Medical: credit-bearing internships in Athens

Greece - for credit Internship Abroad Medical & Healthcare

Medical internships in Greece offer valuable learning experiences in public and private hospitals and clinics, with state-of-the-art technology and modern healthcare practices. Interns shadow and assist local medical professionals and rotate through a range of medical departments to gain practical knowledge and broad experience in European healthcare. This internship is suitable for participants at different stages of their studies. From pre-med students to more advanced levels, the supervisors will work with you as flexibly as possible. As a credit-bearing internship, this experience also provides you with the valuable opportunity to receive a credit-transfer back to your home academic institution.

Internship Highlights:

Opportunity to transfer credit back to your home academic institution.
Learn about modern healthcare from qualified professionals in genuine environments.
Gain sought-after professional skills & experience in a range of departments.
Experience the popular attractions and lifestyle in Athens and wider Greece.

Type of host organizations:

General hospitals
Specialist hospitals
Day clinics

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Gain academic or course credit

Fully hosted experience from US$4,139

Includes a private room in shared accommodation

Start dates every other Monday

Minimum duration 5 weeks, up to 20 Weeks maximum

Language lessons available

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Internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Eligibility requirement

Interns must be current students and studying a relevant field, such as medicine, nursing, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, behavioral sciences, etc. Interns must have a genuine interest in medicine and commitment to observation of both surgical and non surgical procedures. This is a credit-bearing internship. After successful completion, Webster University will provide a course transcript to your home academic institution. Click here if you want the non credit-bearing version of this internship.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

Associated career paths

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

Internship details

Did you know you can intern abroad for college credit? Medical internships in Athens are suitable for both pre-med and advanced healthcare students who are seeking exposure to both surgical and non-surgical observational experience. These internships provide scope for participants to gain course credits, while simultaneously building experiences outside the classroom.

This internship is designed to allow students to gain college credit. Please check with your professor or study abroad advisor in advance, to confirm that your college will accept credit transfers from Webster University. You can alternatively explore the non-credit-bearing version of this internship here.

Medical internships provide fantastic learning environments, where you can gain insight into healthcare in action. Interns shadow and assist (where appropriate) alongside trained medical staff, as they go about their daily duties across various departments or specialist areas. Throughout, interns are closely supervised by nurses, doctors, surgeons and other medical staff.

The opportunity to shadow and observe, while being provided explanations of procedures and scenarios, provides the unique opportunity to better develop clinical skills and knowledge. The diverse nature of hands-on activities will depend on your level of studies and current proficiencies. However, general activities may include scrubbing in on surgeries, assisting as a second assistant in surgery, and helping as an aid. Interns may also have scope to gain insight into hospital laboratory functions and testing procedures.

The nature of your Medical internship experience will be influenced by your rotation roster. There is scope to diversify your experience significantly, to gain an enhanced understanding across different departments. General departments include:

Anesthesiology
Cardiology
Dialysis
Emergency Room
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
General Surgery
Hematopathology
Intensive Care Unit
Nuclear Medicine
Orofacial Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Oncology
Pathologic Anatomy
Pediatrics
Pneumology
Radiology

Interns are able to request an internship schedule that includes particular departments of interest (e.g. orthopedic surgery, cardiology, hematology, etc.). Although requests are always subject to availability, your supervisors within the medical team will do their utmost to ensure your experience is related closely to your studies and goals as a future professional.

Note that many medical professionals within Greece have studied and/or spent time working abroad (such as in the US or UK). They have a passion for sharing these internship opportunities with others. You will find that medical professionals have good English proficiency. Interns are unlikely to experience language barriers with their supervisors or within medical teams.

Credit-bearing internship details

These credit-bearing internships are offered in collaboration with Webster University (Athens Campus). Webster University has a comprehensive network of campuses in cities around the world, including the USA, with a unified academic experience in all locations. The university carries full institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). As the course catalog and credit system are the same throughout the Webster University international network, their accreditation may be applied worldwide.

