Take vital steps towards a career in medicine and gain a unique insight into the healthcare system of a developing country. Immerse yourself in India’s mesmerizing culture, broaden your horizons and dramatically improve your future job prospects on this Medical Internship in India.

Medical Care in India
India is a land of mystery, intrigue and excitement; bursting with colourful traditions and natural wonders it is easy to see why this beautiful country has captured the imagination of travellers for many years. It is chaotic and spiritual all at once and the perfect destination for those looking to embrace a different way of life and really get their teeth into a new culture. 

India’s healthcare industry is rapidly increasing into one of the countries largest sectors, specifically in terms of revenue and employment. This is due primarily to the countries rise in population and the health care system is constantly evolving and growing in order to keep up with local demand. Despite these quick developments, the health care systems infrastructure is incredibly poor and a large amount of the Indian population still suffer from inadequate or no health care at all. This is an exciting time to become involved in India's medical sector and a unique chance to understand an industry that is constantly changing and adapting. Take part in this once in a lifetime placement and gain invaluable experience on both a cultural and professional level.

Your Medical Internship
This internship is ideally suited for those that wish to enhance their future career in Medicine in a stimulating and challenging environment. Placements can be made in general and children’s hospitals where you will gain a unique insight into the healthcare system in India and the technical and logistical problems that must be overcome on a daily basis. You will face a different set of challenges than you would encounter at home and experience a deep understanding of the problems faced by the health care system in developing countries. You will also be exposed to conditions and diseases specific to India and Asia that you would not encounter at home, allowing you to broaden your medical knowledge and ability to work in a multitude of situations. 

There are endless benefits to completing a medical internship in India for your future career. This invaluable experience will set you apart from others to future employers in a competitive working environment, displaying your ability to work outside of your comfort zone, high levels of flexibility, determination and initiative. Furthermore it proves to future employers how passionate you are about pursuing a career in medicine and your ability to go the extra mile in order to achieve this. 

As well as completing the medical internship this is the perfect opportunity to get your teeth into Indian culture by becoming part of the community. During the first week you will receive a thorough orientation into Indian culture in order to prepare you and set you in good stead for your placement ahead. You will receive a tour around the city and a talk about Indian culture where you can gain firsthand information about Indian customs, traditions and history. You will return home with an extensive knowledge of the medical systems in India, motivation and determination to take the next step in your career as well as an appreciation and understanding of Indian culture. 

Your Medical Internship Role
Throughout this internship you will gain a real, hands on insight into a busy, working hospital as you provide much needed support to hard working staff. You will shadow a professional and experienced doctor and assist in their work in order to gain a thorough understanding of the important work that they do. Although you will not be permitted to work on the patients directly, your assistance will be important in the running of the hospital and you will be included in important discussions about the welfare and subsequent treatment of the patients. A structured timetable will be agreed with the hospital on arrival and you will have the chance to discuss exactly what you wish to gain from the placement. Past volunteers have had the chance to work in surgery, paediatrics, eye and nose wards and throat wards. 

You will also have the opportunity to become involved in outreach programmes in the local rural community, helping to spread knowledge and awareness of positive health care and awareness of healthy living. This is a fantastic chance to experience parts of the country that many people do not get the chance to and reach communities that may typically be neglected by India's healthcare system. 

This internship welcomes interns at varying levels, whether you are a medical student, have graduated or are already practising in the field. Your role will vary and change depending on the needs of the hospital at the time, participants must therefore be flexible and open minded in all areas of work.

Gap Year and Career Break Medical Internship in India
Take part in this medical internship in India and take proactive steps towards a future career in the sector whilst expanding your medical knowledge. Broaden your horizons and develop professionally all whilst exploring this fascinating country, meeting like minded people and creating lifelong memories. 

Download the India Country Info Brochure - Click Here!

Quick Facts

Trip Name

Medical Internship

Trip Code

INIMH1

Continent

Asia

Country

India

Airport

Chennai International Airport (Code MAA)

Minimum Duration

6 Weeks

Minimum Age

18

Trip Type

Internships & Work Experience

Activity

Medical & Health

Cost

From £1195 for 6 Weeks

Deposit

£ 195.00

Preferred Duration

You should try and come for as long as possible, this allows better project management and you to get the most from the internship

Pre-requisites

No prior medical training or qualifications are required, although a keen interest in medicine and healthcare is essential. This is the perfect placement for somebody looking to pursue a career in medicine, on a pre med gap year or after studying.

