Physical Therapy internships offer an authentic insight into the day-to-day work of rehabilitation professionals, giving you a practical understanding of the profession while developing your clinical skills in a real-world setting. Along the way, you’ll receive mentorship from experienced physiotherapists who can share their expertise in treatment techniques, patient care, and industry best practices.
Having already gained international internship experience through Intern Abroad HQ during the summer of 2025, University of Bradford student Kathellyne embarked on a second Physical Therapy internship - this time in Athens, Greece. Read on to discover how the experience strengthened her confidence, broadened her career aspirations, and reinforced her passion for physiotherapy.
Welcome back Kathellyn! As a returning intern, with Intern Abroad HQ, what’s inspired you to complete multiple internships?
I want to have as much hands-on experience as possible! I am a second year Physiotherapy student at the moment, and I first gained international internship experience in a Musculoskeletal Clinic in Valencia, through Intern Abroad HQ, during the summer of 2025.
During my first experience in Valencia, I grew a lot, both professionally and personally. I acquired clinical skills and enhanced my communication, improved my teamwork contribution and my approach with clients. I also made friends from all over the world and had an amazing experience with my host family. At the time, I felt like I would definitely do another internship abroad, so I signed up for another internship experience, for summer 2026!
Not only this, but I’ll be following my internship in Greece up with another placement in Cape Town, South Africa, to commence in August 2026. In particular, I am interested in experiencing the Cape Town healthcare system and gaining more confidence working in outpatient clinics. As I will begin my next academic year and move directly to clinical placement, I want to take every opportunity to strengthen my practical experience so that I feel better prepared and more confident in my clinical practice.
Tell us about your second Physical Therapy internship in Athens, Greece, what did it involve?
During my Physical Therapy internship in Greece I assisted in delivering rehabilitation programmes and providing high-quality patient care. My responsibilities included communicating with patients throughout their treatment, assisting with objective assessments, and supervising rehabilitation exercises for patients recovering from injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions and shoulder injuries.
I observed exercise prescription, appropriate progressions and regressions, and how rehabilitation programmes were adapted according to each patient’s stage of recovery. I also gained hands-on experience using a range of rehabilitation technologies, including Diamagnetic Pump Therapy, Compex electrical muscle stimulation, TENS therapy, pressure boots, and hot and cold compression boots.
Throughout the placement, I observed evidence-based clinical practice, and helped ensure patients received safe, effective, and individualised rehabilitation.
What cultural similarities surprised or pleased you, and were any stereotypes challenged?
One of the biggest cultural discoveries I made was that people in Greece approached life with a greater sense of calm rather than constantly rushing. Everyone I met made a genuine effort to make others feel welcome, and they viewed life as an opportunity to enjoy meaningful interactions and appreciate the present moment.
Before arriving, I had assumed that things might be somewhat disorganised compared to what I was used to. However, that stereotype was quickly challenged. I realised that people simply followed different routines and systems, navigating them with confidence and efficiency. The experience taught me not to judge unfamiliar ways of working too quickly and helped me appreciate that there are many effective approaches to daily life.
How did this internship contribute to your long-term career goals?
This Physical Therapy internship significantly contributed to my career development by broadening my understanding of the professional environments in which I could see myself working. Before the placement, I had not seriously considered a career in a private sports physiotherapy clinic. However, working alongside experienced physiotherapists and becoming involved in their daily practice completely changed my perspective.
The international internship placement gave me confidence in my ability to adapt to working within another country’s healthcare system and culture. It also strengthened my belief that I could successfully pursue opportunities abroad in the future.
The most valuable skills I developed included adaptability, cross-cultural communication, teamwork, clinical reasoning, confidence in applying rehabilitation techniques, and the ability to ask questions and take initiative.
What were your favourite memories from the internship in Greece?
One of my favourite memories was my final day at the clinic. The entire team took the time to say goodbye, take photos together, and make me feel like a valued member of the team. Although I was sad to leave, it was incredibly rewarding to reflect on the meaningful relationships I had built in such a short period.
The team also organised an opportunity for me to learn about the Tecar therapy machine before I left, knowing I had not yet had the chance to experience it during my placement. Their thoughtfulness and commitment to helping me make the most of every learning opportunity made the experience even more memorable.
