With a range of observational and hands-on activities, this internship gives you a well-rounded medical experience abroad. You will be able to get involved in:
Your work will focus on the following areas:
Observe local doctors and medical staff
Your main role on this internship will be to learn from doctors and other medical staff. You’ll have the chance to witness consultations and procedures, and ask questions about what you’ve seen. Wherever possible, doctors will take the time to explain what they are doing, and how they came to the diagnosis.
Participate in medical outreaches which serve rural communities
Get involved in practical work on our regular medical outreaches. These provide basic yet important medical care to members of disadvantaged communities, as well as free food and medication. They serve over 100 people at a time.
You’ll assist the doctors in checking vital signs such as blood pressure and sugar levels, and dispense medication under supervision.
Learn about traditional Ayurvedic medicine
We offer interns an exciting opportunity to learn more about traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Sri Lanka has special hospitals that are dedicated to this practice. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical traditions. You’ll get involved with preparing herbal medicine, caring for patients, working in the clinic, and much more.
Raise awareness about important healthcare issues
We also run educational outreaches and workshops in local schools and community centres. You’ll give presentations on specific healthcare issues, with the goal of raising awareness around prevention and treatment.
With several departments available, you can truly enhance your medical knowledge. Or pick an area in which to specialise:
If you’re interested in finding out more about traditional medicine, then you can also spend time in an Ayurvedic hospital. Let us know if you’re interested in this option when you apply.
Please note that you will only be able to spend time in one or two departments if you’re staying for two to three weeks. The longer you stay, the more departments you will be able to rotate through.
After waking up in the morning and enjoying a delicious breakfast with your host family, you’ll travel to your placement by bus or rickshaw. In some cases, you’ll live close enough that you can walk to work. On your first day, our staff will accompany you to show you the way.
A typical day will run from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am - 12.30pm, and then from 2pm - 4pm. However, these hours may vary. The exact schedule will be discussed during your induction.
The specifics of your day will vary according to which placement you choose, and which department you’re in. In general, you’ll follow the doctors in the department as they complete their rounds, update charts, review case files, and assess patients for admission. There may also be the possibility to observe surgeries.
We run regular workshops for all our medical interns. Here you’ll have the chance to ask local doctors questions about procedures you’ve seen, or simply find out more about medical practice in Sri Lanka. They will also provide you with basic training.
Other days you may find yourself visiting a school or community to raise awareness about a particular health issue. This may involve giving presentations or organising activities, such as demonstrating how to correctly wash hands for improved hygiene.
On community outreach days, you’ll travel with other medical volunteers to a disadvantaged area. You’ll assist medical staff in setting up the outreach session, as well as checking vital signs, dispensing medication and generally lending a helping hand wherever needed.
At the end of your working day, it’s time to relax. Swap stories about your day over dinner with your host family, or fellow interns and other volunteers, or spend time getting to know them at one of our regular socials.
Sri Lanka is well-known for its diverse landscapes. From beaches to tropical jungles, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant country.
The buzzing Pettah Market is a must-see. You can chat to friendly vendors, buy handmade products, and enjoy the electric atmosphere around you. For cultural enrichment, you can spend an afternoon in the National Museum of Colombo. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is also a highlight, with its vast collection of artefacts.
The town of Galle is a sea port with a strong Dutch heritage and plenty of old colonial buildings to explore. You can also venture inland to hike in the hills, swim in the cool waterfalls, and visit traditional hill towns.
Sri Lanka's national parks include safari parks where you can spot wildlife like leopards and elephants. Or spend an early morning bird-watching in one of the wetland sanctuaries. There are also rainforest reserves crammed full of tropical biodiversity.
You’ll be sharing this unique experience with many other volunteers. This means you can travel solo or spend your free time with the friends you make during your trip.
Accommodation
Food (three meals a day)
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
Transport to and from your work placement
In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
A supervisor/mentor at your work placement
Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
Access to our local office with internet connection
Certification of project completion
A cultural awareness course
Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
When you arrive at Colombo Airport (CMB), you will be met by a friendly Projects Abroad driver. They’ll be holding a Projects Abroad sign.
It takes about an hour to travel from the airport to the city, where our offices are based. Some of you will be based further away from Colombo, so the drive will be longer. Either way, you’ll be taken straight to your accommodation, where you can relax and settle in.
The costs for transport are included in your fee.
You'll stay with a host family in or around Colombo. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Sri Lanka and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Medical Work Internship
Gain medical work experience learning directly from doctors in hospitals and doing health checks
$743/week
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