Ideal for

Medical and healthcare Placements and Internships in India; Activity Breaks in India; Medical Gap Years and Career Breaks in India; Medical Experience Abroad; Medicine Internships

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Arrival Dates

Start dates are on the first and third Sunday of each month. You must arrive on the Sunday to receive a free airport pick-up and transfer. Early or late arrivals will incur an additional charge.

Note: The first week is centred around Udaipur and the surrounding area for a comprehensive orientation and induction week with the sports project starting on the proceeding Monday. Therefore if you want to do at least 2 weeks coaching you should come for a 3 week trip.

Visa
British Nationals will not require a visa to enter India. For a stay up to 30 days you can get an evisa, for longer stays you are required to get a tourist visa. To read more about visa requirements you can click here.  

• • •

Included

Accommodation

Basic but comfortable shared accommodation in close proximity to the hospital placement.

Food

Three meals a day. Healthy and nutritious vegetarian meals.

Airport Pick Up

You will be met at the airport by a friendly Changing Worlds Representative.

Training

Full project induction and local orientation including round the city trip with knowledgeable tour guide.

Support

Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Equipment and Medical Discounts

Changing Worlds customers will receive 10% off Travel Equipment, Medical Supplies and Vaccinations from Nomad Travel Store.

• • •

Not Included

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to/from placement; Laundry service; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary.

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Social Life in India
Although you are expected to work hard on your placement, we also want you to have lots of fun in your free time and for this to be the experience of a lifetime. You will be staying in shared accommodation so there will be the opportunity to meet people that you are staying with and socialise in your free time. The Alwarpet/ Teynampet area is a great place to socialise in your free time as it has plenty of art galleries and restaurants.

Travel and Adventure in India
India has so much to offer the keen traveller and adventurer and our in country team will be on hand to provide you with advice on the most fascinating areas to visit and activities to get involved in. In your free time why not take a trip to Kerala the neighbouring state and check out Alleppey with it’s tranquil black water and beautiful house boats, where you can rent out a boat and travel along the mesmerising river throughout the night. Or take a walk on the wild side and visit Wayanad in Kerala, a national park in the Northern tip of Kerala where you can spot wild elephants and experience rural India at it’s very best. If you have more time on your hands make sure to arrange a once in a lifetime trek through the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas, admire the cultural heritage of the Taj Mahal in Agra, or visit one the worlds largest camel markets in Pushkar, there so much to keep you in awe of this astonishing country!

Accommodation
The accommodation is based in a basic but comfortable shared flat in Chennai, within close proximity to your placement. The accommodation is air conditioned and has all the amenities you will need throughout your stay.

India is a land of overwhelming richness, both in its landscapes, among its people and its captivating culture which is truly unique. Snow-capped mountains line the northern border while palm-fringed beaches line the southern coastlines. Tribal villages co-exist with cosmopolitan cities.

Modern India has also become an epicentre for business in Asia with its political and commercial influence steadily on the rise. However, while business thrives in India’s cities, over 250 million people still live below the poverty line. This is why India needs its tourism and voluntourism sector to bring added income and support to the many people living in disadvantaged communities across the country.

Quick Facts

Name

Republic of India

Location

Southern Asia

Bordering Countries

Bangladesh, Bhuta, Burma, China, Nepal and Pakistan

Capital City

New Delhi

Government

Federal Republic

Population

1.2 billion approx.

Language

14 official languages; English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu, Punjabi and more

Currency

Rupees (INR)

Name

Republic of India

Poverty

25% of population below the poverty line

Main Exports

Petroleum products, Textiles, Gems, Chemicals, Leather

Climate

Varies from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north

Time Zone

GMT +5:30

Flag

Fun Facts
• India is the largest tea producer in the world
• India has more post offices than any other country
• Bollywood is the largest film industry in the world
• India has a Bill of Rights for Cows!

Travel Highlights
• Trek through the foothills of the Himalayas
• Whizz through bustling Indian streets on a rickshaw
• Sample the flavours of a real autentic Indian curry
• Discover the history and architecture behind the Taj Mahal
• Ride an elephant and gain a new view of the world

Where is India?
The Republic of India is located in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan. India’s bordering countries are Bangladesh, Bhuta, Burma, China, Nepal and Pakistan.
 
