Medical Programs Abroad for High School Students
Updated: 7 days ago
TL;DR
Looking for a medical program abroad to explore healthcare beyond your regular classes? These 13 programs range from hospital shadowing and clinical simulations to medical-school preparation, healthcare outreach, and hands-on university learning. Some focus on observing doctors and learning about different healthcare systems, while others let you take part in community health projects, practical activities, or simulated clinical experiences. You can explore medicine in destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with programs varying in cost, duration, and eligibility. If you’re interested in medical research and want to work independently with 1:1 PhD mentorship, you can explore the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
Thinking about studying medicine and want experience before college? A medical program abroad lets you explore healthcare through hospital shadowing, hands-on activities, community outreach, clinical simulations, or university-level classes. In this guide, we’ve put together 13 programs across destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with options that vary in cost, duration, and the kind of medical experience you can gain. If you’re more interested in research, you can also read our guide to medical research programs for high school students.
What kind of medical experience can you get abroad?
Medical programs abroad can give you very different kinds of exposure to healthcare. Some programs, such as International Medical Aid and Atlantis: Pre-Health Shadowing, focus heavily on observing doctors and learning about healthcare systems. Others combine medical learning with community service, as you’ll see with MEDLIFE’s High School Students and Costa Rica: Healthcare Education & Medical Outreach.
You can also find programs with more structured academic or practical components. University of Toronto Medicine Youth Summer Program includes hands-on university teaching labs, while Buckmore’s Young Professionals Medicine Summer Course uses clinical simulations and practical sessions to introduce you to medicine.
If you’re specifically interested in medical research, you may also want to look at our guide to medical research programs for high school students.
How much do medical programs abroad cost?
The programs on this list cover a broad price range. Some include accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, and other expenses in the listed program fee, while others charge separately for travel or additional services.
For example, MEDLIFE’s High School Students require a $200 non-refundable deposit, while Medical Summer School for High School Students costs 25,000 CZK and includes accommodation and several program activities. At the higher end, Atlantis: Pre-Health Shadowing generally costs about 15,200 depending on the destination and duration.
Financial aid is available for some programs, including Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway and Atlantis. Before applying, check exactly what the listed fee includes and whether flights, visas, or other travel costs are separate.
How long do medical programs abroad last?
Program length ranges from one-week experiences to programs lasting several weeks. Medical Summer School for High School Students is a one-week option, while University of Toronto Medicine Youth Summer Program offers four one-week modules that run consecutively during the summer.
Other programs give you more time to explore medicine and healthcare. International Medical Aid offers programs lasting two to 12 weeks, while Atlantis: Pre-Health Shadowing offers programs lasting one to nine weeks depending on the location and session.
Medical programs by experience
If you want... | Consider |
Hospital shadowing and clinical observation | |
Community healthcare and outreach | |
Medical-school preparation | |
Hands-on labs and simulated clinical work |
Medical Programs Abroad for High School Students
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Career Insights Program offers high school students an introduction to professional environments across multiple industries. As a participant, you can expect to engage in hands-on projects with established companies and connect with industry experts through interactive workshops. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work to industry professionals. You can explore career paths in subjects such as medicine, engineering, law, and business, among others. You can find more details about the application here!
Why it stands out: The program combines subject learning with direct exposure to workplaces and industry professionals, giving you the chance to explore a potential career through both classroom sessions and industry visits.
Location: International sites across East Africa, South America, and other global destinations
Cost: Varies by location and duration; for example, two weeks in Mombasa, Kenya costs $3,995 plus a separate $995 program deposit; housing, meals, in-country transportation, clinical placement, insurance, and cultural activities are included
Program Dates: Year-round, including summer and winter sessions; programs run 2–12 weeks depending on location
Application Deadline: Applications accepted year-round; limited space means summer and gap-year sessions can fill in advance
Eligibility: High school students ages 16 and older; requirements vary by location, and Spanish is required for some South American programs
International Medical Aid offers global healthcare internships for high school students that combine clinical shadowing, community outreach, global health education, language instruction, and cultural immersion. You can observe healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics, assist with supervised non-invasive activities, and take part in clinical simulations. Depending on your location and interests, you can explore areas such as pediatrics, emergency care, surgery, women's health, and general medicine.
Why it stands out: You get international exposure to healthcare systems while combining hospital shadowing with community health activities, global health seminars, language learning, and cultural experiences.
