Choosing a Medical Internship Abroad: Questions to Ask Before You Commit

A practical learning resource from International Medical Aid, adapted from our animated lesson. Use these questions to compare student responsibilities, supervision, local involvement, patient protections, practical support, and total costs. Request written guidelines and a sample schedule before committing. Apply the same questions to every provider, including IMA.

Explore IMA’s programs and planning resources:
https://medicalaid.org/internships/medicinepre-medicine/?utm_source=speakerdeck&utm_medium=presentation&utm_campaign=ima_education&utm_content=lesson_10

Watch the accompanying animated lesson:
https://youtu.be/NiPn-seKdHg

Transcript

1. International Medical Aid Choosing a Medical Internship Abroad Questions to ask before you commit medicalaid.org
2. The student role What will I be allowed to do? Request written participation guidelines. Check that responsibilities match your training. Traveling abroad does not expand your qualifications. International Medical Aid · medicalaid.org 2
3. Supervision Who will guide my learning? Ask who supervises students and how they are qualified. Find out how to raise a question or concern. Request a sample schedule showing supervised learning. International Medical Aid · medicalaid.org 3
4. Local involvement Whose priorities shape the program? Ask how local professionals and communities help define the work and the learning experience. Look for clear answers about local participation. International Medical Aid · medicalaid.org 4
5. Patient protections How are patients protected? Ask how consent, dignity and confidentiality are protected when students observe care. Request the program’s written expectations for students. International Medical Aid · medicalaid.org 5
6. Practical support What happens when I need help? Clarify orientation, housing and transport. Ask about illness, emergencies and support contacts. Get these details before making a commitment. International Medical Aid · medicalaid.org 6
7. The full cost What is included, and what costs extra? Request a written breakdown of program fees. Account for travel, insurance, meals and other expenses. Compare the total cost using the same categories. International Medical Aid · medicalaid.org 7
8. Your next step A comparison you can use Request a sample schedule and written guidelines. Apply these questions to every provider, including IMA. Explore IMA programs and planning resources Watch the animated lesson International Medical Aid · medicalaid.org 8