Human Biology & Med Lab Internships in Morocco

Morocco Internship Abroad Medical & Healthcare

Intern alongside experienced laboratory staff as they carry out various biomedical procedures for a range of patients within the community. By shadowing lab technicians, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the biomedical field, providing support and assistance to the medical staff as they carry out blood work, test for diseases including diabetes and Covid 19, perform result analysis, quality assurance, and research.

Internship Highlights:

Enhance your French language proficiency, within professional medical contexts.
Learn about modern healthcare testing from qualified professionals.
Gain insight into the diagnostic processes for various diseases.
Expand your network with qualified professionals.
Explore all the attractions of Rabat and the beauty of wider Morocco.

Type of host organizations:

Private laboratories
Multidisciplinary medical and surgical hospitals and clinics

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Gain academic or course credit

Fully hosted experience from $2149

Includes accommodation & meals

Start dates every Monday

Minimum duration 4 weeks, up to 24 weeks maximum

French & Arabic language lessons available

Get job-ready with our Experiential Learning Curriculum

Internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Eligibility requirement

Suitable for students with relevant studies in fields such as clinical laboratory science, hematology, chemistry, biology, microbiology, etc. (pre-qualification and post graduate). Recent graduates of relevant disciplines are also eligible.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. We encourage all interns to take advantage of language lessons, which can be taken in conjunction with the internship.

Associated career paths

Pathologist, Biology Laboratory Technician, Research Associate, Biologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Pharmacist, Epidemiologist, Clinical Biochemist, Clinical Immunologist, Cytogeneticist, Hematologist, Histologist, Medical Microbiologist, Transfusion Scientist

Internship details

There are a number of multidisciplinary medical and surgical hospitals and private clinics, with laboratories, located throughout Rabat. If you’re interested in gaining med-lab and pathology internship experience, this internship is for you. Intern alongside experienced laboratory staff as they carry out various biomedical procedures for a range of patients within the community. By shadowing lab technicians, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of pathology and the biomedical field.

This is an in-country internship, with accommodation provided. You can explore remote internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake from home.

Human Biology & Med-Lab interns provide support and assistance to medical staff carrying out a range of services. These services can include the collection and transportation of specimens, testing, analyzing, reporting, and providing client advice and consultation. Such pathology clinic services are generally related to biochemistry, cytology, hematology, histology, immunology, microbiology, molecular pathology and phlebotomy.

Practically, interns may assist the local professionals with tasks related to blood work, tests for diseases including diabetes and Covid 19, performing result analysis, quality assurance and research tasks. Interns are not directly responsible for patient care, but assist alongside professionals, who contribute toward the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases. There is scope to understand how to analyze samples which are taken from patients, while learning about the performance of various laboratory tests, which show the presence, cause, and severity of diseases. Interns are encouraged to understand how pathologists may monitor the progress of health conditions and effects of treatment, while also reflecting on how medical processes might be improved to allow for better patient outcomes.

It’s important for medical interns to be prepared for a different healthcare system than what you may be used to at home. There is a shortage of healthcare professionals in Morocco but the healthcare sector is vastly important, serving almost 40 million citizens and residents. Interns should come with a flexible, adaptable and communicative mindset, prepared to assist as needed and provide support. Local supervisors will take your current level of experience and abilities into consideration, along with your areas of medical interest, when engaging with you to facilitate the learning experience.

French and/or Arabic language proficiency is not a requirement to join this internship. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to various extents. Interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier (and ask for help when needed), as opposed to being intimidated by it. Bear in mind that language lessons can be added to the experience and we encourage participants to consider signing up for these.

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

Approximately Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Career Benefits

Human Biology & Med Lab interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:

Aid with routine testing related to common health screening.
Assist professionals who work to diagnose health problems by testing patient tissue and fluid samples.
Assist with the reporting requirements of medical practitioners.
Support professionals with monitoring of treatments and disease progression.