Location: Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Tanzania, and Guatemala
Cost: Varies by destination and trip; a $200 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot; accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, and in-country support are included depending on the trip
Program Dates: Offered year-round; trips typically last one to three weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by trip; registration is available for upcoming trips
Eligibility: High school students; no prior experience is required
MEDLIFE’s Service Learning Trips combine international travel with healthcare, community development, and cultural learning. You can work alongside medical professionals during Mobile Clinics, assist with activities such as patient intake and education, and shadow local doctors and other healthcare professionals. You can also contribute to community development projects while learning about global health, poverty, and the challenges affecting healthcare access.
Why it stands out: You get to explore healthcare in an international setting while combining clinical observation, community service, and cultural immersion.
Location: Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and other European destinations
Cost: Varies by destination and duration, generally about 15,200; housing, some meals, transportation, travel health insurance, excursions, and on-site support included; partial need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: Winter and summer sessions; programs typically run 1–9 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by program availability; applications are reviewed in order of submission
Eligibility: High school students who are 18+ and about to enter college
Atlantis offers pre-health shadowing programs that let you observe doctors in hospitals across Europe while learning about different healthcare systems. You can complete about 20 hours of observation-only shadowing per week, often rotating through different departments, while also taking part in cultural excursions and group activities. Program destinations, specialties, schedules, and costs vary by location and duration.
Why it stands out: You combine structured hospital shadowing with international travel and cultural immersion.
Location: Athens, Greece and Hue, Vietnam, depending on the session
Cost: Varies by session; program tuition covers major travel and program expenses; no stipend
Program Dates: Two-week summer sessions; current session dates vary by year
Application Deadline: Applications accepted while spaces remain; early application recommended
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students interested in medicine; additional eligibility requirements vary by session
FutureDocs Abroad is a summer medical immersion program that gives you an opportunity to explore healthcare in an international setting. You can shadow physicians, observe clinical environments, take part in medical learning activities, and explore different healthcare specialties while experiencing life in destinations such as Greece and Vietnam. The program also combines medical education with cultural activities and supervised group travel.
Why it stands out: You get to combine physician shadowing and medical education with international travel and cultural immersion.
Location: Belize, Panama, and Greece
Cost: Varies by program; food, lodging, transportation, and program logistics are organized by Global Brigades
Program Dates: June 6–July 25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
Through Squads Abroad’s Global Medical Academy, you can gain hands-on international healthcare experience while supporting rural communities. You’ll learn how to conduct patient intake and triage, including taking blood pressure, weight, and height, while supporting mobile-clinic operations, pharmacy activities, and physician consultations.
Why it stands out: You get hands-on exposure to patient intake, triage, pharmacy operations, and physician consultations rather than only observing from the sidelines.
Location: UK university campuses; exact location varies by course and session
Cost: Varies by session and package; residential programs include accommodation and meals, with optional internship packages available
Program Dates: Summer sessions; exact dates vary by course and location
Application Deadline: Check the current course availability; a deposit is required to confirm a place
Eligibility: Students ages 15–18; additional course requirements may apply
Lite Regal International College’s Medical School Preparation course gives you an introduction to medicine through lectures, workshops, practical activities, and medical-school preparation. You can explore areas of medicine while developing an understanding of clinical practice and the skills needed for future medical study. Residential packages also include cultural activities and excursions alongside the academic program.
Why it stands out: You get a focused introduction to medicine before university, with academic sessions and practical learning designed around medical-school preparation.
8. BucksMorsome’s Young Professionals Medicine Summer Course
Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost: £3,095 per week; includes accommodation, meals, tuition, academic materials, excursions, insurance, and UK airport transfers; flights and visas are not included
Program Dates: June 30 or July 14
Application Deadline: Places are reserved through the application process; a £500 reservation fee is required
Eligibility: Students aged 13–17 with at least B1 (intermediate) English proficiency
BucksMoor’s Young Professionals Medicine Summer Course introduces you to medicine through subject theory, practical sessions, clinical simulations, and medical ethics. You can study anatomy, diagnostics, patient care, and different body systems while taking part in activities such as an e-simulation suite and a surgical skills workshop covering suturing and laparoscopic techniques. You’ll also complete a Capstone Industry Project developed by Meducators UK.
