International Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Internships in Thailand

International Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Internships in Thailand There is a shortage of skilled physical therapists and occupational therapists in Thailand. Whether you’re currently training, recently qualified in physical therapy or occupational therapy, on a career break, or looking to spend a summer abroad, you’ll provide valuable support and to the staff and children at a special education center or hospital.

The experiences you’ll have on an international physical therapy or occupational therapy internship will be extremely valuable to your education and work in the field. You will gain a detailed overview of how the medical system works in Thailand while understanding how physical therapy or occupational therapy treatments are done abroad.

You’ll go home knowing that you’ve made a real and lasting contribution to this project and the people it serves. This program is also a chance to improve your resume, gaining experience difficult to at home.

Interning Abroad on a Physical Therapy Internship

Physical Therapy interns work at special education centers in Krabi or Phuket. All Physical Therapy interns need to have completed at least 2 years of related education. Those with more experience are encouraged to apply as well and share their knowledge. We will ask you to provide your resume after you apply to determine what placement is best for you. Please let us know if you are applying as part of a university internship.

Physical Therapy at Krabi and Phuket Special Education Centers

International Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Internships in Thailand The special education centers in Krabi and Phuket were established by the government to provide integrated educational and social opportunities for children with special needs. The children are aged from about 5 to 19 years old and are split into groups depending on their needs. As an intern at the centers you will work directly with children who have a variety of physical, mental, and multiple disabilities.

At the Phuket Special Education Center there is one qualified physical therapist. At the Krabi Special Education Center there is only a qualified occupational therapist. At both placements interns are often expected to work independently with the children. While the local staff speak little English, the Projects Abroad coordinators will help explain the work and give you detailed information about the patients when you first arrive. They will also visit you regularly.

The staff at the special education centers would also appreciate help with some general educational activities during some parts of the day.

Volunteer ProfileCaira Lavelle

In terms of occupational therapy practice, I have gained hands-on experience in pediatrics, orthopedics and hand therapy. I have also learned a lot about myself as a person, on a practical and emotional level, and about the kind of therapist I want to become. Read more...

Interning Abroad on an Occupational Therapy Internship

All Occupational Therapy interns need to have completed at least 2 years of related education. If you are fully qualified or in your final year of studying occupational therapy can work in the occupational therapy department of Surat Thani hospital, about two hours drive from Krabi. To work at this placement you need to commit to at least two months.

All interns with two years or more of related education can work at a special education center in Krabi. To work at this placement you need to only commit to at least one month.

Occupational Therapy at Surat Thani Hospital

International Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Internships in Thailand At the hospital in Surat Thani Occupational Therapy interns help care for patients with a wide variety of physical disabilities to help them carry on with their daily lives. Thailand became a member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists in 2002. The number of working therapists is still low and your personal experiences and knowledge will be welcomed.

Occupational Therapy interns at the hospital work with both adults and children with a range of problems including physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairment, dementia, autism, and children with communication difficulties or behavioral and emotional problems.

There are several qualified occupational therapists at the hospital. Interns can gain experience in pediatrics, orthopedics, and hand therapy. Interns spend the first week observing the local staff; after this you will be given your own cases to work on and will be expected to work independently. You will work in the same treatment room as the local staff and they will be available to help and advise you.

Occupational Therapy at Krabi Special Education Center

The special education center in Krabi was established by the government to provide integrated educational and social opportunities for children with special needs. The children are aged from about 5 to 19 years old and are split into groups depending on their needs. As an intern at the centers you will work directly with children who have a variety of physical, mental, and multiple disabilities.

At the Krabi Special Education Center there is a qualified occupational therapist. Interns are often expected to work independently with the children. While the local staff speak little English, the Projects Abroad coordinators will help explain the work and give you detailed information about the patients when you first arrive. They will also visit you regularly.

The staff at the special education center would also appreciate help with some general educational activities during some parts of the day.

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Electives in Thailand

Physical therapy and occupational therapy students nearing the end of their degree can choose to do an elective in Thailand. Physical Therapy interns will be placed at the special education center in Krabi. Occupational Therapy interns will be placed at the hospital in Surat Thani.