30 Best New Internships for International Medical Students in the USA 2026

As an international medical student, navigating the path to gaining practical experience in the United States can be daunting. However, there are numerous opportunities available for you to explore, from short-term internships to more extensive programs. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 30 companies and institutions that offer internships or other medical opportunities for international students.

1. Mayo Clinic Summer Internship Program

• Program Overview: Mayo Clinic’s Summer Internship Program provides international medical students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, research, or administrative roles.
• Requirements: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an international medical school program and have completed at least two years of medical school.
• Application Process: The application process involves submitting a CV, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. Selected applicants may be invited for an interview.
• Timeline & Duration: The program runs for 8-10 weeks during the summer months. The application deadline is typically in early January.
• Compensation: Interns receive a stipend to cover living expenses during the program.
• Accommodation: Mayo Clinic assists interns in finding suitable housing near the internship location.

2. Brigham and Women’s Hospital Global Health Equity Internship

• Program Overview: This internship focuses on global health equity and provides international medical students with the chance to collaborate on research projects and participate in clinical rotations.
• Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in an international medical school program and have a strong interest in global health.
• Application Process: The application process includes submitting a CV, cover letter, and letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: The internship is typically 8-12 weeks long and takes place during the summer months. The application deadline is in early spring.
• Compensation: Interns receive a stipend to cover living expenses.
• Accommodation: The program assists interns in finding housing near the internship location.

3. Columbia University Medical Center International Elective Program

• Program Overview: This program allows international medical students to complete clinical rotations in various departments at Columbia University Medical Center.
• Requirements: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an international medical school program and have completed at least two years of medical education.
• Application Process: The application process involves submitting a CV, cover letter, and letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: The program’s duration can range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the specific rotation. The application deadlines vary throughout the year.
• Compensation: International students may be eligible for a stipend to cover living expenses.
• Accommodation: The program provides assistance in finding suitable housing near the internship location.

4. Cleveland Clinic International Observer Program

• Program Overview: Offers international medical students observership opportunities in various specialties.
• Requirements: Must be in final year of medical school or have graduated within the last 5 years.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, statement of purpose, and letter of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: Programs range from 2-12 weeks. Applications accepted year-round.
• Compensation: Unpaid observership.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

5. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Summer Fellowship Program

• Program Overview: Research-focused internship in cancer biology and oncology.
• Requirements: Completed at least one year of medical school with strong academic record.
• Application Process: Online application, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 10-week program during summer. Application deadline in February.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: Housing assistance available.

6. Johns Hopkins International Visiting Student Clerkship

• Program Overview: Clinical rotations in various departments for international medical students.
• Requirements: Final year medical students or recent graduates.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-8 week rotations available throughout the year.
• Compensation: Unpaid clerkship.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are offered.

7. Mount Sinai International Exchange Program

• Program Overview: Clinical and research opportunities for international medical students.
• Requirements: Completed at least 3 years of medical school.
• Application Process: Online application, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-12 week programs available at various times throughout the year.
• Compensation: Unpaid program.
• Accommodation: Limited on-campus housing may be available.

8. Stanford Medicine International Medical Student Clerkship

• Program Overview: Clinical rotations in various specialties for international students.
• Requirements: Final year medical students with strong academic record.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-week rotations available throughout the academic year.
• Compensation: Unpaid clerkship.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are available.

9. Duke Global Health Institute Internship

• Program Overview: Research and fieldwork opportunities in global health.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with interest in global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two references.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-10 week summer program. Application deadline in January.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: Assistance in arranging housing is offered.

10. Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health Internship

• Program Overview: Global health research and clinical opportunities.
• Requirements: Completed at least one year of medical school.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 6-8 week summer program. Application deadline in March.
• Compensation: Partial funding may be available.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

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11. University of California San Francisco (UCSF) International Scholars Program

• Program Overview: Research-focused internship in various biomedical fields.
• Requirements: Completed at least two years of medical school with strong research interest.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, research proposal, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-12 week summer program. Application deadline in February.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: On-campus housing may be available at additional cost.

12. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

• Program Overview: Research opportunities in various NIH laboratories and clinics.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with strong academic record.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-10 week summer program. Application deadline in March.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are available.

13. Emory University Global Health Institute Field Scholars Program

• Program Overview: Field-based research and clinical experiences in global health.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with interest in global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and faculty recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 6-8 week summer program. Application deadline in February.
• Compensation: Partial funding available.
• Accommodation: Varies by project site; some accommodation may be provided.

