Global Health & Medical Internships – Tanzania

Shadow doctors in Tanzania for up to 40 hours per week in state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics

If you have a passion for medicine and are interested in gaining valuable & intense observation experience coupled with the change of exploring Tanzania then this program is designed for you. Our programs offer the change to gain experience & skills to fortify your medical school application and help you evolve your professional career. You will rotate through different specialties and witness medical procedures & operations that will help you decide on your studies.

Minimum Duration: 2-weeks
Maximum Duration: 12-weeks
Availability: All year round except for mid December to January end
Fees: Starting from $1,200
Language: The internship is conducted in English.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm
Location: Arusha, Tanzania
Eligibility requirements: 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, chemistry, neuroscience, behavioral sciences, physics etc. Interns must have a genuine interest in medicine and commitment to observation of both surgical and non surgical procedures.


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

The Medical Internship Program in Arusha offers aspiring healthcare professionals a unique opportunity to explore diverse medical fields and make a tangible difference in underserved communities. Participants will shadow and collaborate with local medical staff across various clinical departments, immersing themselves in the realities of healthcare in a developing country.

What You’ll Gain

This program is designed for pre-med, pre-health, and graduate students eager to expand their knowledge and skills. You’ll:

  • Explore Medical Specialties: Shadow professionals in general medicine, emergency care, surgery, maternal and child health, and tropical diseases.
  • Build Practical Skills: Observe and assist in patient care, gaining insight into clinical practices and healthcare delivery.
  • Adapt to Resource-Limited Settings: Learn how medical professionals innovate and provide care with limited resources.
  • Engage in Cultural Exchange: Participate in community health initiatives and cultural activities to understand the broader context of global healthcare.
Daily Activities Include:
  • Observing patient diagnoses and treatments across multiple departments.
  • Assisting in routine tasks such as patient preparation, recordkeeping, and health education.
  • Participating in public health outreach programs addressing pressing community needs.
  • Learning about prevalent tropical diseases and healthcare challenges specific to Tanzania.
  • Engaging with medical professionals to discuss case studies and healthcare strategies.
Why Choose This Program?

This internship offers more than just professional development—it’s a chance to make a difference while gaining a deeper understanding of global health challenges. By working in a resource-limited setting, participants develop adaptability, cultural competence, and a new perspective on healthcare delivery.

Unique Features of the Program:
  • Holistic Exposure: Experience a wide range of medical specialties, from ER to maternal health.
  • Cultural Immersion: Interact with local communities, gaining insight into Tanzanian culture and traditions.
  • Active Learning: Observe healthcare delivery and resource management in a developing country.
  • Tailored Placements: Internships are aligned with your area of study to maximize learning opportunities.
Important Considerations

This program is set in a developing country where healthcare infrastructure differs significantly from Western standards. Participants should be prepared for resource-limited conditions and open to learning about the unique challenges of global healthcare.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re passionate about healthcare and eager to contribute to global health initiatives, this internship in Arusha is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and make a meaningful impact.


Department Rotation:

Anesthesiology, Dialysis, Emergency Room, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Hematopathology, Intensive Care Unit, Orthopedic Surgery, Oncology, Radiology, Pediatrics, OBGYN

Associated career paths:

Physician, Nurse, Surgeon, General Practitioner, Orderly, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Occupational Therapist, Medical Scribe, Medical Administrator, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Clinical Laboratory Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Radiologic Technologist, Phlebotomist, Anesthesiologist, Obstetrician.


By paying for an internship ensures that you get support and a customized professional experience to increase your skills development and fortify your resume. Learn more on: “Why should you pay for an internship abroad?”

Duration

Fees (USD)

2-Weeks

$1,200

3-Weeks

$1,550

4-Weeks

$1,900

5-Weeks

$2,240

6-Weeks

$2,580

7-Weeks

$2,920

8-Weeks

$3,240

9-Weeks

$3,560

10-Weeks

$3,880

11-Weeks

$4,200

12-Weeks

$4,520

  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Airport pick-up
  • Customized internship plan
  • Fully furnished shared accommodation
  • Local English speaking coordinator
  • International reference letter
  • Program & host city orientation
  • Support before, during, and after your internship
  • Sourcing and securing your internship placement
  • Supervisor coaching
  • Support to gain academic credit
  • Airport drop-off
  • Local activities, meals/drinks (of any sort)
  • International/local travel costs (incl public transport)
  • Visa (if required), vaccinations
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory), background check (mandatory)
  • Any other service not mentioned
  • A deposit of US$350 is required to secure your internship
  • The balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date
  • Terms and Conditions apply
  • To convert fees to another currency visit the XE currency converter
  • Our fees are transparent with no hidden fees or extra charges

 

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Over the years, Cerca Abroad has provided internship opportunities to participants from across the globe, while expanding its portfolio to include in-person and Erasmus+ funded MSc degrees and courses. Discover what past participants have to say: “Our Reviews”.

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The accommodation is fully furnished (single or double bunk beds), with WiFi, shared with 1-6 other same-sex interns, and located in safe areas with easy access to public transport and close to the hospital. The last night of the accommodation is the Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. Extra nights of accommodation or private apartments can be arranged in advance, if requested and subject to availability.

Internships start on Mondays and interns have a choice to participate to a program between a minimum of 2 weeks or up to a maximum of 12 weeks .

The program fee includes a free airport pickup on the Sunday before the Monday start date from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). To qualify for the free pickup interns are required to arrive between 9am-6pm.At the airport interns will be welcomed and transferred to their housing in Arusha. For interns arriving at an earlier date, a pickup maybe provided if requested and subject to availability.

Vaccinations: Typhoid/Hep A (highly recommended), Tetanus, Yellow Fever (only required if participants travel through Kenya first).

Adequate information about the city and hosting institution will be sent before arrival. It includes information about the city, local culture, rules, emergency contact numbers and the local team.

In regard to visas, you will need to obtain a particular intern/volunteer visa on airport  arrival, upon which, us as the host organisation/company will send them a letter which you will print and present at customs.

Interns should budget about 2,000 – 7,000 TSH (about US $.90 – $3 USD) per day for public transport depending on whether they choose Dala Dala, Tuk Tuk or Taxi. 10,000 to 25,000 TSH for a simple lunch out (about US$5 – 15). Tanzania has many dining options and from many different cuisines ranging from budget to high end depending on the intern’s needs. Most places accept credit/debit cards but interns are advised to carry cash in Tanzanian Shilling. There are several free ATMs in town and are easy to access.

As for Tanzania, perhaps there is no need for an introduction. Known for its Iconic wildlife safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, adventurous hiking experiences, pristine beaches of Zanzibar and the cultural tapestry woven through historic Stone Town. Tanzanian culture is a blend of diverse traditions, culture and people. Tanzania is also a very peaceful country, and locals pride the nation on this, along with all the natural wonders it has to offer! Arusha is warm but mild compared to other parts of Africa – coastal regions are very hot and humid. The weather year round is approximately 72°F / 23°C and can get up to 82°F / 28°C. There is mainly dry and rainy reason, no summer or winter. The most popular time to visit Tanzania is between June to September or December/January.