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Physical Therapy Internships in Athens

Physical Therapy Internships in Athens

Learn modern physical therapy techniques by interning alongside experienced local therapists in general hospitals and clinics. Physical Therapy interns shadow and assist in a wide range of departments, learning about different specialties and treatments and experiencing real life therapies in action.

Internship Highlights:
  • Learn about modern physiotherapy practices and specialties.
  • Gain sought-after practical skills and experience from local practitioners.
  • Experience the popular attractions and lifestyle in Athens and wider Greece.
Type of host organizations:
  • General hospitals
  • Specialist private clinics
Fully hosted experience from $2229
Includes accommodation
Start dates every Monday
Minimum duration 2 weeks, up to 12 weeks maximum
Explore beaches and historic sites
Get job-ready with our Experiential Learning Curriculum
Internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Eligibility requirements and Associated career paths
Eligibility requirement

Interns must be at least pre-PT, with the intention to embark on a course of study aimed at physical therapy.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

Associated career paths

Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Geriatric Fitness Specialist, Sports Medicine, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Disabled Carer, Nurse

Internship details

Learn modern physical therapy techniques by interning alongside experienced local therapists in general hospitals and clinics. Physical Therapy interns can shadow and assist in a wide range of departments, learning about different specialties and treatments and experiencing real life therapies in action.

In addition to these Physical Therapy internships in Athens, Intern Abroad HQ also offers Physical Therapy internships in Thessaloniki. Spaces are limited on both programs, so applicants are strongly encouraged to confirm participation in advance for their preferred internship location.

This is an in-country internship, with accommodation provided.

This is a fantastic internship opportunity for physical therapy students wanting to add to their theoretical understanding by experiencing the application of therapy treatments in real life. Physical Therapy internships are available in hospitals and private clinics, where interns shadow and assist qualified physiotherapists in their daily duties.

Interns can gain experience in a wide range of treatments and specialties, including physiotherapy in cardiovascular, clinical, electrophysiology, geriatric, kinesiology, neurological, orthopedic, pulmonary and rehabilitative disciplines. Interns can request placements focusing on specific areas within physical therapy. However, requested preferences are always subject to availability.

You can have the opportunity to be mentored by a physical therapist of the Greece basketball team, who has many years of experience with sports therapy and the demanding needs of professional athletes. Interns can also assist orthopaedic doctors or surgeons with therapies related to their specific fields.

This internship is conducted in English, though some therapies may be conducted in the Greek language. In these instances, your supervisor will be able to debrief sessions afterwards, ensuring interns have full understanding of how treatments address patient needs.

In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, as you will not “hit the ground running”. Rather, you should start with learning about the placement to gain an understanding of what you can build upon, develop, learn, and contribute. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.

Understand and expect that individual internship experiences vary, as the specific placement that you’re assigned will depend on review of your resume and your current level of studies and experience. Therefore, if you’re at a more introductory level, you should reasonably expect a more introductory internship. Likewise, if you’re interning for a shorter duration, you will have a different experience from someone who is interning for a longer duration. Placement preferences are considered but always subject to availability.

Typical Schedule

  • Physiotherapy schedules can vary, depending on your placement. Approximately 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday can be expected. These hours may be scheduled between 9am and 9pm.

Career Benefits

Physical Therapy interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
  • Observing and assisting therapies

  • Debriefing and reflecting on therapies afterwards

  • Contributing to treatment research

Professional development opportunities:
  • Observe physical therapy treatments being run by an experienced clinician.

  • Experience how a modern physiotherapy practice operates.

  • Gain experience with state-of-the-art rehabilitative technology.

  • Build specialist therapy skills in an area that suits you.

  • 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 photo gallery

What recent interns said about their experience

SN
Sharon Nugent
June 2022

My Physical Therapy internship in Greece has allowed me to become so much more independent and confident in myself! Although it could be a little intimidating at first meeting new people and putting my skills into practice, it felt really good once I did it. I feel as though I have grown a lot from this experience. I didn't expect to become so close with the people I met, but have expanded my ability to interact with people completely different from myself. I was able to shadow a physical therapist and learn all the different responsibilities that a physical therapist has. I was also able to scrub in on surgeries and witness different surgical techniques than the ones in my own country. This experience has really benefited me long term due to the knowledge I have learned of how a hospital is run and the variety of different jobs I could do. All the doctors I got to work with were very incredibly supportive and helpful. I really enjoyed the independent nature of this internship, and the friendships I made with the other interns has meant so much to me.

...
TK
Traci Kozawa
June 2022

As a Physical Therapy intern, I was able to scrub into orthopedic surgeries and shadow both outpatient and inpatient physical therapy. I learned new techniques and rehab exercises that vary from the United States. From the surgeons, I was able to hear their thought process on how surgical methods can affect physical therapy and how they keep in mind everything they do for the smoothest rehab. The ability to see orthopedic surgery allowed me to empathize and see what injuries entail, rather than just the rehab end of it. I think this will allow me to work as a better physical therapist to empathize and better treat my patients.

...
AP
Alvin Pham
June 2022

During my internship I had the opportunity to shadow Physical Therapists in an inpatient and outpatient setting. Before, during, and after dealing with the patients, the Physical Therapists would explain everything that patients are dealing with and what treatment or exercise they are going to do on them. My internship contributed to my knowledge of being a Physical Therapist. Those I worked with and shadowed have helped me understand more about what Physical Therapists do and what injuries they encounter. My advice for those thinking of participating in a similar experience is to gain as much knowledge as you can when you are on your internship no matter what because there is always something for you to gain in your interest or in other fields of interest. The internships can offer you more than you think!

...
DS
David Shan
June 2022

My Physical therapy internship contributed towards my goal of becoming a physical therapist by exposing me to a real clinical setting and by giving me a greater understanding of how certain surgeries are done before physical therapy takes place. During my internship I assisted with patient recovery from various injuries by performing exercises and setting up equipment. These skills and tasks are highly transferable and applicable to the industry I would like to work for in the future. Since the methods used have proven to be successful, my skills will be effective and beneficial to the clients. Witnessing the exercises implemented by the physical therapists at the clinic will help me in future when helping patients of my own in their recovery process. One encounter at the site of my placement that I was not expecting was actually going into the operating rooms of surgeons and being able to directly watch, ask questions, and even to assist in the operation. This experience furthered my interest in surgeries, as asking questions and learning first hand about the human body and operations really put into perspective what I have been learning about in my human anatomy classes back home.

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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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$499 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$499 deposit payment) will be due no less than 60 days before your internship start date.

Duration
Program Fee (USD)
2 weeks $2,229 Equivalent to $159 /day
3 weeks $2,699 Equivalent to $128 /day
4 weeks $3,219 Equivalent to $114 /day
5 weeks $3,689 Equivalent to $105 /day
6 weeks $4,174 Equivalent to $99 /day
8 weeks $5,034 Equivalent to $89 /day
10 weeks $5,869 Equivalent to $83 /day
12 weeks $6,649 Equivalent to $79 /day
  • Airport pick-up
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • 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
  • All meals
  • All in-country transportation
  • Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
  • Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
  • Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
  • A deposit of $499 (approximately 499) 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 every Monday. 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 12 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.

The typical port of entry is the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, the largest international airport in Greece (ATH). 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.

Check what’s required to visit Greece

Check out the widget below to find out what the Covid-19 restrictions and visa requirements are for Greece, based on your country of residence.

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.

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)!

Activities and tourism

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.

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.