Do your medical internship in Sri Lanka and immerse yourself in the local culture. Through this professional field experience, you will gain practical skills while building on your knowledge. Exchange ideas and experiences with the local population on your journey and benefit from a particularly enriching experience, both personally and professionally. Also meet participants from around the world with this international project!
Since January 2015, several groups of student nurses have gone on humanitarian missions for their mandatory internship abroad. The nursing internship in Sri Lanka is open to all students in the medical sector and validated by several academic institutions. This internship in a medical environment is not limited to nursing students, it is totally adapted to physiotherapy students and is open to professionals such as doctors, nurses, pediatricians, dentists, researchers, care workers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, etc.
As with all of our nursing and medical internship programs abroad, this project in Sri Lanka allows you to gain university credits and field experience, while contributing to the UN’s goal of universal access to health care.
– You will be able to discover a new way of doing your job.
– You will have the chance to share time with the local community.
– You can discover Sri Lanka during your free time.
– You will learn about the health care system, procedures and common diseases in Sri Lanka.
– During evenings and weekends, students can explore the beautiful sites of Sri Lanka, such as Kandy, Galle or relax on the south coast and its beautiful beaches.
This medical internship in Sri Lanka combines a total immersion in Sri Lankan culture with international medical experience in a hospital setting. This is a unique opportunity for interns to gain experience in a foreign country and environment, with constant supervision by local health professionals.
Sri Lanka’s health care system is known to be one of the most advanced in the South Asian region. It is a model for developing countries, since even if these establishments do not have the equipment and resources of the Western world, they offer access to care to all inhabitants, even those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
The nursing internships and medical placements in Sri Lanka take place in our public partner hospital. This is not a “humanitarian” mission, an intervention in refugee camps or third world health conditions. These are not rescue missions but learning missions, in an environment similar to a European hospital.
Our local NGO is affiliated with the Sri Lankan government’s Ministry of Health and has full authorisation to place trainees in government facilities who will receive the necessary supervision from health professionals. Interns will have the opportunity to work in several departments depending on the availability of the nursing staff.
The NGO offers international students the opportunity to follow the health care teams in different departments to discover the practices in Sri Lanka. In public facilities, students are allowed to participate in care, but only the local health care staff has the authority to decide on the students’ scope of practice after assessing their skills and educational background.
At the time of registration, students will be asked about their level of study and the skills they need to acquire during their internship in order to brief host institutions and supervisory teams as much as possible before their arrival.
During the evenings and weekends, students can explore beautiful Sri Lankan cities, such as Kandy and Galle, or relax on the south coast and its wonderful beaches. Cultural and sports activities are also organised.
All medical and nursing interns receive a free introductory session on Ayurveda during their internship. This is a 3-4 hour session at the Government Ayurvedic Hospital in Galle, one of the best institutions in Sri Lanka.
If participants want to extend their Ayurveda learning beyond one day, they can opt for a full week of Ayurvedic sessions that can be included in their course. For example, for a 5 week internship, do 4 weeks at Karapitiya Hospital in different departments + 1 week of Ayurveda.
– Arrival on Saturday
– Pick up from the airport (arrival must be between 8am and 5pm) and transfer to the guesthouse. Meeting with other volunteers and project coordinators.
– Sunday free
– Monday morning (depending on arrival time): orientation session
– Nursing internship in Sri Lanka from Monday to Friday:
After breakfast, you will be driven to your project and introduced to your work team. Lunch break between 1 and 2 pm. After lunch, you will continue to accompany the doctors during their visit and assist them in making diagnoses. On evenings and weekends, you can relax or join a group of volunteers for a trip or an activity.
Below is a list of the most common questions:
1. In what type of hospital will the internship take place?
Nursing and medical placements in Sri Lanka take place in public hospitals. This is not a “humanitarian” mission with third world health conditions. These are not rescue missions but learning missions.
As a general rule, the assignment form (services) and the name of the tutor will be communicated 2 weeks before the beginning of the internship.
2. What is the hospital placement in Sri Lanka?
In public facilities, students are allowed to participate in care, but only the local health care staff has the authority to decide on the students’ scope of practice after assessing their skills and educational background. At the time of registration, students will be asked about their level of study and the skills they need to acquire during their internship in order to brief host institutions and supervisory teams as much as possible before their arrival.
3. What missions are available?
Students may choose up to 2 hospital-based services.
Theoretical and practical classes will also be given every week by the trainees’ supervisor, a medical intern, on local diseases, tropical diseases, symptoms, treatments, etc.
Finally, the local NGO offers the trainees an initiation to Ayurvedic treatments during 4-5 days during their internship for an additional cost.
For physiotherapy students, the NGO offers an internship that combines a hospital setting with a centre for the disabled.
4. Where are student interns housed in Sri Lanka?
The NGO makes sure to facilitate the logistical aspect by choosing accommodation close to the internship site. Students will be accommodated in a guesthouse 15-20 minutes from the hospital. The groups already formed will still be together but may also meet with other groups in the same facility.
5. Visa and Insurance
For UK nationals in Sri Lanka, you just need to fill out a free online form (ETA) on the Sri Lankan immigration website. Visas cost $35.
