Occupational Therapy

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.

Kathryn A

I had always wondered what my future profession would look like in practice within a developing country. I also desired to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone and expand my worldview.

Emily M

Over the three weeks I was there, I administered OT assessments at the rehab centre and at-home visits to determine the patient’s occupational issues. For many of the stroke patients, I used mirror therapy or constraint induced movement therapy to target their affected upper limb. For many of the young children with cerebral palsy, I used play therapy to develop their upper limb and fine motor skills.

Emily O

It was a great experience for me to learn and see how things worked in Kenya. I enjoyed learning from the occupational therapists and I was pleased that they were eager to learn from me too.

Natalie S

I gained skills in massage and manipulation alongside a great deal of knowledge around cerebral palsy, the predominant disability at the centre. There are also ample opportunities to use graded activities and games to help improve a child’s sensory, process and motor skills. Seeing even the smallest improvement in a child’s functioning was so rewarding and satisfying!

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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, 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:

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.

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.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

Our trusted accreditations

British Youth Travel Awards Customer Service
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GoOverseas community choice award
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Volunteer Forever award
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