Medical Internships in Arusha

Tanzania Internship Abroad Medical & Healthcare

Build your practical medical knowledge on a Medical internship in Tanzania, shadowing and assisting local doctors and nurses in clinics and hospitals. This is a perfect internship for medical or nursing students who are more advanced in their studies, where you will learn from experienced professionals and help patients in a range of healthcare departments.

Internship Highlights:

Gain practical healthcare skills learning from experienced medical professionals
Build your medical understanding in specific medical departments of interest to you
Enjoy spare time in Arusha, go on safari in the Serengeti, and explore world famous natural landscapes

Type of host organizations:

Hospitals
Medical clinics

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Fully hosted experience from US$1,304

Includes accommodation & meals

Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Minimum duration 2 weeks, up to 24 Weeks maximum

Explore Tanzania’s incredible national parks

Gain academic or course credit

Get job-ready with our Experiential Learning Curriculum

Internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Eligibility requirement

Suitable for students in their second to final year of Medical Degree study. If you do not meet these eligibility requirements, click here to explore other medical internships which are suitable for pre-med students.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English. However, you can expect that some patient interactions will be carried out in local languages. Your supervisor will be available to debrief these sessions in English with you afterwards.

Associated career paths

Medical Doctor, Physician, Certified Physician Assistant, Nurse, Pediatrician, Paramedic, Anesthesiologist, Medical Scribe, Surgical Technologist, Surgeon, Pharmacist, Phlebotomist, Obstetrician

Internship details

Build your practical medical knowledge on a Medical internship in Tanzania, shadowing and assisting a range of medical professionals in clinics and hospitals. This is a perfect internship for medical or nursing students who are more advanced in their studies, where you will learn from experienced professionals and help patients in a range of healthcare departments.

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

Medical internships in Arusha, Tanzania, provide opportunities for interns to develop your practical understanding of healthcare to add to your theoretical knowledge. Interns can be placed in hospitals and healthcare clinics, where you’ll shadow and assist local medical professionals in their daily routines in a participatory and observational capacity, depending on skills and experience.

Medical internship placements are available in general wards, as well as highly specialized departments including:

Surgery
Outpatient clinics
Children’s wards
Medical community outreach
HIV outpatients
Mental health services

Interns with a desire for placements in a specific field should include details in your application. These will be accommodated wherever possible, but are subject to availability.

Note that supervision on these internships is handled by a range of medical professionals. Interns must expect to work in a multidisciplinary team. Depending on your medical department and variations of your daily roster, this may include nursing teams, doctors, or other department heads. Such team members are in the best position to provide guidance, direction, and answer questions as it will pertain to current duties and responsibilities. Therefore, there is not one sole supervisor throughout, as interns interact with a range of local staff in various positions, deferring to their expertise and instruction. Outside of the placement supervision, interns additionally have access to support from the Program Director, who oversees placement allocation.

It’s important for medical interns to be prepared for a very different healthcare system than what you may be used to at home. Healthcare in Tanzania can be under-resourced and under-funded, and patients may endure conditions that would be considered rare or unacceptable in your own home country. While you may encounter culture shock, it is important to remain professional and compassionate at all times.

Due to the unpredictable nature of patient flow in clinics and hospitals, interns should note that the timing of treatments can be irregular. This means that there will be days which are very busy, as well as slower days if patient workload is lighter. Interns should be adaptable, proactive and willing to help where it’s needed. You will be welcome to discuss your schedule at all times throughout the internship, should you wish to pick up any extra hours. This is subject to availability and must always be discussed with your in-country coordinator, who would facilitate any necessary arrangements for you.

This internship is conducted in English. Some patient interactions may be carried out in local languages, but your supervisor will be available to debrief these sessions in English with you afterwards.

Outside of your internship, you’ll have the opportunity to discover for yourself why Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. The country is well-known for nature and adventure tourism, particularly its incredible safaris and wildlife reserves. People come from all over the world to visit Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the golden beaches of Zanzibar. Your in-country internship coordinator will assist you in advance to arrange day trips or longer excursions (such as multi-day safari adventures). If you’re planning your internship in Tanzania, don’t miss the opportunity to schedule an itinerary that incorporates these wonderful, unforgettable attractions.

