Nursing internship abroad

In addition to hospitals and healthcare facilities in Germany, you also have the opportunity to do your nursing internship abroad. This is a 3-month internship, which can also be divided into three internships of at least 30 days each. You can complete the nursing internship before you start your degree programme. The only important thing is that it is completed by the end of the fourth semester, i.e. before your Physikum. 

Exciting countries such as Sri Lanka, Bali, Nepal. Argentina, India and Tanzania offer interesting hospital projects. In this article, you can find out about the advantages of a nursing internship abroad, how to prepare for it and lots of other important information.  

Advantages of a nursing internship abroad 

Here are the most important arguments why a nursing internship abroad is a great idea:

Getting to know a different healthcare system

The German healthcare system is considered modern and is recognised worldwide. Nevertheless, thinking outside the box can be very exciting and enriching. How do nurses work in Ecuador? How are doctors paid in Thailand? You can only get a really good impression of another healthcare system if you have worked there yourself. 

Cultural exchange

Travelling to another country and working there means getting to know the local people and their cultures, lifestyles and values. In addition to international friendships, this creates experiences and memories that can shape you far beyond your medical studies and lead to your personal development. 

Combining holiday and work

Have you always wanted to get to know the fascinating landscape of Peru? Hike through the forests of Sweden? Or do you long to relax on a beach in France? Why not combine it all with a nursing internship abroad? In the afternoons after your internship or at weekends, you'll have plenty of time to explore the country and savour the local benefits. 

Build up language skills

If you are completing your nursing internship in a non-German-speaking country, you will have to communicate in English or another language. Good language skills are not only useful when travelling on holiday, they will also stand you in good stead in your future career as a doctor. And one thing is clear: the best way to learn is by doing!

Special features of the nursing internship abroad

A nursing internship abroad is of course different to a nursing internship in your home country. You will be confronted with a new language, different manners and different working methods. It is therefore advisable to inform yourself extensively about your chosen country beforehand and to acquire sufficient language skills. 

Medical studies abroad are organised differently in many countries. The principle of the nursing internship is therefore not known in every hospital. It is therefore important to inform your chosen hospital about the structure and content of a nursing internship.

What do you need for a nursing internship abroad? 

You should allow enough time to prepare for your nursing internship abroad, as some processes can take a little longer. For example, you should check whether and which visa is required for your entry. 

Depending on the country you are travelling to, there are recommended or mandatory vaccinations for entry. Make an appointment with a tropical medicine specialist in good time and find out about the vaccinations and possible prophylaxis. 

You will need adequate insurance cover for your time abroad. In addition to international health insurance, liability insurance is recommended for your work in hospital. 

What other things are important and should not be missing in your suitcase:

Documents and records

• Passport and identity card (original and copy)
• Visa, if required (original and copy)
• Vaccination card
• Insurance confirmation (in the national language or in English)
• Recognition form from the State Examination Office

For the hospital

• Doctor's coat and/or kasak
• clean shoes and clothes
• Stethoscope/thermometer/pulse oximeter
• Notepad and pen

Depending on the country you are travelling to and the facilities at the hospital, it may also be worth taking gloves or hand sanitiser with you. Enquire at your chosen hospital in good time. 

For the stay abroad

The packing list varies depending on the destination. However, the following items are often very useful: 

• Credit card, cash (also in the currency of the destination country), emergency telephone number of your bank 
• Sun cream
• Mosquito repellent
• First aid box with first-aid kit
• Dictionary in national language, Medical-English dictionary
• Powerbank

Which internships are recognised? 

The state examination office in your region is responsible for recognising your nursing internship abroad. It is therefore advisable to contact the relevant state examination office before or during your planning of the nursing internship abroad and enquire about the requirements for recognition. 

The basic requirement is a minimum length of 30 days. There are often further requirements, such as specifications regarding the type of medical institution, the type of activity and the content of the internship, which you must enquire about individually. 

The certificate

You can ask your local state examination office for forms that you can take with you and have signed at the hospital. These forms are available in different languages, so they are also available in English or Spanish. 

Duration, remuneration and financing of a nursing internship abroad

You can determine the duration of your nursing internship yourself. You can either complete the entire 90 days in one go or just part of it. The minimum is 30 days in a row, which is why 30 days, 60 days or 90 days are possible. 

As in Germany, the nursing internship abroad is generally not remunerated. Some hospitals also charge an expense fee. Depending on the hospital (e.g. hospitals in England), this can be up to 200 euros per week, or 150 euros per month in some African countries. However, many hospitals do not charge anything. You should always clarify this when you apply.

You will also have to pay for travelling, accommodation, food and leisure expenses. These vary greatly depending on the country you are travelling to. 

If you are already studying medicine, it is possible to receive a scholarship for your nursing internship abroad. You can also find out more about this from the International Office at your university.

Nursing internship abroad - What is the best way to apply?

There are various ways to apply for a nursing internship abroad. Firstly, you can look for various hospitals in your desired country and apply to the relevant contact person yourself. You are then completely responsible for organising your stay abroad, including travel and accommodation. 

Another option would be a nursing internship abroad through an organisation. This offers travel4med numerous offers in different countries and you have significantly less organisational effort.