14. University of Washington Global Health Immersion Program

• Program Overview: Offers hands-on experience in global health research and practice.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with interest in global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-10 week summer program. Application deadline in January.
• Compensation: Partial funding may be available.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

15. Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health Research Internship

• Program Overview: Research-focused internship in global health and health disparities.
• Requirements: Completed at least two years of medical school with strong research interest.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, research proposal, and letter of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-12 week summer program. Application deadline in February.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are available.

16. Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPAI)

• Program Overview: Clinical and research opportunities in pediatric HIV/AIDS care.
• Requirements: Medical students with interest in pediatrics and global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two references.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-8 week rotations available throughout the year.
• Compensation: Unpaid internship.
• Accommodation: Varies by site; some accommodation may be provided.

17. Yale School of Medicine International Student Elective Program

• Program Overview: Clinical electives in various specialties for international students.
• Requirements: Final year medical students or recent graduates.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and letter of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-week rotations available throughout the academic year.
• Compensation: Unpaid elective.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

18. Weill Cornell Medicine Global Health Research Fellowship

• Program Overview: Research opportunities in global health and health equity.
• Requirements: Completed at least two years of medical school with research experience.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, research proposal, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 12-week summer program. Application deadline in January.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are available.

19. University of Pennsylvania Center for Global Health Internship

• Program Overview: Research and clinical opportunities in various global health settings.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with strong interest in global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and faculty recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-10 week summer program. Application deadline in February.
• Compensation: Partial funding may be available.
• Accommodation: Varies by project site; some accommodation may be provided.

20. Boston Children’s Hospital Global Pediatrics Program

• Program Overview: Clinical and research opportunities in global pediatrics.
• Requirements: Medical students interested in pediatrics and global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 6-8 week summer program. Application deadline in March.
• Compensation: Stipend may be available for some positions.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

21. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Global Health Initiative

• Program Overview: Research and clinical experiences in various international health settings.
• Requirements: Completed at least one year of medical school.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and faculty recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-10 week summer program. Application deadline in January.
• Compensation: Partial funding may be available.
• Accommodation: Varies by project site; some accommodation may be provided.

22. University of Maryland School of Medicine Office of Student Research

• Program Overview: Research opportunities in various biomedical fields, including global health.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with strong research interest.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, research proposal, and letter of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-12 week summer program. Application deadline in February.
• Compensation: Stipend provided for some positions.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are available.

23. Brown University Global Health Research Fellowship

• Program Overview: Research-focused fellowship in global health and health equity.
• Requirements: Completed at least two years of medical school with research experience.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, research proposal, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 10-12 week summer program. Application deadline in January.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

24. Albert Einstein College of Medicine Global Health Fellowship

• Program Overview: Research and clinical experiences in global health settings.
• Requirements: Completed at least two years of medical school.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-10 week summer program. Application deadline in February.
• Compensation: Stipend provided.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

25. University of Michigan Medical School Global REACH Program

• Program Overview: International health research and clinical opportunities.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with interest in global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, project proposal, and faculty endorsement.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-8 week programs available throughout the year.
• Compensation: Partial funding may be available.
• Accommodation: Varies by project site; some accommodation may be provided.

26. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Global Health Summer Program

• Program Overview: Intensive training in global health research and practice.
• Requirements: Completed at least one year of medical school.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and one letter of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 6-week summer program. Application deadline in March.
• Compensation: Unpaid program, but some scholarships available.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are available.

27. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center International Observership Program

• Program Overview: Observership opportunities in various medical specialties.
• Requirements: Final year medical students or recent graduates.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and letter of good standing from home institution.
• Timeline & Duration: 2-4 week observerships available throughout the year.
• Compensation: Unpaid observership.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

28. Rush University Global Health Program

• Program Overview: Clinical and research experiences in international health settings.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with interest in global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and faculty recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-6 week programs available during summer and winter breaks.
• Compensation: Partial funding may be available.
• Accommodation: Varies by project site; some accommodation may be provided.

29. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center International Health Program

• Program Overview: Clinical electives and research opportunities in global health.
• Requirements: Completed at least two years of medical school.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
• Timeline & Duration: 4-8 week rotations available throughout the year.
• Compensation: Unpaid program, but some travel grants available.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but resources for finding housing are available.

30. Oregon Health & Science University Global Health Center Internship

• Program Overview: Research and project-based internships in global health.
• Requirements: Enrolled in medical school with strong interest in global health.
• Application Process: Online application, CV, project proposal, and faculty sponsor.
• Timeline & Duration: 8-12 week summer program. Application deadline in January.
• Compensation: Stipend provided for some positions.
• Accommodation: Not provided, but assistance in finding housing is offered.