It is important to note that the internship placements grouped as “Medical” require interns to make a Ministry of Health contribution. This supports the operation of placements and covers supervision for interns on medical-related placements. This contribution is not included in the internship program fee; it must be made directly, in-country, under the direction and guidance of the Program Coordinator in Arusha. Interns will not be permitted to commence their placement until this has been covered. The amount of the Ministry of Health contribution varies, as it is not the same for every clinic/hospital. However, to cover the contribution sufficiently, we ask interns to budget up to US$75 per week.

Career Benefits

Medical interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:

Shadowing and assisting doctors in routine duties
Providing clerical support

Professional development opportunities:

Build your practical knowledge of treatments for a range of complaints
Learn about the provision of healthcare in an under-resourced environment
Learn from experienced doctors and medical professionals
Understand the daily routines of doctors in hospitals and clinics
Enhance your cultural intelligence, as it pertains to healthcare
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Tanzania photo gallery

”I believe that this experience will better prepare me for my future as a pediatrician by exposing me to different cases and allowing me to develop my patient interaction skills.”

Read reviews from our Tanzania Interns

Program fees

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

Non-medical internships

Duration	Program Fee (USD)
2 weeks	$1,304Equivalent to $93/day
4 weeks	$1,569Equivalent to $56/day
6 weeks	$1,779Equivalent to $42/day
8 weeks	$2,044Equivalent to $36/day
10 weeks	$2,254Equivalent to $32/day
12 weeks	$2,464Equivalent to $29/day
14 weeks	$2,984Equivalent to $30/day
16 weeks	$3,264Equivalent to $29/day
18 weeks	$3,544Equivalent to $28/day
20 weeks	$3,824Equivalent to $27/day
24 weeks	$4,384Equivalent to $26/day

Medical internships

Duration	Program Fee (USD)
2 weeks	$1,404Equivalent to $100/day
4 weeks	$1,669Equivalent to $59/day
6 weeks	$1,879Equivalent to $44/day
8 weeks	$2,144Equivalent to $38/day
10 weeks	$2,354Equivalent to $33/day
12 weeks	$2,564Equivalent to $30/day
14 weeks	$2,884Equivalent to $29/day
16 weeks	$3,164Equivalent to $28/day
18 weeks	$3,444Equivalent to $27/day
20 weeks	$3,724Equivalent to $26/day
24 weeks	$4,284Equivalent to $25/day

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

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

A deposit of $449 USD is required to secure your internship
It is important to note that the internship placements grouped as "Medical" require interns to make a Ministry of Health contribution. This supports the operation of placements and covers supervision for interns on medical-related placements. This contribution is not included in the internship program fee; it must be made directly, in-country, under the direction and guidance of the Program Coordinator in Arusha. Interns will not be permitted to commence their placement until this has been covered. The amount of the Ministry of Health contribution varies, as it is not the same for every clinic/hospital. However, to cover the contribution sufficiently, we ask interns to budget up to US$75 per week.
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 Tanzania 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. If arriving earlier than this date, interns will be required to cover the cost of an out of hours airport pick up.

Typical ports of entry include the local Arusha Airport (ARK) or the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are planning to spend time independently in Tanzania 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 Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.

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

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

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Accommodation and WiFi

Interns in Arusha are accommodated together on one of the city’s most top-rated guest houses, located in a quiet and friendly neighbourhood (just 15 minutes from town center). Living is safe, clean, modern and comfortable, including 24/7 gated security, housekeeping, and a live-in local coordinator. (Laundry services are not included but can be arranged directly for a small fee). Amenities include hot showers, WiFi, and satellite television (in common areas). Interns can expect to share a bedroom with 1- 5 other guests, of the same gender. Bathroom facilities are shared. Private/en-suite room upgrades are subject to availability and must be arranged directly with the local team, once registered.