The internship reinforced the importance of working in a supportive and encouraging environment. I left feeling more confident, valued, and even more motivated to pursue my goal of becoming a sports physiotherapist.
In what ways did you feel more empowered to succeed in your field after the internship?
The international Physical Therapy internship greatly increased my confidence as a future clinician. It strengthened my communication skills, adaptability, and flexibility while proving that I could successfully work in a different culture and healthcare system.
It also helped me better understand the career opportunities available to me, particularly within sports physiotherapy and international healthcare settings. As a result, I felt far more prepared and motivated to pursue these career pathways in the future.
What was the hardest part about returning home after completing the internship?
The most difficult part of returning home after my internship abroad was saying goodbye to the people I had met during the placement. I developed strong relationships with my colleagues, who made me feel genuinely welcomed and included as part of the team. Leaving them behind was one of the hardest aspects of finishing the internship.
I also missed the relaxed lifestyle and culture I experienced in Greece. Compared with the faster pace of life in the UK, Greece offered a balance that allowed me to enjoy both my work and my time outside the clinic.
Although leaving was challenging, I returned home with lifelong friendships, valuable professional experience, and a much deeper appreciation of Greek culture. The experience strengthened my passion for working internationally and gave me the confidence to continue seeking opportunities abroad.
What advice would you give yourself, or others, looking back on the experience?
Before starting the placement, I worried that the language barrier would limit my ability to adapt, communicate with patients, and make the most of the learning opportunities available. However, I soon realised that I was supported by an incredibly helpful team who stepped in whenever I needed assistance with communication.
As my confidence grew, I discovered that successful learning depended on much more than spoken language. By carefully observing clinical practice, reflecting on patient care, and developing my non-verbal communication skills, I continued learning every day. In many ways, the language barrier encouraged me to become more attentive during assessments and rehabilitation sessions.
Looking back, I would remind myself (and anyone considering an international placement) not to let fear of the unknown prevent them from embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Staying open-minded, proactive, and focusing on what was within my control made the experience incredibly rewarding.
Now that your Physical Therapy internship in Greece is complete, where to from here?
Completing this internship has only strengthened my desire to continue developing both personally and professionally. I want to build on the skills and knowledge I’ve gained by further refining my clinical reasoning, rehabilitation techniques, and confidence in treating musculoskeletal injuries through future internships and ongoing professional development.
Personally, I hope to continue expanding my cultural awareness by collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and embracing more international opportunities. This experience has shown me that I can adapt to different healthcare settings, giving me the confidence to pursue a career abroad after completing my physiotherapy specialisation.
My long-term goal is to become an experienced sports physiotherapist who delivers high-quality, personalised care. I’ll continue learning from experienced clinicians, attending professional training, and reflecting on my practice as I develop throughout my career.
My journey hasn’t stopped there. This August, I’ll be joining a Physical Therapy internship with Intern Abroad HQ in South Africa, where I’m excited to build on everything I learned in Greece, experience a different healthcare system, and continue growing as both a clinician and an individual.
FAQs
You’ll observe and assist experienced physiotherapists in Athens as they provide rehabilitation for patients recovering from musculoskeletal injuries, sports injuries, and post-operative conditions. Depending on your experience level, you may help with patient assessments, supervise rehabilitation exercises, and gain exposure to modern treatment techniques and rehabilitation technologies.
Yes. This internship is designed for Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy students who want to gain practical clinical experience in an international healthcare setting. You’ll learn from qualified professionals while developing clinical reasoning, communication skills, and confidence before entering professional practice.
A physiotherapy internship abroad helps you build practical rehabilitation skills while developing adaptability, teamwork, cross-cultural communication, and clinical confidence. Many interns also gain valuable insight into different healthcare systems, strengthening their CV and preparing them for future careers in sports physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or clinical practice.
Athens offers the opportunity to gain hands-on physiotherapy experience while immersing yourself in Greek culture. Alongside your internship, you’ll experience a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, explore world-famous historical sites, and work with healthcare professionals in a welcoming clinical environment, making it an ideal destination for both personal and professional growth.
360+ internship programs across 28 countries
Placements tailored to your academic requirements or career interests
Exclusive experiential learning curriculum
We help you develop and articulate the soft skills most favored by employers
Most affordable & flexible
We organize everything, including local accommodation, from only $1129 USD