When considering these opportunities, remember to:

1. Check eligibility requirements carefully
2. Note application deadlines and start preparing well in advance
3. Prepare strong application materials, including CVs, personal statements, and letters of recommendation
4. Consider the financial aspects, including potential stipends and accommodation costs
5. Research visa requirements for international students participating in these programs

Clinical Observership vs. Internships for International Medical Students

Understanding the distinction between clinical observership for international medical students and traditional internships is crucial for making informed application decisions. A clinical observership is primarily an observational experience where international students shadow physicians, attend rounds, and observe procedures without direct patient contact or hands-on clinical responsibilities.

These programs are ideal for students seeking to understand the U.S. healthcare system, gain exposure to different medical specialties, and build professional networks. In contrast, hands-on clinical rotations international students may involve limited patient interaction under close supervision, depending on the institution’s policies and the student’s visa status.

Most observership programs are designed for students on B1/B2 tourist visas, which legally restrict participants to observation-only activities. However, some institutions offer hybrid programs where international students can transition from observership to limited hands-on experience if they meet specific requirements and visa conditions. When choosing between these options, consider your career goals, visa limitations, and the level of clinical exposure you need for your medical education or residency preparation.

Visa Requirements for International Medical Students

Navigating medical internship visa requirements USA is one of the most complex aspects of securing clinical experience as an international medical student. The J1 visa for medical students USA is typically required for longer-term programs (over 90 days) and allows for more comprehensive training experiences, including some hands-on clinical activities under proper supervision.

To qualify for a J1 visa, students must be sponsored by an ECFMG-approved institution and meet specific educational and English proficiency requirements. Alternatively, B1/B2 visa medical electives international students can participate in shorter observership programs (typically 2-12 weeks) but are strictly limited to observational activities with no direct patient care. The B1/B2 visa is often easier to obtain but comes with significant restrictions on the type of medical experience permitted.

Students already in the U.S. on F-1 visas may be eligible for certain programs through their sponsoring institutions, but this requires careful coordination with international student services. Regardless of visa type, all applicants must provide documentation including proof of medical school enrollment, English proficiency scores, health insurance, and financial support. It’s essential to consult with both the hosting institution’s international office and U.S. immigration authorities to ensure compliance with all visa requirements before beginning any medical program in the United States.

USMLE and US Clinical Experience (USCE)

USMLE requirements for international medical students and US clinical experience for international medical graduates are interconnected elements crucial for anyone planning to practice medicine in the United States. While not all internship programs require USMLE scores for participation, having passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK significantly enhances your competitiveness for both clinical experiences and eventual residency matching.

Many prestigious institutions prefer candidates who have demonstrated their medical knowledge through successful USMLE performance, viewing these scores as indicators of readiness for U.S. clinical environments. The clinical experience gained through these internships, known as USCE (US Clinical Experience), is invaluable for USMLE Step 2 CS preparation and provides practical exposure to American medical practices, patient populations, and healthcare systems.

For international medical graduates, accumulating meaningful USCE through observerships and clinical rotations is often a prerequisite for residency program consideration, as it demonstrates familiarity with U.S. medical standards and communication skills. Strategic planning is essential – ideally, students should complete USMLE Step 1 before applying to competitive clinical programs, use their clinical experiences to strengthen their medical knowledge base, and leverage networking opportunities to secure strong letters of recommendation from U.S. physicians. The combination of high USMLE scores and substantial USCE creates a compelling profile for residency applications and demonstrates serious commitment to practicing medicine in the United States.

Medical Electives vs. Research Opportunities

Medical electives in USA for foreign students and research opportunities serve different purposes in medical education and career development, making it important to choose the right type of experience based on your goals. Medical electives typically focus on clinical exposure, allowing students to observe or participate in patient care activities, attend ward rounds, and gain practical insights into specific medical specialties.

These experiences are particularly valuable for students exploring different career paths, seeking to understand American clinical practices, or preparing for residency applications in clinical specialties. Research opportunities, on the other hand, emphasize academic investigation, data analysis, and scholarly activities under the mentorship of faculty researchers.

Research internships are ideal for students interested in academic medicine, those planning to pursue research-heavy specialties, or students looking to strengthen their residency applications with publications and research experience. Many programs offer hybrid experiences combining both clinical and research components, providing comprehensive exposure to different aspects of medical practice.

