GEI Study Abroad: Global Clinical Internship

GEI Study Abroad: Global Clinical Internship

Location
Multiple Locations +4
  • Kenya
  • Rwanda
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
Merit-based funding

Program Details

Compensation
Unpaid
Timeframe
Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Host Family Hotel
Jun 22, 2026
Jul 12, 2026
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About Program

Immerse yourself in a clinical internship (4+ weeks) situated in Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Thailand, or Vietnam, designed for students pursuing international health and clinical care. You'll be thoughtfully paired with a host clinic, hospital, or NGO aligned with your academic goals and supervised by experienced local and international clinical mentors.

The program blends academic rigor - covering clinical practices, healthcare systems analysis, ethical frameworks, and patient-centered care - with practical, patient-facing experience. Through daily clinical rotations, case discussions, reflective seminars, and a capstone case study or reflective portfolio, you'll develop critical clinical reasoning, cultural competence, and leadership acumen in global health settings.

Program Highlights

  • Immersive clinical experience: Gain direct exposure to patient care and healthcare delivery through rotations in various specialties within a teaching hospital in Africa or Southeast Asia.
  • Global healthcare insights: Learn about your host country’s healthcare innovations and challenges, from rural health disparities to the management of infectious diseases and chronic conditions.
  • Cultural integration: Experience your host country’s rich culture through guided cultural activities and reflective sessions that enhance understanding of local healthcare contexts and patient needs.

Expanding Program Portfolio

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Impact 🌎

GEI’s work explicitly supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. At its core, it focuses on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of critical importance for humanity and the planet. We share the 2030 Agenda’s vision of a sustainable world – a world where all people can live productive, vibrant and peaceful lives on a healthy planet. Our purpose is to unleash the catalytic impact of international education, engagement, and exchange to address key challenges set out by the SDGs. To do so, we blend research, education, training, and innovative practical solutions that support transformations toward sustainability.

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Participate in rotations across diverse healthcare sites - from urban hospitals to rural clinics. Engage in patient assessments, assist in treatment planning, and learn healthcare delivery in settings where resource considerations and cultural context shape clinical practice.

Global health in Rwanda

Work within Rwanda’s rapidly advancing public health infrastructure. You’ll gain hands-on experience in primary care, maternal and child health, or mental health - collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to understand how systemic frameworks inform clinical decision-making.

Global health in Thailand

Gain clinical exposure in Thailand’s well-established healthcare system. Whether in urban hospitals or rural health centers, you'll contribute to patient care, shadow medical professionals, and explore specialist areas - all while reflecting on cross-cultural clinical ethics and practice.

Global health in Vietnam

Explore healthcare delivery in Vietnam’s evolving clinical settings. Through rotations in hospitals and clinics, engage in patient encounters, support community health initiatives, and consider how changing demographics and health policy influence your clinical learning and care provision.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 3 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
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  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Phuoc
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First time in Vietnam & study abroad experience

My 4 weeks at a Vietnam hospital was one of the most meaningful experiences I have had as a fourth-year medical student. The kindness and hospitality from the host, Vietnamese doctors, and medical students made me feel welcomed and part of the team from day one. I was able to see and learn about medical conditions and cases that are not commonly encountered in the United States which helped broaden my understanding of medicine and patient care. Beyond the clinical experience, I was able to build lasting relationships, make valuable connections, and form genuine friendships with people who shared the same passion for medicine. The program was extremely well organized and made the entire process easy, from setting up the visa to providing a safe and comfortable homestay. I never felt worried about my safety and was able to fully enjoy the experience because everything was taken care of. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I would rate 10/10 and I would gladly do it all over again.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
One of the most unfamiliar foods I tried was balut. Although it was outside of my comfort zone at first, it was a memorable experience and gave me a better appreciation for Vietnamese culture and traditions.
Pros
  • Excellent hospitality and support
  • Unique clinical learning opportunities
  • Well-organized program
Cons
  • language barrier at times with the locals
  • short duration (4 weeks isn't enough! I wish I had more)
  • Weather (hot and humid!)
Lydia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

I had a wonderful time on my clinical rotation. We were given instructions on what we would need for our time in Vietnam. We were greeted at the airport and shown around the city to help us get acclimated. During our time, we had the privilege of learning from the medical staff at the hospital. I cannot emphasize their kindness and generosity in helping us feel safe and welcomed. We learned a lot but also were able to spend time in the local community trying local experiences and cuisine! I would highly recommend this experience.

2 people found this review helpful.
Michelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review

My medical student rotation in Vietnam was an incredible experience. A large part of that was due to how smoothly everything was organized from beginning to end. The logistics were seamless throughout the entire process, making it easy to focus on learning and enjoying the experience.

The coordinators were exceptionally responsive, approachable, and easy to reach at all times. Whenever my group had questions about contacting our preceptors at the host university, navigating the city, recommendations for local attractions, travel opportunities outside of rotation hours, or trying authentic Vietnamese cuisine, they were always available and eager to help.

The host university we worked with was filled with some of the kindest and most welcoming people I have ever met. The faculty and students were very open to international visitors and showed a genuine interest in exchanging knowledge, clinical skills, and cultural perspectives. The environment was collaborative, engaging, and made us feel truly included.

Beyond the educational experience, I was fortunate to build meaningful friendships with students and colleagues from abroad. The connections and the experiences I made during this rotation will stay with me for years to come. I would highly recommend this program to any medical student seeking both professional growth and cultural immersion.

4 people found this review helpful.

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