Kinesiology is the study of the science of human movement, performance, and function, using the fundamental sciences of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to understand how the body moves and performs. This knowledge is used and applied to health, fitness, and rehabilitation.
Kinesiology internships are hands-on, practical experiences where students can apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. They serve as stepping-stones for degrees in fields such as human movement, exercise science, or sports management, and usually take place in hospitals, gyms, sports teams, or research labs.
Kinesiology is often confused with physiotherapy due to their nature of working with human movement. Despite some major similarities, they are two different professions with different objectives.
Kinesiology focuses on the study of human movement and exercise programs for performance and health, with kinesiologists often developing personal exercise programs, and treating using active physical rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy on the other hand, focuses on the facilitation of recovery, function, and pain reduction. Physiotherapists diagnose injuries and use passive techniques such as manual therapy, dry needling or joint manipulation, and create rehabilitation plans to avoid surgery and minimize reliance on medication.
Kinesiology internships are for students currently undertaking or recent graduates from studies such as Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or similar fields, and are currently looking for experience in helping people move better, recover from injury, or improve performance. These usually lead to careers in personal training, coaching, or sport science.
Kinesiology differs from typical medicine, and therefore does not necessarily require studies in medicine, although medicine students are very much able to undertake kinesiology internships.
Undertaking a kinesiology internship abroad can be a big step in both professional development and personal growth. Thinking of the advantages of a regular internship, one undertaken at an international level holds all these same advantages, but with details that will make it more impactful.
The healthcare field, which includes rehabilitation and sports performance, is known to vary widely across countries. A kinesiology internship abroad allows you to discover these different therapeutic techniques and training methods. The experience allows you to learn how cultural beliefs influence all the aspects of kinesiology such as movement, injury prevention and recovery. With this you will be able to compare healthcare systems and professional roles in kinesiology.
Undertaking a kinesiology internship abroad will have you working in a new environment. This pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you develop:
Completing a kinesiology internship abroad will be a transformative experience that goes beyond the technical aspect. Living and working in a foreign country will foster independence, resilience and self-confidence. You will quickly learn how to navigate new environments, healthcare systems, and social norms.
Exposure to different cultures will also encourage open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity. Facing challenges such as communication barriers in your day-to-day life or different professional expectations to what you are used to will help build emotional intelligence and maturity.
A kinesiology internship abroad provides you with the opportunity to build a strong international professional network. It will allow you to establish meaningful relationships across disciplines and borders. With an international internship, you may eventually benefit from:
In a practical field like kinesiology, having an international network demonstrates assets such as professional credibility, global awareness, and ambition, all highly valued by employers and academic institutions.
Like any internship regardless of the field, it is a valuable experience that employers always look for. This will help you obtain a job in the future, either with new employers, or in some cases, you could be offered a full time position at the place you interned at, as employers value employees who are familiar with the organization.
An international internship will, on top of all this, stand out more on a résumé, as it shows initiative and independence on the intern’s side, as they took the step to move away from home and step outside of their comfort zone. Their willingness to face a challenge and ability to work in both multicultural and interdisciplinary teams is a valuable asset.
The ideal location for a kinesiology internship will depend on your main goals. Some interns may be looking to work with highly specialized or high-tech sports science equipment, while others may be looking for a more hands-on practice, where more adaptability is required.
Australia is known for a high standard of healthcare and strong culture in regards to sports and outdoor activities. This makes it an ideal location for those interested in sports science, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Similarly to Australia, Spain also has a strong sports culture and advanced healthcare systems. With an internship in Spain, interns will have the ability to work in sports medicine clinics, hospitals, or even get involved in community sports programs.
In Argentina, kinesiology is a recognized and regulated healthcare profession, closely linked to physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences. Argentine culture places strong value on human relationships, enhancing communication skills and patient rapport.
South Africa provides a unique perspective on healthcare disparities, with a mix of advanced medical facilities and underserved communities. Internships often involve public health, community initiatives, and occupational therapy, allowing for a broad experience and significant impact.
RealStep offers the possibility for students to undertake an internship in Córdoba, Argentina, in the fields of kinesiology and physiotherapy. Interns will assist in performing physiotherapeutic procedures with the paramedical team, on top of other tasks such as organising clinics and ordering supplies and therapeutic equipment. This internship is the ideal opportunity to discover a new culture while acquiring professional experience internationally.
Find out more about the program here.
This internship in Galle, Sri Lanka, gives interns the opportunity to gain university credits, while integrating a multicultural team once on site. Working in a local medical facility, interns participate in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal of access to healthcare for all set by the UN. It is the perfect opportunity to learn from health professionals and discover a new culture by sharing with the locals.
Find out more about the program here.
Did you like this article ?
Share it on social media!
In this article :
Similar items
Our latest articles