The number of credits you can potentially earn corresponds to your chosen internship duration:

5 weeks = 1 credit
10 weeks = 2 credits
15 weeks = 3 credits
20 weeks = 4 credits

As Greece is a European country within the Schengen area, many nationalities can enter as a tourist, for up to 90 days, and do not need to obtain a visa in advance. For example, travelers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA (and many other countries). The 90 days you are allowed to spend in the Schengen zone are eligible for a 180-day period. Therefore, we recommend a maximum internship duration of 10 weeks. (Or up to 12 weeks, if you are choosing a non-credit bearing internship). If you are an EU/EEA citizen, then you may be able to apply for a credit-bearing internship with a duration of 15 or 20 weeks.

Typical Schedule

8am-5pm, five days per week. Occasionally your supervisor may invite you to optionally observe a procedure during a weekend, should it be relevant to your interests and internship experience.

Career Benefits

Medical (credit-bearing) interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:

Shadowing and assisting local doctors, nurses and medical specialists in Athens.
Observing healthcare across a range of medical departments.
Learning from experienced local medical professionals, using contemporary techniques and state-of-the-art technology.

Professional development opportunities:

Observe medical consultations, treatments and surgeries.
Experience how a modern state-of-the-art hospital works.
Learn how the medical system works in Greece.
Network with experienced doctors & medical professionals.
Gain experience across multiple medical specialties.
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Greece - for credit photo gallery

Our commitment to providing safe internship experiences

Academic credit available for all internships

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing an internship abroad or remote internship program with Intern Abroad HQ.

Learn about course credit

Program fees

It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$449 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$449 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.

Duration	Program Fee (USD)
5 weeks	$4,139Equivalent to $118/day
10 weeks	$6,589Equivalent to $94/day
15 weeks	$8,659Equivalent to $82/day
20 weeks	$10,409Equivalent to $74/day

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Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
Airport pick-up
Program orientation
Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
Sourcing and securing your internship placement
Personalization of your internship plan
Coaching from your supervisor
Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
Academic credit facilitation
International reference letter
Certificate of Internship Completion

Meals
Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
Optional extras, such as language lessons
Souvenirs and leisure activities during your free time
Personal spending money to cover basic expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, public transportation, and any meals not included in your Program Fee

A deposit of $449 USD is required to secure your internship
Balance of your Program Fee is due 60 days before your internship start date.
All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
Terms and Conditions apply.

Arrival and Orientation

Internships in Athens begin on the first and third Monday of the month. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. Note that there are typically less placements available during August, due to the summer vacation period in Greece. Interns may choose to spend a minimum of 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 24 weeks.

Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. The accommodation is covered from the Sunday night before the Monday start date - interns are required to arrive no later than the Sunday before their Monday start date, as all orientations are held on Mondays. Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. Accommodation is covered from the Sunday night before the Monday start date.

For Medical internships: The typical port of entry is the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, the largest international airport in Greece (ATH).
For Viticulture & Agriculture internships: The typical port of entry is the Chania International Airport “Daskalogiannis” (CHQ). This is the international airport located near Souda Bay in Crete.

In order to receive the airport pick up service which is included in the Program Fee, interns are required to arrive on the Sunday before their Monday start date, between 9am and 6pm. An extra charge applies to any airport pickups outside this timeframe. If you are planning to spend time independently in Greece prior to your internship and will not require an international airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you.

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 can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.

Orientation covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. Your specific internship placement orientation will follow the general orientation, as you’ll be shown how to travel to and from your internship and be introduced to the team you’ll be joining.

Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.

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Accommodation and WiFi

Interns are accommodated in clean and comfortable, fully furnished apartments or selected hotel / hostel rooms. Bedding and furnishings are provided, as well as common areas such as lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities. Standard amenities include whiteware (i.e. washing machine, stovetop, fridge, microwave) and clean linen (i.e. bed sheets, pillows, towels). Accommodation includes 24Mbps internet / WiFi access.