Meals

Interns in Arusha include breakfast and dinner, prepared and served Monday to Friday at the guest house accommodation. Typical dishes in Tanzania are influenced by seasonal produce and the dinner menu is usually set according to a weekly rotating schedule. For example, dinner meals may cover Wali Rosti (rice and meat stew), spaghetti bolognese, Wali Umboga (rice and vegetables), pilau, and chapati maharage (a thin wholemeal pancake cooked on a griddle, with beans). Dinner dishes are accompanied with salad. Breakfasts consist of fresh seasonal fruit, fried eggs, and bread with spreads (plus tea and coffee). A filtered cold water dispenser is available in the common area for use to reduce the amount of plastic bottle use. Bottled water is readily available in Tanzania and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 per week for this (2 liters per day). 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 make recommendations to you accordingly. However, it is important to note that the provided meals will not reflect what you are used to eating at home and flexibility is required. Interns are encouraged to budget extra spending money for any special snacks/treats.

Activities and tourism

There is an array of activities to enjoy during your stay in Arusha, as well as touristic excursions to attractions within Tanzania. Located on the “safari circuit”, the internship program is based near to some of Africa’s most beautiful environments, including Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru. Whether you’re content with local entertainment, such as Maasai markets, cafes, music, nightlife, and cinema, or you’re planning to book in big ticket items such as overnight safari camps and mountain trekking adventures, our local team will assist you with itinerary advice and planning.

Day trips

Day trips are popular among interns and perfect for taking advantage of the weekends during your internship. Depending on the excursion, the rates can range from US$60 up to US$450, including round trip transportation and lunch. (The more expensive day trip rates cover transportation to destinations that are further afield, such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Note that the day trip cost will typically exclude additional gate entry fees, which may be subject to change). While you’re planning your internship in Tanzania, don’t miss:

Arusha National Park: Near Mt Meru, the park offers easy game drives and scenic walking tours, where you can discover beautiful streams, waterfalls and rivers.
Tarangire: This destination offers the chance to spot the Big Five. Keep an eye out for herds of elephants, lion prides, giraffes and many more animals within their natural habitat.
Lake Manyara: This lush oasis was once described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest in Africa”. Relax on a peaceful game drive and enjoy the vista of buffalo, flamingo, lions, impala and more.
Serengeti: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the famous Serengeti ecosystem extends right up to Kenya.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Located in northern Tanzania, the region is home to the Big Five and boasts the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater - a breathtaking natural wonder.
Metaruni Waterfalls Hike: Go trekking to the waterfalls through the foothills overshadowed by Mt Kilimanjaro. Enjoy lunch in the town of Moshi.
Hot Springs: It’s a longer drive to visit the natural hot springs in Moshi, but worth the trip! Soak in the warm waters against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Maasai Culture Tour: Visit a Maasai homestead for a friendly guided experience and meet members from the impressive nomadic tribe, who retain their unique cultural identity.
Snake Park: Check out a variety of snake breeds, from small grass snakes to cobras. The park is also home to other species of birds and amphibians and features a Maasai market.

Overnight safari tours and trekking

If you want to plan a Tanzanian adventure before or after your internship, we can assist you to arrange overnight camping safaris of the Northern Circuit (Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro), as well as a Mount Kilimanjaro trekking package (all inclusive six day climb). Extended safari tours are popular and two all-inclusive options offer either camping or lodge accommodation. Pricing details can be provided to interns once they have registered.

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Essential country information

Capital	Dodoma
Population	47.78 million
Languages	Swahili and English
Currency	Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time zone	UTC+03:00

Weather and climate:

In Arusha, where the Tanzania internship programs are based, the warm season typically lasts from January till late March. During this period, the average daily high is around 81°F / 27°C. The cooler season is from mid May till late August and the coldest month of the year is usually in July, when the low reaches around 56°F / 13°C. The dry season is considered to run from late May through till mid November. Rainfall can occur during the rest of the year, December through April.