Professional development opportunities:

Experience laboratory operations firsthand, to gain practical experience.
Witness and assist with testing techniques for a range of viruses and diseases.
Interact with medical staff and patients, improving relationship building skills.
Improve your industry knowledge and deepen your understanding of lab processes.
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Morocco photo gallery

What recent interns said about their experience

Zeeshan Sajid

August 2023

This experience was amazing and if I could I would love to do it all over again. Morocco is a beautiful country which has some great people, and places to visit. Moreover, Intern Abroad HQ made sure we got all the facilities we needed and made sure we were looked after. My favourite memory definitely has to be all the new amazing people I met. We all got so close in such a short amount of time which made this internship so much more fun and comfortable for me. I will definitely be missing the tasty Moroccan food and the amazing people who always have a smile on their face. I feel more empowered after being successful in my field as I have learnt many new techniques and skills which I know for certain can be used within my future ambitions.

...

Ayesha Kauser

August 2023

I think that I enjoyed interacting with all the new people the most and seeing what they do as well as learning about their own lives and what they look like. It was interesting to see our many similarities but also differences. I think this internship contributed to my personal and professional development as it has taught me many transferable skills that will be of use to me in the future, as well as broadening my horizons. I can now imagine myself working in another country.

...

Maria Lamb

June 2023

Interning at a biomedical science lab gave me a superb grasp of a biomedical scientist’s routine and familiarized me with a doctor’s role within the lab. I documented the lab practices and experiments that were carried out, which is invaluable information for any person wanting to pursue a medical career path. I assisted in experiments, sample preparation and equipment handling with strict adherence to safety protocols, and more. Advice for others - be comfortable with being uncomfortable and ask questions when you are unsure of something. Embrace cultural curiosity and go in with an understanding, open mind. Embrace the journey, ask, learn, and respect. For it is in these moments that true growth and unforgettable experiences await!

...

Zeshaan Mahmood

June 2023

What I enjoyed most was being able to see and experience the differences in laboratories in a different economic and physical background. I learnt new skills and techniques including blotting not done in the UK.

...

Hadiqah Mahmood

June 2023

Intern Abroad HQ replied to emails as soon as possible and perfect communication. I enjoyed the experience in a different country, meeting new people and exploring increasing my independence.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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$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)
4 weeks	$2,149 Equivalent to $76 /day
5 weeks	$2,499 Equivalent to $71 /day
6 weeks	$2,849 Equivalent to $67 /day
8 weeks	$3,549 Equivalent to $63 /day
10 weeks	$4,299 Equivalent to $61 /day
12 weeks	$4,999 Equivalent to $59 /day
16 weeks	$6,424 Equivalent to $57 /day
20 weeks	$7,849 Equivalent to $56 /day
24 weeks	$9,299 Equivalent to $55 /day

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Airport pick-up
Daily breakfast and dinner
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

Lunches
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.

Language lessons

Fluency in Arabic (or other languages spoken in Morocco, such as Berber, French and Spanish) is not a requirement for all of the internship options in Morocco. However, some of the internship programs do require French language proficiency. Please ensure that you check the eligibility requirements for your chosen internship, to check this carefully.

Arabic and French language lessons are available for those who wish to take classes in conjunction with their internship. The program is designed in a way that enables you to intern and learn! For example, French and/or Arabic classes can be taken in the evening, after you have finished your internship schedule. These language lessons are highly recommended, as they provide interns with enriching insight into Moroccan culture, while also increasing your engagement with your internship host organization.

The language curriculum includes Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Moroccan Arabic, as well as calligraphy. All language courses are compatible with the National Standards set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Lessons are coordinated directly through our team in Rabat and can be confirmed in advance, or once you’re in-country. One-on-one intensive lessons are also available for those in need of a flexible schedule.

Weekends and travel

During the weekends, free time is available to relax, engage in tourism activities and explore other parts of Morocco. Our internship hosts in Rabat have the best advice and know all the tricks for getting around and making the most out of your time. They are happy to help you coordinate cultural excursions - whether it’s participating in a traditional cooking class, trying your hand at Moroccan pottery or taking part in a tour of the Royal Palace, Medina or Hassan Tower.