International students should consider their career objectives when choosing – clinical electives offer direct patient care exposure and networking with practicing physicians, while research programs provide opportunities for publications, conference presentations, and mentorship relationships with academic faculty. Some students strategically pursue both types of experiences across multiple summers to build well-rounded applications.

The choice between clinical electives and research should align with your specialty interests, career timeline, and residency application strategy, as both can significantly enhance your competitiveness in the U.S. medical system.

Understanding Different Types of US Medical Training Opportunities

The landscape of U.S. medical training opportunities for international students encompasses several distinct categories, each designed to serve specific educational and professional development needs. Clinical observership for international medical students represents the most accessible entry point, typically lasting 2-8 weeks and focusing on observation of clinical practices without hands-on patient care. These programs are ideal for early-career medical students seeking exposure to American healthcare systems and specialty practices.

Hands-on clinical rotations international students offer more immersive experiences, though availability is limited by visa restrictions and institutional policies, typically requiring J-1 visa sponsorship and advanced medical school standing. Research fellowships constitute another major category, ranging from 6-12 weeks and emphasizing scientific investigation, data analysis, and academic productivity under faculty mentorship. Summer programs are intensively designed experiences that maximize learning within academic break periods, while semester-long opportunities provide extended exposure but require coordination with home institution academic schedules.

Global health programs specifically target students interested in international healthcare delivery and health equity issues, often incorporating both domestic and international components. Specialty-specific programs focus on particular medical disciplines such as pediatrics, oncology, or surgery, providing targeted exposure to specialized practices and patient populations. Understanding these distinctions helps international students select opportunities that align with their career goals, visa capabilities, and academic timelines while maximizing their professional development and network building in the American medical community.

Complete Visa Guide for International Medical Students

Understanding J1 visa for medical students USA requirements and B1/B2 visa medical electives international students regulations is fundamental to successfully participating in U.S. medical training programs. The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is designed for educational and cultural exchange programs and is typically required for programs longer than 90 days or those involving any hands-on clinical activities. To obtain a J-1 visa, students must be sponsored by an ECFMG-approved institution, provide evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores), submit medical school transcripts, and demonstrate financial support for their stay. The DS-2019 form issued by the sponsoring institution is required for J-1 visa application, and students must also pass a SEVIS background check.

B1/B2 visa medical elective,s international students can participate in shorter observership programs (typically under 90 days) but are strictly prohibited from any hands-on patient care activities. B1/B2 visa applications require proof of ties to home country, evidence of financial support, and clear documentation of the observational nature of the planned medical activities. Medical internship visa requirements USA also include mandatory health insurance coverage, which many institutions require students to purchase through specific providers.

For students already in the U.S. on F-1 visas, participation in medical programs may be possible through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from their designated school official, though this requires the medical experience to be directly related to their academic program. Regardless of visa type, all students must maintain legal status throughout their stay and comply with any work restrictions. Proper visa documentation is crucial – violations can result in program termination and future visa difficulties, making it essential to work closely with both hosting institutions and immigration advisors throughout the application process.

Preparing for USMLE While Gaining Clinical Experience

Strategically combining USMLE requirements for international medical students preparation with US clinical experience for international medical graduates maximizes both educational value and residency application competitiveness. The optimal approach involves completing USMLE Step 1 before participating in clinical experiences, as this demonstrates foundational medical knowledge and makes clinical observations more meaningful and educationally productive.

During clinical rotations or observerships, students should actively connect theoretical USMLE knowledge with real-world clinical scenarios, strengthening their understanding of disease processes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment protocols. This integration is particularly valuable for USMLE Step 2 CK preparation, as clinical exposure provides context for complex medical scenarios commonly featured in the examination.

Students should maintain detailed notes of interesting cases, diagnostic challenges, and treatment approaches observed during their clinical experiences, creating valuable study materials for Step 2 CK review. The clinical experience also provides invaluable preparation for USMLE Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) by exposing students to American patient communication styles, medical terminology usage, and clinical examination techniques.

Networking opportunities during clinical experiences can yield mentorship relationships with physicians who can provide guidance on USMLE preparation strategies and residency application processes. Many successful international medical graduates recommend scheduling clinical experiences during USMLE preparation periods, using clinical exposure to reinforce study materials and gain practical insights into American medical practice.

The combination of strong USMLE performance and meaningful U.S. clinical experience creates a compelling narrative for residency applications, demonstrating both academic excellence and practical readiness for American medical practice, ultimately increasing chances of successful residency matching.