History of India
The first great Indian empire was carved out by the Indus Valley Civilisation, commonly referred to as the Harrapans. They constructed cities, established trade routes and introduced religious deities that have now evolved into the modern day Hindu gods of Kali and Shiva. The Aryans followed the Harrapans. They established the caste system and wrote the sacred teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism, known as the Vedas.
 
In 326BC, Alexander the Great invaded India. The attack was short lived and the Mauryan Empire soon became the ruling force over much of the Indian Empire. Political and religious stability was achieved and the caste system grew steadily during this period. Ambassadors for the Buddhist faith were dispatched to ‘spread the word’ in Sri Lanka and Nepal. However, the unified India became divided throughout the next 1000 years, with the Vijayanagar Empire seizing control over the south and the Guptas ruling in central India. These pockets of power were later amalgamated by, perhaps, the most famous Empire in Indian history – the Islamic empire of the Mughals. The Mughal Empire brought architectural grandeur and gigantic leaps in art. Many of these symbols still exist today, including Agra’s Red Fort, Hamuyan’s Tomb in Delhi and Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal.
 
The Mughal Empire ruled from the 16th century until European expansionism saw the rise of the British East India Company in Asia. The British become the dominant colonial power in India, their influence spreading from Kashmir in the north down to Tamil Nadu in the south. The British Raj ruled for over 150 years, exploiting India’s natural resources and imprinting their culture on the country. The British were soon resented throughout the empire and uprisings became commonplace. Such unrest eventually led to the independence from the British in 1947. Much of this victory was thanks to one of India’s most famous and well loved figures – Mahatma Ghandi. However, this break from British rule led to the Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims fighting to assert their place on the Asian continent. Sadly, this has been the cause of much bloodshed, particularly between Pakistan and India where Kashmir has been a hotspot for fighting and civil unrest.
 
India’s history is certainly a turbulent one, but political and economic stability in recent years has seen the country emerge as a leading international figure, particularly in politics, business and e-commerce. Nevertheless, India is still home to vast regions of deprivation and millions continue to live in poverty.
 
Climate in India
India is a vast country which means the climate various significantly between regions. While the northern areas of Jammu and Kashmir are doused in snow, the central plains receive baking sunshine. Temperatures increase to around 45°C from February to May before the monsoon season starts. Although it doesn’t rain all day in the monsoon season, there are heavy downpours every day. The monsoons end in October time and a period of pleasant sunny weather lasts to February time for the majority of India. In the north, October brings a much colder climate. The Himalayan region of Kashmir, Ladakh and parts of Himachal Pradesh are covered in snow and many mountain passes are closed for the winter.

Language in India
Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India and the primary tongue of over 40% of the population. There are over 14 official languages, but English is widely spoken and seen as the most important language for political, social and commercial communication.
 
Food in India
There is no simple definition of an Indian meal. The food is as diverse as the country’s landscape. And not all Indian food is hot and spicy, as many assume. There is a wide variety of mild dishes, flat breads and sweet deserts that make up India’s cuisine. Each region has its own specialities, so you will discover new dishes and flavours as you explore the country. Indian food is often eaten with the hands but you should always use your right hand and never let food pass the first joint of your fingers. Your fingers should also never touch your mouth directly.

Travelling in India
Air: India is huge country which makes travelling by plane a very attractive option. The local airlines are reliable and there are plenty of departures between the key cities and tourist destinations. Prices are reasonable, but booking tickets can sometimes be tricky.
 
Rail: travelling by rail is one of the most popular options in India, not only because of the reliability and affordable tickets, but because you will get see some of the most spectacular landscapes rolling past your window. You will also get to mingle with locals from all sorts of class backgrounds. However, be prepared for long travel times. The journey from Delhi in the north to Chennai in the south is around 30hours! Nevertheless, rail travel in India is an adventure in itself. There are six seat classes to choose from: First class with air conditioning (1A), Second Tier with air conditioning (2A), Third Tier with air conditioning (3A), Chair Car (CC), Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Class (II). On hot days, air conditioning is highly recommended and for longer journeys, Sleeper Class is the most popular choice. Finally, make sure you leave enough time to book your ticket at the station before departure – at least half a day is recommended.
 
Bus: India’s bus network is fantastic for short journeys, particularly between towns and cities. However, for longer trips, buses can be an uncomfortable option due to their basic seating and India’s unkempt roads. Buses tickets are also very affordable.
 
