Internship Highlights

Minimum Duration: 2-weeks
Maximum Duration: 12-weeks
Availability: All year round except for August and the two weeks around New Year’s Day
Fees: Starting from $1,950
Language: The internship is conducted in English
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Eligibility requirement: Must be 18 years old or over and preferably with least one year of undergraduate study completed, with a relevant scientific major such as biology and chemistry. Interns must have a genuine interest in microbiology and commitment to observation of both practical and theoretical procedures.
University Credit: Cerca Abroad in cooperation with Webster University (Athens Campus) is able to offer a transferable US university credit option for this internship program. Learn more here.

Biomedical Labs Internship

This is an in-country shadowing program with provided shared housing and local team support.

Gain Real-World Experience in Advanced Biomedical Laboratories

Join a professional biomedical laboratory internship in Greece, designed for students and graduates in health sciences, biology, and biomedical engineering. Interns will have the opportunity to work in specialized hospital laboratories equipped with modern technology and guided by highly trained professionals. This internship focuses on developing technical skills, understanding laboratory operations, and applying theoretical knowledge in real-life clinical settings.

Program Overview

Interns will rotate across three key laboratory departments: Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Virology. Each department offers diverse learning opportunities, allowing participants to gain a well-rounded experience in biomedical diagnostics and research. Interns will observe and assist in routine testing, molecular diagnostics, and specialized clinical procedures under expert supervision.

Key Laboratory Departments and Activities

1. Microbiology Laboratory
Interns will engage in microbiological testing and pathogen detection, learning critical diagnostic techniques, including:

• Direct Gram and Ziehl-Neelsen staining for microscopic detection of microorganisms.
• Cultures for isolating pathogenic bacteria and fungi in solid and liquid nutrient media.
• Blood cultures for identifying bacteria and fungi in sepsis cases.
• Bacterial identification using automated systems.
• Microscopic examination and parasitological analysis of stool samples.
• Advanced molecular methods, such as PCR, for tuberculosis detection.
• Antibiotic resistance testing (MIC) and antifungal resistance analysis.

2. Biochemical Laboratory
Interns will observe routine biochemical testing for patient diagnostics, including:

• Blood tests for assessing cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal function.
• Testing of biological fluids (CSF, pleural, peritoneal, and synovial fluids).
• Lipid profile analysis and general/microscopic urine testing.
• Pregnancy tests, fecal hemoglobin tests, and sperm count analysis.
• Specialized biochemical tests such as VMA, ACE, 5-HIAA, and aldolase.

3. Virology Laboratory
Interns will learn about viral diagnostics and molecular virology, participating in:

• Routine blood tests for hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, and other viral infections.
• Specialized tests for syphilis, leishmania, and amoebae.
• Molecular methods for detecting viral loads in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C.
• Weekly testing for herpes, measles, mumps, and respiratory infections such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Program Highlights

• Learn by Observing: Work in professional clinical laboratories and gain exposure to advanced diagnostic techniques.
• Expert Mentorship: Collaborate with experienced lab technicians and scientists trained in international institutions.
• Comprehensive Skill Development: Build practical skills in microbiology, biochemistry, and virology, with a focus on clinical applications.
• Professional Networking: Develop connections with healthcare professionals and researchers, enhancing future career opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for:

• Health Sciences, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering students seeking practical laboratory experience.
• Pre-med and medical students looking to gain exposure to hospital diagnostics and clinical research.
• Graduates in life sciences aiming to enhance their professional profiles before applying to graduate programs or research roles.

Program Benefits

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Intern at modern clinical laboratories with advanced diagnostic equipment.
• Real-Life Case Exposure: Observe real patient cases and learn how laboratory diagnostics play a crucial role in clinical decision-making.
• Customizable Experience: Depending on the intern’s background and interests, rotations can be tailored to focus on specific areas of biomedical research.
• International Expertise: Work with teams trained in international institutions, ensuring a high-quality learning environment.

Associated career paths:

Microbiologist, biomedical Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Virologist, Biochemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control/Assurance Analyst, Medical and Health Services Manager.