For stays longer than 4 weeks, it is possible to obtain an extension at the immigration department of Battaramulla, in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. This extension costs US$100. We provide all the necessary elements for the procedures, as well as on-site assistance.
Do you still have questions? Watch the videos that students who have just returned from their medical internship in Sri Lanka have made for you!
1. Documents needed for your file
2. Average budget and fundraising
As with all of our nursing and medical internship programs abroad, this project in Sri Lanka allows you to gain university credits and field experience, while contributing to the UN's goal of universal access to health care.
- You will be able to discover a new way of doing your job.
- You will have the chance to share time with the local community.
- You can discover Sri Lanka during your free time.
- You will learn about the health care system, procedures and common diseases in Sri Lanka.
- During evenings and weekends, students can explore the beautiful sites of Sri Lanka, such as Kandy, Galle or relax on the south coast and its beautiful beaches.
This medical internship in Sri Lanka combines a total immersion in Sri Lankan culture with international medical experience in a hospital setting. This is a unique opportunity for interns to gain experience in a foreign country and environment, with constant supervision by local health professionals.
Sri Lanka's health care system is known to be one of the most advanced in the South Asian region. It is a model for developing countries, since even if these establishments do not have the equipment and resources of the Western world, they offer access to care to all inhabitants, even those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
The nursing internships and medical placements in Sri Lanka take place in our public partner hospital. This is not a "humanitarian" mission, an intervention in refugee camps or third world health conditions. These are not rescue missions but learning missions, in an environment similar to a European hospital.
Our local NGO is affiliated with the Sri Lankan government's Ministry of Health and has full authorisation to place trainees in government facilities who will receive the necessary supervision from health professionals. Interns will have the opportunity to work in several departments depending on the availability of the nursing staff.
The NGO offers international students the opportunity to follow the health care teams in different departments to discover the practices in Sri Lanka. In public facilities, students are allowed to participate in care, but only the local health care staff has the authority to decide on the students' scope of practice after assessing their skills and educational background.
At the time of registration, students will be asked about their level of study and the skills they need to acquire during their internship in order to brief host institutions and supervisory teams as much as possible before their arrival.
During the evenings and weekends, students can explore beautiful Sri Lankan cities, such as Kandy and Galle, or relax on the south coast and its wonderful beaches. Cultural and sports activities are also organised.
All medical and nursing interns receive a free introductory session on Ayurveda during their internship. This is a 3-4 hour session at the Government Ayurvedic Hospital in Galle, one of the best institutions in Sri Lanka.
If participants want to extend their Ayurveda learning beyond one day, they can opt for a full week of Ayurvedic sessions that can be included in their course. For example, for a 5 week internship, do 4 weeks at Karapitiya Hospital in different departments + 1 week of Ayurveda.
- Arrival on Saturday
- Pick up from the airport (arrival must be between 8am and 5pm) and transfer to the guesthouse. Meeting with other volunteers and project coordinators.
- Sunday free
- Monday morning (depending on arrival time): orientation session
- Nursing internship in Sri Lanka from Monday to Friday:
After breakfast, you will be driven to your project and introduced to your work team. Lunch break between 1 and 2 pm. After lunch, you will continue to accompany the doctors during their visit and assist them in making diagnoses. On evenings and weekends, you can relax or join a group of volunteers for a trip or an activity.
Below is a list of the most common questions:
1. In what type of hospital will the internship take place?
Nursing and medical placements in Sri Lanka take place in public hospitals. This is not a "humanitarian" mission with third world health conditions. These are not rescue missions but learning missions.
As a general rule, the assignment form (services) and the name of the tutor will be communicated 2 weeks before the beginning of the internship.
2. What is the hospital placement in Sri Lanka?
In public facilities, students are allowed to participate in care, but only the local health care staff has the authority to decide on the students' scope of practice after assessing their skills and educational background. At the time of registration, students will be asked about their level of study and the skills they need to acquire during their internship in order to brief host institutions and supervisory teams as much as possible before their arrival.
3. What missions are available?
Students may choose up to 2 hospital-based services.
Theoretical and practical classes will also be given every week by the trainees' supervisor, a medical intern, on local diseases, tropical diseases, symptoms, treatments, etc.
Finally, the local NGO offers the trainees an initiation to Ayurvedic treatments during 4-5 days during their internship for an additional cost.
For physiotherapy students, the NGO offers an internship that combines a hospital setting with a centre for the disabled.
4. Where are student interns housed in Sri Lanka?
The NGO makes sure to facilitate the logistical aspect by choosing accommodation close to the internship site. Students will be accommodated in a guesthouse 15-20 minutes from the hospital. The groups already formed will still be together but may also meet with other groups in the same facility.
5. Visa and Insurance
For UK nationals in Sri Lanka, you just need to fill out a free online form (ETA) on the Sri Lankan immigration website. Visas cost $35.
For stays longer than 4 weeks, it is possible to obtain an extension at the immigration department of Battaramulla, in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. This extension costs US$100. We provide all the necessary elements for the procedures, as well as on-site assistance.
