Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Internship Abroad

Internship Overview

Gain hands-on learning experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Ghana with SFLIG Volunteers. Develop practical understanding of rehabilitation activities, patient support, mobility, functional independence and accessibility through supervised participation, professional guidance and approved learning activities.

This on-site internship is designed for students studying physiotherapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation science and related disciplines who want to connect their academic knowledge with practical learning in a real-world setting.

The program offers an opportunity to learn from rehabilitation professionals, participate in approved practical activities and better understand how rehabilitation supports people's function, participation and quality of life.

This internship is unpaid and self-funded. No salary or stipend is offered. Volunteers and Interns must be ready to fund their travel, flight, visa, insurance etc.

About SFLIG Volunteers and the Internship

SFLIG Volunteers facilitates international volunteering, internship and community-based learning opportunities in Ghana.

The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Internship connects academic learning with supervised practical experience. Depending on the placement setting, the intern's training and the activities approved by the supervising professionals, participants may have opportunities to assist with appropriate rehabilitation-related activities, support approved educational initiatives and learn how rehabilitation professionals work with individuals with different functional needs.

The program emphasizes practical learning, professional communication, teamwork, patient dignity, accessibility and appropriate professional boundaries.  Visit www.sfligvolunteers.org to learn more.

Internship Responsibilities

Activities are agreed with SFLIG Volunteers and the relevant placement facility according to the intern's academic background, competence, supervision arrangements and applicable requirements. Depending on the placement and authorization provided, activities may include:

• Participate in approved, supervised rehabilitation activities appropriate to the intern's level of training.
• Assist with preparing rehabilitation spaces, approved learning materials and equipment under staff guidance.
• Support approved rehabilitation education and functional activity sessions under the direction of the supervising professional.
• Assist with demonstrations of educational exercises or activities only where specifically authorized and directly supervised.
• Participate in approved activities relating to mobility, accessibility, functional independence and rehabilitation awareness.
• Help prepare staff-approved educational materials for patients, caregivers or community audiences.
• Engage in professional discussions about rehabilitation approaches, teamwork and patient-centered support.
• Reflect on practical learning experiences and receive feedback from the designated supervisor.

Specific activities will depend on the placement setting and the approvals in place. Hands-on participation is subject to the intern's competence, appropriate supervision, patient consent where required and applicable professional and facility rules.

Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes

By the end of the internship, participants may develop:

• Practical understanding of rehabilitation activities and the rehabilitation professional's role.
• Experience participating in approved, supervised rehabilitation-related tasks.
• Better understanding of mobility, functional independence, accessibility and patient-centered support.
• Professional communication and teamwork skills.
• Greater awareness of patient dignity, confidentiality, consent and safe practice.
• Reflective learning skills that connect academic knowledge with practical experience.

Where agreed in advance, participants may complete a reflective learning portfolio or contribute to a staff-reviewed educational resource. Specific clinical hours, academic credit, treatment experience and exposure to particular patient groups can be arranged.

Relevant Academic Fields

This program is primarily suitable for students studying:

• Physiotherapy or physical therapy.
• Rehabilitation science.
• Related rehabilitation disciplines where the proposed learning activities are appropriate and separately approved.

Applicants should explain their current academic level, relevant coursework, previous practical experience and university requirements so that a suitable placement can be considered.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have a relevant academic background or be enrolled in a suitable program of study. They should have clear communication skills, a willingness to learn in a supervised environment and a commitment to confidentiality, patient dignity and safe professional conduct.

Applicants must explain their current training stage and any requirements imposed by their university. Participation in hands-on activities depends on the applicant's competence and the authorization provided by the placement facility.

Preferred Qualifications

Relevant coursework in rehabilitation, human movement, anatomy, accessibility or functional recovery is useful. Previous experience in a supervised rehabilitation environment may also be beneficial.

Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to learn, accept professional guidance, work respectfully with others and reflect on their practical experiences.

Skills You May Develop

Participants may strengthen practical learning, professional communication, teamwork, rehabilitation awareness, accessibility-focused thinking, confidentiality and reflective practice.

Location and On-Site Arrangements

On-site internship in Ghana. It takes place at the hospital and in the community (home visit appointments). The specific placement facility, town, activities and daily arrangements will be confirmed in the written placement information.

Learning Approach

Supervised practical participation, approved rehabilitation activities and professional learning.

Duration, Schedule and Dates

Applications are welcome from students interested in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter 2027 placements. Program runs all year round.

Applicants should state their preferred start date, end date and duration. Available dates, placement suitability, weekly schedule and supervision arrangements must be confirmed by SFLIG Volunteers.

Applicants who require specified clinical or internship hours for their academic program should state these requirements during the application process.

Program Coordination and Supervision

SFLIG Volunteers coordinates the internship and communicates the agreed placement arrangements. The practical activities, supervising professional, available support and relevant facility requirements will be explained before placement confirmation.

Hands-on activities will be undertaken only within the intern's approved role, level of competence and supervision arrangements. The internship does not automatically authorize independent clinical practice or guarantee a particular clinical caseload.

Unpaid Status and Self-Funded

This internship is unpaid and self-funded. No salary or stipend is offered. Participants are responsible for international flights, visa or entry requirements, suitable travel and health insurance, personal spending and any other expenses not expressly included in their approved program quotation.

Accommodation, Meals and Support

SFLIG Volunteers provides information about accommodation, meals, arrival arrangements and in-country support applicable to the selected program. The approved fee and placement information will specify the accommodation arrangement, meal provision, included transport and available support contacts. Applicants should discuss their needs and confirm the relevant arrangements before booking travel.

Cultural Exchange and Optional Activities

Participants can also learn about Ghanaian culture, local communities, food, history and everyday life. Optional cultural visits may be discussed separately, subject to availability and any additional costs. Optional activities are not automatically included in the program fee unless expressly stated in the approved program terms.

How to Apply

Apply through Handshake and include your resume or CV and a brief statement explaining:

• Your academic program and current training level.
• Your interest in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
• Any relevant coursework or previous practical experience.
• Your preferred placement dates and duration.
• Your intended learning outcomes and any university or clinical-hour requirements.

SFLIG Volunteers will review your suitability and discuss the available placement, practical activities, supervision, program arrangements.

Applying does not guarantee acceptance or a particular placement. Written confirmation is required before travel arrangements are made.

Academic Credit

Academic credit is determined by the applicant's university. Students should consult their academic adviser or internship coordinator about required hours, learning outcomes, supervision and assessment.

Any documentation, completion record or evaluation must be agreed in advance. Participation in the internship does not itself guarantee academic credit or recognition of clinical hours.

Safeguarding and Professional Conduct

Interns must respect patient privacy, consent, dignity and the requirements of the placement facility. Practical participation must remain within the intern's competence, authorized duties and supervision arrangements. Assessment, treatment planning, manual therapy, patient transfers, prescribing or other clinical activities may only be undertaken where the intern is appropriately qualified or otherwise legally permitted, specifically authorized and adequately supervised.

Interns must follow applicable safeguarding requirements and must not independently undertake clinical responsibilities outside their approved role.