorised tricycle, similar to a rickshaw. On your first day, our staff will accompany you to show you the way.

On this internship, you will work Monday to Friday. Working hours are from 8:30am until 11am and then again from 1:30pm until 4pm. You’ll travel home for lunch, or bring a packed one with you if your host family is too far away.

You will assess and treat patients at the community centre where this internship is based. No day on this project will be the same, which keeps things interesting. You might be helping someone who’s had a stroke learn to walk again, or work with a disabled child to improve their motor skills.

On other days, you’ll conduct home visits instead, and perform the treatments there. Sometimes you will work with patients to teach them exercises they can do at home to maintain their mobility.

Once you’re done for the day, it’s time to enjoy life in the Philippines. Share stories about your day with fellow interns and volunteers at a beach side restaurant. Or spend time getting to know your host family over a delicious home-cooked dinner. Don’t forget about our regular socials, a great opportunity to make new friends.

The main aim of this project is to equip you with knowledge and practical experience during your time abroad. Many of the interns who join us are looking to gain physiotherapy work experience in the Philippines. You’ll learn from skilled local staff, sharing tips and techniques for true cross-cultural exchange.

Through your work in the Philippines, we also aim to help people with disabilities. Because of financial constraints, many people cannot access the treatment that they need. Sometimes, there are no physiotherapy services located in the area at all.

One of our professional physiotherapy interns pioneered the establishment of the first rehabilitation centre in San Remigio. This was set up by Projects Abroad, in conjunction with the local municipality. Only with your help, we can cater to even more members of the community, and increase the frequency of home visits to more remote patients.

As part of our Medical Management Plan for the Philippines, we aim to improve the quality of specialised care available. You role is to provide vital rehabilitative treatment for people with disabilities, and equip them with the skills necessary to lead a more independent life. This may be done through house visits or physiotherapy sessions at community centres.

We provide training for patients and their families regarding home based exercises. Interns also organise activities for patients that facilitate a smooth return back to school, work or home. Children in particular may be able to overcome some of their mobility issues, allowing them to complete their education.

Apart from providing specialised care for people with disabilities, our other medical goals in the Philippines include:

• Promote awareness of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Improve the overall quality of healthcare provided
• Improve hygiene standards

Our team in the Philippines has been recognised by the local authorities for the incredible work they do for people with disabilities in the communities around San Remigio. Join us on this physiotherapy internship and make a positive, measurable impact in the lives of those with mobility issues.

This practical internship offers you a wide-range of activities for a well-rounded experience. We work with stroke victims, people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, as well as those recovering from accidents. Here are just some of the things you can do at your physiotherapy placement in the Philippines:

• Provide physiotherapy treatments and care to patients with disabilities
• Write case notes and reports about patient consultations
• Exchange knowledge with local staff and students
• Create home exercise programmes for patients