Physician Associate Internships: Intern abroad in Valencia, Spain
Fantastic internships for pre-med and undergraduate medical students, where interns shadow and assist qualified medical professionals in hospitals or clinics in Valencia. Internships are customized to suit your experience and interests, and offer a real-life insight into health in an environment that’s relevant to your career.
Internship Highlights:
- Assisting medical professionals with patient care and gaining a real world insight into treatments and therapies.
- Gain practical experience on a customized internship in a medical field of interest to you.
- Enjoy traveling and living in Valencia, with easy access to wider Spain and the Mediterranean.
Type of host organizations:
- Private hospitals and clinics
- Out-patient clinics
- Non-profit health centers
- Pharmacies
Internship details
Fantastic internships for pre-med and undergraduate medical students, where interns shadow and assist qualified medical professionals in hospitals or clinics in Valencia. Internships are customized to suit your experience and interests, and offer a real-life insight into health in an environment that’s relevant to your career.
This is an in-country internship that includes accommodation and meals.
In the context of an international internship, the “Physician Associate” experiences are designed to familiarize participants with the typical services and workplaces that a PA may be involved with, throughout the progression of their career. Additionally, the international placements are designed to help interns develop their intercultural competencies, while gaining an enhanced perspective of healthcare provision.
Physician Associate interns in Spain gain highly valuable, practical experience into what life is like as a medical professional. Interns shadow and assist practicing physicians, doctors and nurses in private hospitals and clinics, observing patient consultations and treatments, test evaluation and examinations, treatment establishment and follow ups. You can also assist with medical administrative tasks. Interns can learn a range of assessment and treatment techniques by observing them in practice.
It’s important to note that unqualified interns are unlikely to play a hands-on role, and your learning will come mostly from observing your supervisor. Your exact role will depend on your own skills, experience, Spanish language ability and the length of your internship. If you’d like to gain experience in a particular field of healthcare, please include details in your application.
Bear in mind that the Physician Associate profession and education model has its origin in North America. The occupational title of “Physician Assistant” and “Physician Associate” originated in the United States. Although the role has been adopted in some other countries, each has their own nomenclature. Therefore, occupation titles and certifying authorities vary. If you are seeking a Physician Associate internship for academic purposes, which must be supervised by someone carrying the specific occupational title of “Physician Assistant” or “Physician Associate”, please ensure that you notify Intern Abroad HQ when applying.
Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement to join. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. 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. This internship includes five complimentary Spanish language lessons, which must be scheduled within the first two weeks of the internship. These should be considered mandatory for anyone who is not already a fluent Spanish speaker. Any additional Spanish language lessons must be coordinated and paid for separately. We encourage all interns to take advantage of the opportunity to learn some Spanish skills during their program (or develop their existing vocabulary).
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.
Career Benefits
Physician Associate interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Assisting with patient care and treatment in a range of specialist or general departments.
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Observing and shadowing patient consultations.
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Medical testing and test evaluation.
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Collaborating on research and teaching projects.
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Assisting with administrative tasks.
Professional development opportunities:
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Gain first hand understanding of patient consultation procedures.
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Build communication skills and understand patient relationship management.
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Observe and assist with medical techniques, tests and treatments.
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Learn from trained and experienced medical professionals in Spain.
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Gain familiarity with modern healthcare systems in action.
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Practice and hone your Spanish language skills.
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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?
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What recent interns said about their experience
I enjoyed meeting new people, enhancing my career prospects, learning more about myself and about a whole new country and culture..
I learned a lot about how academic knowledge and practical skills interact during my internship. While I had a solid foundation in health sciences, I discovered that classroom theory and real-world application of skills can differ significantly. Observing a physiotherapist in action during patient sessions was a major educational experience. I saw firsthand how crucial communication and cultural awareness are in patient management. This knowledge will benefit me beyond my time in Valencia. It has also deepened my understanding of cultural competence in healthcare, a critical aspect of my future career. Academically, this placement validated the real-world applications of my coursework, illustrating how theory translates into practice. Professionally, it offered insights into operating in a global environment, addressing challenges like cultural and linguistic differences. Overall, my internship was a valuable experience that bridged the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice, preparing me for future global challenges.
The internship provided valuable experience.
I enjoyed the hands-on experience within the clinic that I was working at and just being able to experience the culture of a different country was beautiful to me. I enjoyed seeing the difference in how they did things not only within medicine but among each other. I felt the internship contributed to my personal growth in that it gave me a new perspective on things and opened my eyes to that there I so much in this world to explore. In a professional sense, it allowed me to gain some hands-on experience working in the field that I'm interested in and taught me things I will take with me into this field.
I loved getting to practice my Spanish skills in a medical setting that required me to only speak Spanish. This was key in developing my speaking and understanding skills which will be vital when I need to speak with patients in a hospital who can only speak Spanish. I was also able to learn a great deal about the culture of healthcare in Spain which will help me be a more culturally-aware and well-rounded medical provider in the future. Overall, I felt very supported both before and during my internship.