Do you still have questions? Watch the videos that students who have just returned from their medical internship in Sri Lanka have made for you!
1. Documents needed for your file
2. Average budget and fundraising
Created by people who are passionate about Sri Lanka and its culture, our partner association is a responsible social enterprise based in Galle, Sri Lanka.
It welcomes international volunteers to Sri Lanka and offers them sustainable volunteering programs. They work with many local communities in the city of Galle and carry out their work in the fields of education, health care and animal protection.
The association’s offices are located in the volunteers’ house, in order to ensure optimal security and to be available for the volunteers on all fronts: transportation, logistics, meals, advice for trips and excursions, emergencies, etc.
It welcomes international volunteers to Sri Lanka and offers them sustainable volunteering programs. They work with many local communities in the city of Galle and carry out their work in the fields of education, health care and animal protection.
The association's offices are located in the volunteers' house, in order to ensure optimal security and to be available for the volunteers on all fronts: transportation, logistics, meals, advice for trips and excursions, emergencies, etc.
Ce programme est disponible jusqu’à 24 semaines, nous contacter pour connaitre les tarifs et disponibilités.
Duration in weeks | Registration fees |
---|---|
2 weeks | 1250 € |
---|---|
3 weeks | 1520 € |
---|---|
4 weeks | 1790 € |
---|---|
5 weeks | 2060 € |
---|---|
6 weeks | 2330 € |
---|---|
8 weeks | 2870 € |
---|---|
10 weeks | 3410 € |
---|---|
12 weeks | 3950 € |
---|---|
Duration | Fees to be paid upon registration |
---|---|
4 Weeks | 1790€ |
5 Weeks | 2060€ |
6 Weeks | 2330€ |
7 Weeks | 2600€ |
8 Weeks | 2870€ |
10 Weeks | 3410€ |
12 Weeks | 3950€ |
Housing is allocated by local NGOs, not by Freepackers - the descriptions are there to give you an idea of the type of accommodation, as it is very likely that conditions will vary on site depending on the number of volunteers, weather conditions, availability, etc. Each volunteer will be accommodated according to the stated conditions, but it is possible that the accommodation may not match the description or images shown on this site word for word, for example, in the case of annexed housing, renovations, relocations, etc.
You will be staying in one of the two volunteer houses, located in the Unawatuna district, just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Galle and a 5-minute walk from the beach.
The houses have several bedrooms (single sex) sleeping between 4 and 6 people, each with en-suite facilities. Each house also includes an outdoor area, offering a peaceful place to relax, socialise or simply enjoy the region's pleasant climate. Meals are also included in the project.
The allocation of volunteers will be organised taking into account the availability of each house.
For couples, families or those preferring a single, double or family room, additional options are available at an extra cost. For more information on rates and conditions, please contact us directly.
3 meals a day every day.
In Sri Lanka, most of the time, people eat spicy food.
The food is very similar to that of India. You can take advantage of this experience and discover a different culture.
It is of course possible to ask for less spicy dishes.
All participants must wear professional attire while in the hospital. At a minimum, the wearing of a lab coat is mandatory. Knees and shoulders must be covered at all times during the hospital stay. Participants must bring a pair of white crocs and their own clothing and ensure that these guidelines are followed each day they participate in the project. No tattoos or body art should be visible during the project. Smoking is not permitted during working hours on hospital premises.
White coats are preferred (for both men and women), but if not available, blue is acceptable. The hospital will not allow course participants without this attire. It is important that participants bring it with them (at least 2 pairs). It is also possible to get them in Sri Lanka, but the manufacturing process takes 1 to 2 days. It is therefore preferable to obtain them in your country of origin if you do not want to miss the project.
Information for smokers: Passive smoking is very much frowned upon in Sri Lanka and even more so among health professionals. Therefore, employees and interns will not be allowed to take smoking breaks outside of the assigned breaks and will have to carefully follow the instructions, e.g. no smoking around the projects (hospital, mission communities, etc.) or while wearing internship clothes.
We strongly recommend that participants bring some Covid (rapid antigen) home test kits with them to Sri Lanka. This is purely precautionary given the times we live in and will be helpful to participants if anyone in the house becomes positive. It is not mandatory, but highly recommended for their own safety and peace of mind.
Interns will work Monday to Friday. During the weekend, you will have the opportunity to discover the city of Galle and its surroundings.
Our local partners will of course help you with their advice on transportation and places not to be missed.
Each participant must obtain a standard tourist visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. Although the country generally allows citizens of many countries to obtain a visa on arrival, it is advisable to opt for an eVISA before travelling. To do this, simply apply online at www.srilankaevisa.lk.
For any international project, Real-step requires the purchase of travel insurance including coverage in case of accident, illness, repatriation and civil liability.
Note that liability insurance is included in the insurance policies of our partner Chapka Cap Student, and Cap Working Holiday because it is mandatory for internships and studies abroad. If you buy your Cap Student or Cap Working Holiday insurance online with our partner Chapka, you get 5% immediate discount by clicking on one of the 2 links above!
If you subscribe to another travel insurance, we will ask you to send us a certificate in English.
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