Occupational Therapy Internships in Morocco
Assist qualified therapists to provide treatment and diagnosis to patients of various ages. This internship provides a fantastic learning opportunity, where the health and happiness of patients is enhanced by professionals. Interns support with day-to-day therapy and rehabilitation tasks, enhancing practical knowledge, compassion, and relationship-building skills. Come prepared to build your resume and assist where needed within a linguistically diverse environment.
Internship Highlights:
- Learn how experienced therapists conduct therapy sessions.
- Gain understanding of the day-to-day life of an occupational therapist.
- Understand how patient relationships are built and managed.
- Explore all the attractions of Rabat and the beauty of wider Morocco.
Type of host organizations:
- Hospitals
- Childcare facilities
Internship details
Assist qualified therapists to provide treatment and diagnosis to patients with a range of health conditions. Internships placements for Occupational Therapy interns are available across hospitals and clinics, addressing injury and rehabilitation, as well as disabilities and special needs. Gain practical insight into occupational therapy skills related to treatment and diagnosis.
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.
Occupational Therapy interns in Morocco provide support across a range of patients with diverse needs. The common mission is focused on improving quality of life and self-esteem, while assisting clients to enhance skills, mobility and independence. Interns have the opportunity to develop broader cultural intelligence and communication skills, which are essential for this field of healthcare.
Note that Occupational Therapy supervision may be handled by a range of therapists, working within hospitals and clinics. Interns must expect to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary team, which may attend to varying aspects of patient care. For example, related to assessment of patient abilities, skills and needs, therapy treatment plans (for both physical and social activities), recommendations concerning patient home/work environments and lifestyle adaptations, and progress reports. All local medical staff will be in the best position to provide guidance, direction, and answer questions as they arise.
Interns in all fields of healthcare should prepare a flexible, adaptable and communicative mindset. The nature of the tasks you’re engaged with will be influenced by your own skills, interests, and level of experience, while also considering patient/client needs and priorities.
It’s important for Occupational Therapy interns to be prepared for a very 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. The Moroccan Ministry of Health is additionally lending its support to the development of a new university hospital complex (scheduled to open in 2026), which will continue to promote Rabat as a crucial center for healthcare within the Mediterranean and Saharan region.
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
Occupational Therapy interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
-
Shadow and assist in occupational therapy sessions with local practitioners.
-
Assist with clerical duties related to treatment assessments, diagnosis and patient reports.
-
Aid therapists with provision of occupational therapy techniques to patients.
-
Assist with educational support related to patient rehabilitation.
Professional development opportunities:
-
Improve your French and Arabic language skills.
-
Gain enhanced knowledge of occupational therapy methods and research.
-
Build interpersonal and cultural skills related to how to negotiate with people and motivate them.
-
Develop an enhanced understanding of how occupational therapists work within multidisciplinary medical teams.
-
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.
Are you eligible for this internship?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Morocco photo gallery
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 creditProgram 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 | $2,184 Equivalent to $78 /day |
5 weeks | $2,534 Equivalent to $72 /day |
6 weeks | $2,884 Equivalent to $68 /day |
8 weeks | $3,584 Equivalent to $64 /day |
10 weeks | $4,334 Equivalent to $61 /day |
12 weeks | $5,034 Equivalent to $59 /day |
16 weeks | $6,459 Equivalent to $57 /day |
20 weeks | $7,884 Equivalent to $56 /day |
24 weeks | $9,334 Equivalent to $55 /day |
- 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 70 days before your internship start date. The Program Fee payment can also be completed in installments through our Zero-Fee Payment Plan. Learn more.
- 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 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. While bedroom allocations are single-sex, the accommodation itself is mixed gender. Common and social areas are shared between genders. 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 independent local services (outside the accommodation), for clothing to be washed, dried and ironed. Expect to budget approximately US$7 per load of 7 kilos.
Bathrooms are shared and toilets can be accessed by diverse genders. 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 2025 are beginning the evening of March 1st and ending between March 31st - April 2nd.
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.