Rickshaws, Tuk-Tuks and Taxis: rickshaws and tuk-tuks are very cheap and the authentic means of Indian travel. Make sure you agree prices before you set off and do feel free to haggle your driver down – it’s expected. Rickshaws are bicycle powered, so expect them to be slower than tuk-tuks which are the motorised version. Taxis are slightly more expensive and you should make sure the meter is working before you start your journey. Also ensure that your taxi has an official rate card. You can then compare your final meter reading with the rate card – many of the meters are very old and have the tendency to be inaccurate. Finally, be prepared for your driver to take you to various shops and restaurants as they are on commission for doing so. If you really don’t want to visit these sites, politely and firmly refuse.
 
Sport in India
India is renowned for sporting excellence, especially in cricket and hockey. Professional cricketers are treated like celebrities and thousands of children dream of being India’s next test cricketer. Sport in India is like religion for many. India is therefore the perfect destination to coach sport or play sport. Sport in India is sadly limited to the few who can afford it which means sport is nonexistent in many schools. Furthermore, while cricket and hockey receive a lot of focus, children are passionate about other sports, including football, athletics, netball and basketball.

Gap Years and Career Breaks in India
Embrace the rich culture and heritage of India, and become one with the charming communities that will take you in and treat you like one of their own. The lively marketplaces that give you a real feast for the senses, the beautiful scenery that takes you to another world, and the enchanting architecture and historical artifacts, will all combine to make this a gap year or career break to be envied.

Pre-departure Advice
Once you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”
 
Help with Flights and Insurance
We do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your placement. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.
 
Airport Pick-Up
Landing in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure our in-country staff are there to meet you on arrival in your chosen destination and help you settle in. And once we have given you a warm welcome, the in-country staff will take you back to your accommodation.
 
Arrival Orientation
We will take you through a local orientation and placement induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, and it will also show you how to stay safe while working abroad. Our team also have lots of handy travel tips and advice if you are thinking of exploring the country in your spare time.
 
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is included in all of our placements. Our volunteer houses, family home-stays and shared residences are comfortable and very sociable places to live while overseas. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation. Just contact us for details. We endeavour to supply food on all of our placements, however in some cases this is not always possible. Please see the Project Summary tab for further details.  
 
In-Country Staff
Your safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you throughout your placement. Our in-country staff members live nearby, can be reached 24-hours a day and will check-in with you throughout your placement to ensure everything is running smoothly, and you are happy in your new working environment.
 
24-Hour Emergency Support
In addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Recruitment of More Workers
In order to provide a reliable flow of workers to our placements overseas, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions!

There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.

Flights and Insurance
Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.

Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.

Browse or book flights using our search engine. Click here to access it.

Alternatively you can call them on 03300 585032 and mention you are considering or are going away with Changing Worlds and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.

Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.

Why are flights not included?
By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.

What happens when flights and insurance are booked?
When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.

There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.

Do I really need travel insurance?
We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.

Visas
Some of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.

Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.

Vaccinations
At least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.

Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.

Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!

Speak To Us
If you have any questions or would like some more information, simply contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors. You can give us a call, request a call back or drop us an email and they will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Book Your Place
Once you have decided to travel with us, you can secure your place by paying a small deposit. You will then be able to pay the rest of your placement fee in easy-to-manage installments.

Welcome Pack
Once we have received your deposit, we will send you a welcome email confirming your booking. This will contain your personal login details for your Travel Centre – an online account full of useful information about your destination, you chosen project and all the things you need to do before you depart.

Personal Information
We will ask you to provide some key information to help us create the best overseas experience for you, such as medical and dietary requirements, any previous language lessons you have done, and what you’re hoping to get out of your time abroad. We may also ask you to complete a police background check.

Flights and Insurance
You will need to book your flights and travel insurance before you leave, and then provide us with these details. We do not include flights and insurance in the project fee (to avoid passing on extra admin costs to you) but our partners will help you find the best options around.

Visas 
Next you will need to get your visa for your trip. British citizens do not require visas unless they are planning to work before or after the course, in which case a Working Holiday Visa will be required. We will also provide you with lots of information to make obtaining your visa very straightforward.
 
Final Payment
We will ask you for your final payment 90 days before your scheduled departure date. Once paid, you will be ready to pack your bags, grab your passport and get on the plane!

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