This internship was the perfect fit for me - I chose it because I eventually want to go to Physician's Assistant school. I used this internship to explore my passion for the medical field, only making myself more sure that this is the path I want to take in my future career. I gained a lot of confidence and learned so much. The internship provided the opportunity to work alongside medical professionals in a physical rehabilitation clinic. I was tasked with taking blood pressure, sitting in on patient consultations, discussing treatment plans, applying EKG leads to patients, performing shock wave and sonic stimulation therapy for muscles and joints. With all this clinical experience under my belt, I feel confident in my application to Physician's Assistant school.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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) |
---|---|
2 weeks | $2,749 Equivalent to $196 /day |
3 weeks | $3,060 Equivalent to $145 /day |
4 weeks | $3,420 Equivalent to $122 /day |
5 weeks | $3,730 Equivalent to $106 /day |
6 weeks | $4,066 Equivalent to $96 /day |
8 weeks | $4,687 Equivalent to $83 /day |
10 weeks | $5,364 Equivalent to $76 /day |
12 weeks | $5,985 Equivalent to $71 /day |
16 weeks | $7,338 Equivalent to $65 /day |
20 weeks | $8,581 Equivalent to $61 /day |
24 weeks | $9,822 Equivalent to $58 /day |
- Airport pick-up
- Daily breakfast, lunch 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
- 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
- European students who wish to receive Erasmus funding for their internship in Spain are encouraged to apply and outline their specific requirements.
- 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.
Free-time experiences & tours in Valencia
Take your internship to the next level with Intern Abroad HQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Valencia! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto an internship program.
Sit back and enjoy a traditional Flamenco show
Spend a day on the water, getting to know other interns and enhancing your Kayaking skills
learn how to make traditional Valencian Paella and sangria to enjoy alongside Tortilla de patatas and dessert.
Spanish lessons
Fluency in Spanish is not a requirement for interns in Valencia, however basic Spanish skills are strongly recommended. Your program fees include five introductory Spanish language lessons which are provided in order to boost confidence and assist with social and cultural integration. However, any additional Spanish language lessons must be coordinated and paid for separately.
We encourage all interns to take advantage of the opportunity to learn some Spanish skills during their program (or develop their existing vocabulary) to maximize the impact of the internship experience. The language lessons are tailored to each interns current level of Spanish, run from Monday to Friday and can be accommodated around your internship schedule. Classes are run in small groups by certified native speaking Spanish teachers.
Arrival and Orientation
Internships in Spain 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. The minimum duration requirement is 2 weeks up to a maximum duration 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 Valencia Airport (VLC). If you are planning to spend time independently in Spain prior to your internship and will not require an airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you.
Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. The last night of the accommodation is the Saturday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Sunday. 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.
The Orientation also includes five introductory Spanish language lessons which are provided as a way of boosting confidence and assisting with social and cultural integration. Any additional Spanish language lessons must be coordinated and paid for separately.
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 Spain
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Accommodation and WiFi
All interns in Valencia are hosted in various homestay accommodations (which are typically located within apartment buildings). These are usually situated around the city centre, where it is easy to access both the central office of the local team (where Spanish language lessons also take place) and the designated internship placement.
In most cases, interns will receive their own bedroom. However, some bedrooms may be shared with another program participant of the same gender. While homestays may accommodate up to 2 or 3 interns at a time, interns may also find that they are the sole participant at any given homestay depending on the size of the home. Bathrooms and common areas are shared. Living is comfortable and WiFi is provided in most of the home-stays, although it is not guaranteed. Laundry is included - usually it will be done once a week.
If a commute is required (to either the internship placement or the central office) then the travel time is usually between 45 to 60 minutes, maximum. There are ample public transportation options to utilize (including mobile phone apps, which can be downloaded at the program orientation) such as buses, subway, trams, and taxis. The city is flat and the climate is typically very pleasant, so public bicycles are also available. Interns may also opt to simply walk during the daytime and enjoy the sights of the city!
Please note that an accommodation bond / security deposit is required of guests, to ensure that rooms are maintained in good condition. The amount is €200. When your accommodation has been assigned for the internship, and the details are provided to you in advance, you will be provided with an online link to complete the security deposit (and you will receive a receipt). This transaction will be fully refunded to you, after accommodation check-out and inspection, provided that no damages or losses to the property have been incurred by you.
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. Rooms sizes vary.
Meals
Internships in Spain include three meals per day provided by the host family (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Locals do not typically have a heavy breakfast, so interns can expect items such as bread/pastries, spreads, fruit, and coffee. Lunch is also relatively lighter in size than what you may be used to back home, as is the custom of a mediterranean diet. It will usually consist of a sandwich, fruit or salad and may be served at your homestay, or packed ahead of time for you to take to your placement. Dinner time in Spain is typically served late into the evening due to eating a late lunch. Typical dishes may include ingredients such as noodles or pasta, seafood, rice, and in-season salads/vegetables.
Adaptability is encouraged, as the meals provided are unlikely to reflect what you’re used to eating at home. Interns are encouraged to budget extra spending money for any special snacks/treats to supplement their usual eating habits. 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 accordingly.
Essential country information
Capital | Madrid |
Population | 46.5 million |
Languages | Spanish (official), Catalan, Galician, Basque, Occitan (co-official languages) |
Currency | Euro (€ - EUR) |
Time zone | UTC+01:00 |
Weather and climate:
Spain has a very varied climate, according to the geographical situation of different regions. Most of the country is considered to be within a Mediterranean zone, which is characterised by warm/hot and dry summers. However, areas with relatively high rainfall are considered to be oceanic climatic regions, rather than Mediterranean. The northern quarter of Spain, which is within the Atlantic region, falls within this oceanic climate category, where winter and summer temperatures are influenced by the ocean. The southeastern quarter of Spain has a semi-arid climate, where the dry season can extend beyond the typical summer season.
In Valencia, where the Intern Abroad HQ internship program is based, it is dry year round. The summers are warm, muggy, and mostly clear. The hot summer season runs from June through September, with an average daily high temperature above 81°F (27°C). The winter months, from November through March, are cold, windy, and partly cloudy. During this time, the average daily high temperature is below 65°F (18°C). The average low of the coldest day of the year (around early January) is 43°F (6°C).