When you’re ready to get out of the city and explore the country’s beauty further afield, you won’t be disappointed by a visit to Casablanca, which sits just over an hour away from Rabat. With one of the world’s largest mosques, cosmopolitan food scene and vibrant markets, Casablanca is the perfect destination for a day trip.

Then of course there’s Marrakesh, famed for its shimmering colors, oriental smells and breathtaking architecture, the city hums with excitement and energy. Just 3 hours from Rabat, you can easily spend the weekend wandering its streets, exploring markets, museums, palaces, gardens, cuisine and more!

There’s so much to see and do in Morocco, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Arrival and Orientation

Internships in Morocco begin every 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. Interns may choose to spend a minimum of 4 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.
The typical port of entry is the Salé Airport (or Rabat–Salé Airport - RBA). This is an international airport located in the city of Salé, approximately 30 minutes drive from Rabat (Morocco’s capital). Pick up from this airport, or the Rabat Ville Train Station, is included in the cost of the internship Program Fee. Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation.
The last night of the accommodation is calculated according to your arrival date. For example, if you arrive on the Sunday night before your Monday start date, then you would depart on the Sunday of your last week. If you arrive earlier, on the Saturday, then you will check out on the Saturday of your last week.
Return transportation to the airport is not included in the internship program fee.
Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.

If you are planning to spend time independently in Morocco prior to your internship and will not require an international airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you. For example, travelers may also enter Morocco via the Mohammed V International Airport, in Casablanca, or the Marrakech Menara Airport. It is possible to travel by train from either of these alternative airports and receive a pick-up service from the Rabat Ville Train Station.

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 Morocco

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

Accommodation and WiFi

All interns in Rabat are accommodated together in a traditional Moroccan Riad. A Riad is a rectangular shaped home made up of multiple floors, all of which surround a central courtyard or interior garden. Note that there is no air-conditioning or fans in riad accommodation. However, Moroccan riad architecture is typically designed with a hotter climate in mind. The thick walls and open central courtyard help with ventilation and cooling. Bedrooms usually do not have windows that open to the outside and this is specifically intended to help regulate temperature, as it prevents unwanted heat from entering. The summer months are from late June to early September. During this season, the hottest temperatures in Rabat usually peak in August, with an average high of 80°F and low of 66°F (27°C and low of 19°C). If you are sensitive to the heat, you may consider joining this program during cooler months.

Living is safe, clean and comfortable. In most cases, interns can expect to share a bedroom with up to 4-6 other participants, of the same gender. Private bedrooms are not available. Common areas are shared and interns are welcome to use the courtyard for relaxing and eating their meals. WiFi is provided. Laundry services are not included but accommodation guests can access local services, for clothing to be washed, dried and ironed. Expect to budget approximately US$7 per load of 7 kilos.

Bathrooms are shared and the accommodation has western-style toilet installations. Note that the toilets are equipped with a bidet shower, which is common use in Morocco. Water is used instead of, or together with, toilet paper, for hygiene purposes. Given that most Moroccan toilets do not always contain toilet paper, all interns are advised to ensure they prepare to source their own throughout time spent in this country. It can be purchased in-country, very affordably, at an estimated cost of US$4-8 per month.

Centrally located within Rabat’s Medina, the majority of interns can expect their placements to be within walking distance - just 10-20 minute walk from the Riad. This convenient arrangement is made to simply reduce any commute time required via public transportation, as much as possible. In the event that a commute is necessary (to either the internship placement or to the central office) then the travel time is usually between 15-20 minutes. There are ample public transportation options to utilize, such as buses and taxis.

Please note that the bedrooms pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage are provided as an example. Since there is more than one bedroom within the shared Riad accommodation, the exact room 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 in Rabat, Morocco include two meals per day - daily breakfast and dinner - prepared and served by a cook, at the riad accommodation. Meal plans are varied, so you can expect diversity throughout the week. Breakfasts are usually served around 8:30am and dinner around 7pm.

