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Physiotherapy Internship in Cambodia

Gain practical work experience in a rehabilitation centre and help treat patients with different conditions

Destination

Cambodia

Age

18+ y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

Anytime

Accommodation

Apartment

Requirements

You should have completed at least one year of physiotherapy related studies or training.

What’s Included

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.

Accommodation & Amenities

Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

Activities, Training & Equipment

All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

Certification

Certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities for your CV.

Request Info

Starting at £1,495 for 2 weeks

Flexible 0% Interest payments

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Trip Overview

Gain real world experience

Work with experts to treat patients with a range of conditions, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and HIV, at a rehabilitation centre.

Build your adaptability

Learn to adapt and improvise treatment plans in a low-resource setting, using creativity to overcome limitations and achieve patient goals.

Boost your employability

Develop your abilities in patient assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic exercises, enhancing your CV and career prospects.

Explore the “kingdom of wonder”

Live in the bustle of Phnom Penh, visit ancient temples like Angkor Wat, and experience the friendly culture and stunning landscapes of Cambodia.

Challenge yourself to grow

Develop confidence and independence as you navigate a new culture, broaden your horizons, and contribute to a global community.

What you need to know

Overview

Do you want to gain more practical work experience in the physiotherapy field? Are you eager to travel and experience life abroad? If so, this project is a great fit for you!

Our Physiotherapy internship in Cambodia will allow you to build your CV. This is an ideal opportunity for a young professional. You will be able to practice what you’ve learnt and develop new skills under supervision. You’ll also learn to think out of the box, and how to adapt to a different environment. In addition, you’ll be using your skills to help where it’s needed most.

You need to have completed at least two years of physiotherapy related studies or training to join. If you have questions or need guidance, you can reach out to Projects Abroad staff at any time.

A Day in the Life

On working days, you will travel to and from your placement via tuk tuk, which is a large motorised tricycle. Your transport to and from your placement is provided and paid for by Projects Abroad.

You’ll work from around 8.30am to 11am and then again from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. In between your shifts, you can head back to your accommodation for lunch. Alternatively, you can bring a packed lunch along with you to work.

During work hours, you will shadow other physiotherapists and help treat patients. You’ll also write up treatment plans and patient files. If you have the experience, you can work with local staff to improve their skills.

At the end of the work day you’re free to relax. Explore the city, stroll through a market, or go out to a restaurant for dinner. Alternatively, head back to the shared apartment and get to know your fellow interns and volunteers.

Aims & Impact

The aim of this project is to give disadvantaged adults, children and babies in Cambodia the physiotherapy treatment they need.

Many people living with disabilities and diseases in Cambodia cannot afford treatment. This means that a large number of patients don’t receive the support and healthcare that they need. Having you on board means that we can improve quality of life for more people.

We’re working towards four long-term, sustainable goals that are outlined in our Medical Management Plan:

Improve access to basic healthcare for disadvantaged groups
Improve the quality of specialised or alternative healthcare provided
Encourage an understanding of medical practices and promote an exchange of medical knowledge
Improve hygiene standards

Help us achieve these goals by joining our Physiotherapy internship in Cambodia.

Activities

You’ll work at a rehabilitation centre, and help treat patients who have a variety of needs. Your level of responsibility depends on your experience.

We can arrange extra work for university physiotherapy elective students to meet all of your university’s requirements. This includes meeting a set amount of clinical hours or working in a specific department.

Here are a few of the things that you will do at your physiotherapy placement in Cambodia:

Provide physiotherapy treatment and care to patients living with various conditions
Write up treatment plans and patient files
Assist with the training and development of local staff
Create practical, low-cost solutions when resources are lacking

Your work will focus on the following areas:

Providing physiotherapy treatments and care to patients living with various conditions

You’ll be placed at a rehabilitation centre in Phnom Penh. Here, you’ll treat patients with disabilities or diseases such as cerebral palsy, stunted growth, and epilepsy. You may also work with people affected by HIV. You’ll also shadow experienced physiotherapists and assist local staff with daily care duties.

Your goal is to increase your patients’ quality of life through treatment. You will also work alongside our partner organisations to help patients develop so that they can become more independent.

Writing up treatment plans and patient files

Keeping up to date with note taking and case files is essential. You will keep a reliable record of what has been done as well as each patient’s progress.

Assisting with the training and development of local staff

Although there are trained local physiotherapists in Cambodia, many caregivers lack the knowledge needed to treat the patients at the centres correctly. Throughout your internship, you will help by sharing your knowledge and professional skills with these staff members. This will better equip them for caring for the patients.

You’ll also be able to share new treatment techniques and knowledge with local physiotherapists.

Creating practical solutions when resources are lacking

There are a large number of disabled people in Cambodia and the funds and resources needed to treat them are extremely limited. This means that the rehabilitation centre might not have all of the equipment and resources that you’re used to working with at home.

You will need to think out of the box and create practical, low-cost alternatives wherever possible in order to achieve the desired results.

Map & Location

Uncover the magic of Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem with ancient wonders and modern marvels. Here, the legendary Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the Khmer Empire’s power, but it’s more than just temples. Beautiful beaches, stunning skyscrapers, and roaring rivers can be found everywhere you look.

It’s a country on the rise, with tourism and agriculture driving its economy. Though marked by a complex past, Cambodia is developing as a tourist destination and offers an unforgettable experience.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, lies where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. This busy city blends French colonial architecture with ornate Buddhist temples and is home to 2.5 million people. It has a tropical wet and dry climate, meaning it can be hot all year.

Filled with artisan markets, excellent Khmer cuisine, and historic landmarks, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. It is also well connected, offering easy access to the countryside and the wonders of Angkor Wat.

Food & Accommodation

You’ll have everything you need to enjoy an incredible experience in Cambodia, including a clean bed, three meals a day, and fresh drinking water. We’ll also organise your transport (usually a traditional Tuk Tuk!) to and from your placement every day.

You’ll stay in clean, comfortable, and convenient shared apartments in the heart of Phnom Penh. You will have basic Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and large communal areas, giving you the chance to build bonds with other Projects Abroad participants.

Immerse yourself in the local culture, pick up basic Khmer phrases, and enjoy traditional dishes prepared for you by our cook. Explore the fascinating city with new friends, seeing sights like the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields, or organise a weekend trip to Angkor Wat in your free time.

Meet your team

Free Time and Leisure

Explore Cambodia and you will be amazed by the juxtaposition of vibrant cities, achingly beautiful scenery, and famous historical landmarks. This country has a lot to offer during your free time.

The world-famous gathering of temples near Siem Reap is a must for all visitors, especially the magnificent Angkor Wat. Climbing over huge tree roots to temple doorways shrouded by vines is guaranteed to bring out your inner Indiana Jones!

However, Cambodia offers far more than ancient temples. You can go trekking in the jungles or try snorkelling and dolphin-spotting in the seas surrounding Sihanoukville. For a more relaxed afternoon, you can spend time on one of the beautiful beaches.

What’s more, with a network of international volunteers in Cambodia with you, you can decide if you want to spend your free time exploring independently or in a group.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Cambodia Arrival Procedures page.