Midwifery Internship in Sri Lanka

Are you planning on a career in midwifery? Maybe you’re a midwifery student or recent graduate looking for work experience? If so, this internship may be the perfect choice for you.

You’ll get to learn from skilled midwives and other healthcare professionals at hospitals.You’ll get insight into how mothers and newborns are cared for in a developing country. You’ll also be able to add midwifery work experience in Sri Lanka to your CV, and have interesting points to talk about in applications or interviews.

This internship is largely observational, but you will be able to learn a great deal. You’ll get to rotate through different maternity units, from theatre to labour. Practical work is available in the form of our regular medical outreaches. Here, you’ll do basic health checks for people in disadvantaged communities.

Please note that you need to be 18 years or older to join this project.

The internship is available year-round, from a minimum of four weeks. However, our start and end dates are flexible, so you can choose a time which suits you.

This project is also perfect for university medical and healthcare elective students. The real-world insight and knowledge you gain will help shape you as a future medical professional. You will also learn to work with different people and get a broader perspective of global healthcare systems and issues. This benefits your career for years to come. We can organise a placement that meets all of your university’s requirements.

Read more about how we organise healthcare electives.

The main aim of this project is to provide you with an educational experience. Many of the interns who join us are looking for international work experience in a country different from their own. This is a great way to prepare yourself for your future career as a midwife, while enhancing your CV.

We give the opportunity to learn from qualified local professionals, and gain insight into midwifery practice in Sri Lanka. You will also take part in valuable cross-cultural exchange, sharing knowledge and experiences with medical staff.

Projects Abroad also organises monthly medical outreaches in disadvantaged communities. Here you’ll provide basic medical treatment to locals under supervision. This is important work, as the communities we work in don’t have regular access to basic medical services.

We have identified the following goals as the focus of our medical work in Sri Lanka:

• Promote the exchange of medical knowledge
• Promote awareness of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Improve access to basic healthcare for disadvantaged groups
• Improve hygiene standards
• Reduce the number of cases of Dengue fever

Join us on a Midwifery Internship in Sri Lanka and learn from skilled midwives as they care for new mothers and babies.

Once you’ve enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the home of your host family, it’s time to head to work. You’ll travel to your placement via bus or rickshaw. Sometimes you may even be within walking distance. Whichever option you take, a staff member will accompany you on your first day to show you the way.

A typical day on this project runs from 8.30am – 12.30pm, and then from 2pm – 4pm, Monday to Friday. However, these hours may vary. The exact schedule will be discussed during your induction.

Activities will vary according to your midwifery placement you’ve chosen in Sri Lanka. In general, you will spend your day observing midwives, doctors, and nurses at work. You’ll shadow staff in different maternity units, ranging from prenatal to theatre and labour. This is an exciting opportunity to gain insight into all aspects of maternity and child care.

On medical outreach days, you’ll get to take part in more practical work. Here you’ll help to take vital signs such as blood pressure or blood sugar, dispense medication and food, and assist wherever needed. This is important work that provides basic medical care in disadvantaged communities.

When you’re done for the day, it’s time to sit back and relax. We organise regular social events for our interns, so that you can get to know each other while having fun and learning about the local culture. Or explore your new surroundings, watch the sunset from the beach, and try out some Sri Lankan-style cuisine from a neighbourhood restaurant.