Generally speaking, typical Moroccan breakfasts may consist of items such as bread, pastries (or a Moroccan pancake topped with honey), egg, spreads, fruit, tea and coffee. For dinner, typical dishes may be served in a tagine, such as beef, with vegetables or legumes, or chicken, with potatoes and olives. Meals served will feature in-season salads and vegetables, and might also include sides of eggs, breads and couscous. Note that pork is not consumed and alcohol consumption is forbidden within the internship riad accommodation.

Moroccan cuisine is very diverse, since its cuisine has long been influenced by Africa, European and Mediterranean cultures. Spices are used extensively. Fresh bread is served with many meals in Morocco and bakeries are common. Mint tea is popular, being served with meals, throughout the day, and as a gesture of hospitality to guests (it may be considered impolite to refuse it). You’ll find Moroccan food to be hearty and nutritious, although probably different from what you’re used to eating at home. If there are special snacks you like to have, please budget for them and take care of your own preferences independently.

A weekly budget of approximately US$100 should be sufficient for covering weekly lunches, while also having extra for snacks, treats, and drinks. (If you want to eat at fancy restaurants every day, it will be easy to spend more. However, there are great local eateries and markets which are affordable).

Tap water is not drinkable, however bottled water is readily available in Rabat and interns should budget approximately US$10-15 per week for this.

Please be sure to let us know of any specific dietary requirements that you have in advance (i.e. allergies and intolerances), so that we may ensure your hosts are aware and can make recommendations to you accordingly. Note that gluten free products and alternatives (such as gluten free breads, cereals, cookies, etc) are difficult to source in Morocco. If you have any dietary restrictions, you should come prepared to discuss this with the team in-country and budget to supplement the meals that will be provided to you.

Ramadan:

Tourism and internship activities continue during the Ramadan period in Morocco, so you can still intern in Rabat during this time.

Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar) is observed by Muslims around the world. During this holy month, there is a focus on prayer, reflection and community, in addition to fasting. Many adult muslims will abstain from eating and drinking, from sunrise to sunset.

These rules do not apply to visitors or non-Muslims and you can eat and drink as normal. However, you should avoid eating and drinking in public, during the fasting hours. The local eateries which cater to locals won’t be open during the day. However, the international chain restaurants, hotel restaurants, and other eateries that market to tourists will remain available. You may also need to visit a local grocery store or convenience shop to purchase snacks and drinks for your lunch meal, which you’ll be able to carry in your daypack and consume where it’s appropriate.

The timing of Ramadan varies every year, since its dates are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. It lasts between 29-30 days. The holiday of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal (the next lunar month).Eid celebrates the end of this fasting period. The approximate dates for upcoming years are:

2023: Beginning the evening of March 22nd and ending the evening of April 20th.
2024: Beginning the evening of March 10th and ending the evening of April 9th.

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Essential country information

Capital	Rabat
Population	36.91 million
Languages	Arabic and Berber
Currency	Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Time zone	UTC±00:00

Weather and climate:

Morocco’s climate varies considerably across the country’s northern to southern areas. This includes Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean zones (along the coastal regions and lowlands), Continental climates (within the mountainous regions and central part of the country), Alpine (in the mountains, where you can also find ski resorts), and Semi-Arid (in the south of the country, where rainfall is much lower).

In Rabat, where the internship program is based, the climate is Mediterranean. This means that you can expect warm to hot dry summers and mild, damp winters. The nights are always cool, so you need clothing that you can layer as the temperature drops.

The summer months are considered to be from late June to early September. The hottest temperatures of the year (in Rabat) usually peak in August, with an average high of 80°F and low of 66°F (27°C and low of 19°C).

The cooler season begins in December and lasts through till early March. During this time, it usually does not get any colder than an average low of 47°F and high of 63°F (low of 9°C and high of 17°C). The least amount of rainfall in Rabat is recorded from early May through till early October.

Cultural events are held year-round. During the summer time, you can find music festivals usually held from May through to June. There are often events in the autumn, such as film festivals.