Occupational Therapy Internship in the Philippines

Are you studying to become an occupational therapist? Or perhaps you’re a recent graduate looking for work experience in this field? If so, then this is the ideal internship for you.

It’s an excellent way to put some of your training into use while learning from skilled local professionals. International work experience will be an asset on your CV, and make your job or university applications stand out.

In order to join this internship, you need to be at least 18 years old. You also need at least six months to one year’s worth of occupational therapy-related studies or training.

The internship is available year-round, from a minimum of one week. Our start and end dates are also flexible, so you can choose a time which suits you. We encourage you to stay for longer, however, so that you can make a greater impact during your time abroad.

This internship offers you the opportunity to get involved in a diverse range of tasks. These include:

• Assess and treat patients who need occupational therapy
• Write case notes and reports about patient consultations
• Exchange knowledge with staff and local occupational therapy students
• Create home exercise programmes for patients

After waking up in the home of your host family, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the day. It’s then time to travel to work via a motorized tricycle, similar to a rickshaw. On your first day, a staff member will accompany you to show you the way.

A typical day at your occupational therapy placement in the Philippines runs from 8:30am until 11am and then again from 1:30pm until 4pm, Monday to Friday. You can travel home for lunch, or bring a packed one with you if your host family is too far away.

You’ll spend your time at the rehabilitation center assessing and treating patients with a range of different conditions. You might find yourself working with a stroke patient, helping them to improve mobility of affected limbs. Or you could engage in play therapy with children who have cerebral palsy, in order to develop their fine motor skills.

On some days, you’ll conduct house-to-house visits instead, and perform the treatments there. Sometimes you will work with patients to teach them exercises they can do at home to maintain their mobility.

Once you’re done for the day, it’s time to sit back and relax. Enjoy your stay in the Philippines, watching the sunset from the beach or enjoying dinner with fellow interns at a local restaurant. We organize regular social events for our interns and volunteers, so you can get to know each other and our local staff.

San Remigio

You’ll be based in the municipality of San Remigio, located in the north west of the island of Cebu. As an intern, you’ll work at a local rehabilitation center that treats people with disabilities. This center is the first of its kind in San Remigio, and was set up by a Projects Abroad intern. You will also have the opportunity to conduct home visits, or treat patients at nearby community centers. This is the perfect opportunity to gain occupational therapy work experience while you’re in the Philippines.

San Remigio may be small, but it has the longest coastline of any municipality on Cebu Island. It also has all the modern conveniences you might need, including banks, restaurants, and grocery stores. There are also plenty of nearby dive spots, marine sanctuaries, and beach resorts to enjoy in your leisure time.