In most cases, between two to six guests can be accommodated per apartment so interns should be prepared to share living arrangements. Each guest will have a single or double bed. Rooming arrangements are same-sex, unless specific requests are made to share mixed-gender accommodation. For private accommodation, alternative living arrangements can be requested and arranged in advance, for an additional “upgrade” fee.

Upon the confirmation of specific internship details for each participant, accommodation arrangements are made, taking into consideration the location of internship placements, to ensure that any commute time is as convenient as possible.

Note that Greek Viticulture & Agriculture interns will be based 20’ drive outside of Chania. The locations themselves are rural and not touristy. Interns should budget approximately 30 Euro per month for transportation (about US$35).
Medical internships are based in Athens. Due to the layout of the city’s urban and residential areas, it is normal to expect an approximate commute (to / from an internship placement) of around 30 minutes. Interns should budget approximately 30 Euro per month for transportation (about US$35). The Athens Metro system makes it easy to get around the city and explore. All accommodation for the internship programs is located close to public transportation and large shopping areas.

Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we work with more than one apartment, the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ from the photos. However, you can expect a similar standard and similar amenities, to what is shown here.

Meals

Internships on this program do not include meals, as affordable supermarkets are easily accessible. Greece has a thriving coffee culture which is delightful to partake in (there is also WiFi in almost all coffee shops and restaurants). Try Ellinikos (a favorite style of coffee) along with Freddo Espresso / Cappucino and Frappe.

For eating out, interns may budget approximately 3 - 5 Euro for a light breakfast (about US$5 - 7) and 5 - 10 Euro for a simple lunch (about US$5 - 12). There are ample dining options ranging from budget to high end. Greek cuisine offers a range of incredible dishes to experience, including well known classics such as Moussaka and Souvlaki. The Mediterranean diet features meat (cow, chicken, lamb), pasta, rice, pulses, vegetables, and a variety of fish and seafood. When in doubt, skip straight to dessert and order Galaktoboureko (with ice cream)!

Language lessons

Fluency in Greek is not a requirement for interns in Greece, however lessons with a private tutor can be arranged for those who wish to learn. Additional language lessons are also available for French and Spanish. Lessons are coordinated directly through our local team in Athens and can be confirmed once registered for an internship or at the orientation in-country.

Please note that Greek Viticulture & Agriculture interns will be based in the region of Chania, in Crete, Greece. The locations for Viticulture & Agriculture internship placements are rural and not touristy. Language lessons are subject to availability in this region.

Weekends and travel

During the internship program, weekends are available for free time and leisure activities. There is no shortage of wonderful things to see and do! Local coordinators can assist with the booking of safe and reliable activities at discounted prices, so be sure to ask them for advice about how to make the best arrangements to maximise your time and budget (you can do so once registered for your internship or during the orientation). Note that some excursions require a minimum participation of between two or four other people, so it’s wise to enquire in advance.

Bear in mind that Greek Viticulture & Agriculture interns will be based in the region of Chania, in Crete, Greece. The locations for Viticulture & Agriculture internship placements are rural and not touristy. Medical internships in Greece are based in Athens.

Whether you want to explore the endless beaches, cruise around the Greek islands, or visit cultural and historical attractions, there is something for everyone. Popular highlights that you won’t want to miss include:

Acropolis of Athens: The most famous feature of this ancient citadel is the beautiful Parthenon but the site also includes other impressive structures. Situated high above the sprawling city and visible from many points, the Acropolis is an icon of Athens. The touristic areas of Plaka and Monastiraki are located within the surrounding foothills. Go walking through the alleys to lose yourself among the stores, taverns, flea markets, and cafes. Check out the Acropolis Museum, located on the road which leads up toward the Parthenon. Conveniently, there is a metro station (“Akropoli metro station”) directly across from the Museum, making this attraction as easy site to visit from other places within Athens city.
Full-day island cruise: A trip to Greece isn’t complete without getting out on the water. Spend a full day doing just that and visit the islands of Aegina, Hydra and Poros. Each offers the opportunity to explore, swim, shop and relax. The island cruise includes onboard dining (a rich buffet lunch) and entertainment. Be sure to pace yourself and bring your friends!
Full-day excursion to Isthmus, The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio: Walk across the Corinthian Isthmus, visit the largest Ancient Greek theatre and the Asclepius Medicine sanctuary. See Mycenae where the Trojan War started and relax and swim at Nafplio.
Full-day excursion to Delphi and Galaxidi: Delphi is known as home to the oracle of Apollo, where predictions and guidance were sought from city-states and individuals alike. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s museum also hosts a rich collection of ancient artifacts. Part of the municipality Delphi, Galaxidi is a beautiful town famous for its gorgeous seafront (bring your swimsuit), fresh seafood, traditional architecture and more.
Half-day excursion to Poseidon’s Temple and swimming at Sounio: This afternoon excursion only takes about half a day, so it’s a great weekend activity to combine with a relaxed morning. Poseidon’s Temple is located south of Athens, at Cape Sounio. Here, the remaining pillars of the temple still overlook gorgeous ocean and sunset views, where the sandy beach below is perfect for swimming.
Full-day excursion to Meteora Monasteries: This full day excursion takes you to see the Meteora Monasteries, which are infamous for being precipitously built and “suspended in the air” (as meant by “Meteora”) atop immense natural rock pillars. The journey from Athens takes about four hours. Once there, you can walk up and explore the three monasteries of Great Meteoro, Varlaam and Holy Trinity. Marvel at the effort, dedication and faith required to undertake such a challenging feat of engineering, architecture and passion. After lunch, the excursion returns to Athens.
Full-day excursion to Vouraikos Gorge, Cave Lakes and Kalavryta: Take a scenic train journey through the Vouraikos Gorge and onto the beautiful Cave Lakes, a unique underground cave system that contains fourteen lakes across three different levels. Carry onto the picturesque town of Kalavryta, a popular winter destination (due to the nearby ski center). Kalavryta offers historical attractions such as the Monastery of Mega Spileo, Monastery of Agia Lavra, and the Municipal Museum of the Holocaust of Kalavryta.
Half-day Trekking at Mount Parnitha National Park: Located just an hour out of the city center, the park’s proximity to Athens is idea for an escape into nature (and retreat from the summer heat). The departure time is late morning and returns in the early evening. The two-hour trek is relaxed but still offers great views (keep your eyes open to spot red deer as well). The trek is followed by a break at Mpafi Refuge, where you can have a coffee and lunch. Return via a cable-car ride that transports you back to the foothills of Mount Parnitha.
Full-day Forest Horse Ride and Cycling excursion: After all the cultural and historical sightseeing that Greece has to offer, getting active and soaking up its nature is a must. This excursion includes horseback riding and cycling through the dense forests surrounding Mount Parnonas National Park. The trails provide beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, as well as water springs and waterfalls along the Evrotas River.

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Essential country information

Capital	Athens
Population	10.75 million
Languages	Greek
Currency	Euro (€ - EUR)
Time zone	UTC+02:00

Weather and climate:

With its Mediterranean climate, Athens is one of the warmest capital cities in Europe. The summers are long, hot and dry and the winters are mild. The best time to visit Athens for the hot weather is from mid June to mid September. The hottest month is July, in which the temperature may peak around 92°F / 33°C. Heatwaves in Greece may occur but they are usually not prolonged (that coast moderates temperatures with coastal breezes). The cooler months are November through March. During this period, it rarely gets any colder than 42°F / 5°C in Athens (February is the coldest month). Rainfall in Greece varies throughout the year, although the summer months are drier in comparison. December is usually the wettest month of the year. Outside of Athens, the climate of Greece remains primarily Mediterranean. However, due to its mountainous regions, there is a range of microclimates and local variations. Snow regularly falls in the high mountains. Medical internships in Greece are based in Athens. Greek Viticulture & Agriculture interns will be based in the region of Chania, in Crete.