Why it stands out: You get a mix of medical theory and simulated clinical practice rather than classroom study alone.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost: $1,668 CAD per one-week module + $98 CAD registration fee
Program Dates: Four one-week modules offered consecutively during summer
Application Deadline: Registration opens in February; applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students entering Grades 10–12; international and Canadian students
The University of Toronto Medicine Youth Summer Program gives you an introduction to medicine through hands-on labs, lectures, and discussions at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. You can choose from modules covering human physiology, pharmacology and toxicology, molecular biology and genetics, and microbiology. You’ll take part in activities such as measuring blood pressure, conducting DNA fingerprinting, and testing bacterial resistance.
Why it stands out: You get to work in university teaching labs and explore different areas of medicine through hands-on activities rather than only classroom-based learning.
Location: Masaryk University, University Campus Bohunice, Brno, Czechia
Cost: 25,000 CZK, including university dormitory accommodation, medical coat, entry to the Mendelianum and Simulation Centre, practical lectures, and a certificate of completion
Program Dates: One week during summer; July and August sessions are offered
Application Deadline: Applications open in March and remain open until the available places are filled
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older; international students are welcome
The Masaryk Medical Summer School gives you a firsthand look at what it is like to study medicine at Masaryk University. You’ll explore anatomy and physiology, work with real specimens, and take part in practical medical activities. You’ll also learn first aid, practice surgical suturing and plaster casting, and try activities such as blood drawing and cannulation.
Why it stands out: You get to use the same Simulation Centre where Masaryk medical students train and take part in hands-on activities that go beyond typical classroom-based summer programs.
Location: Duke's Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Cost: From £4,995 for the two-week residential program; a non-residential option is available from £3,995
Program Dates: June 28–July 12 | July 12–26 | July 26–August 9
Application Deadline: Rolling; places are allocated on a first-come basis
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17 with English proficiency at B1+ level
The Faculty of Medicine course at Duke's Cambridge introduces you to medicine through anatomy, physiology, clinical reasoning, and medical ethics. You’ll study real medical cases through seminars, discussions, and hands-on activities while developing your understanding of healthcare. The course also includes practical skills training, medical simulation experiences, and First Aid training.
Why it stands out: You get a mix of medical theory, practical training, case-based learning, and First Aid certification in a small class of up to 15 students.
Location: Jacó Beach, Santa Ana, and Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
Cost: $4,795 + airfare
Program Dates: July 11–21
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; students from around the world can apply
In this 11-day program, you’ll explore healthcare through community service projects and work alongside medical professionals in Costa Rica. Depending on the community’s needs, you may help collect patient vitals, organize pharmaceuticals, support health education meetings, or work with programs for adults with disabilities. You’ll also visit Jacó Beach and Tortuga Island and take part in activities such as surfing, ziplining, and visiting an animal rehabilitation center.
Why it stands out: You can earn up to 30 hours of community service while gaining hands-on exposure to healthcare and working with medical professionals.
Location: Bharatpur or Kathmandu, Nepal
Cost: Starting at $3,220 for 2 weeks
Program Dates: Fixed dates during school holidays; minimum 2 weeks
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 15–18; no previous medical experience required
Projects Abroad’s Medical Internship in Nepal gives you an opportunity to observe doctors and medical professionals in local hospitals. You’ll rotate through different departments and may learn about areas such as physical therapy, family planning, eye health, and cancer treatment. You’ll also attend lectures at a teaching hospital and learn about basic medical skills.
Why it stands out: The program combines hospital observation with teaching-hospital lectures and exposure to several medical specialties.
Medical programs by duration and location
If you want | Consider |
A one-week medical program | |
A two-week summer experience | |
A longer international experience | |
A program in Europe | |
A program outside Europe |
Questions to ask before applying to a medical program abroad
1. Do you need previous medical experience to apply?
Not necessarily. Several programs on this list do not require prior medical experience, while others have age, language, academic, or course-specific requirements. Check the eligibility section for each program carefully before applying.
2. Do these programs include clinical work with patients?
The level of clinical exposure varies. Some programs focus on observation and shadowing, while others include supervised activities such as patient intake, taking vital signs, simulations, or other practical exercises. Make sure you understand what you will actually be allowed to do before choosing a program.
3. Do you need to travel with a parent or guardian?
The requirements depend on the program and your age. Some programs are designed for younger high school students and include supervised group travel or on-site support, while others may have additional requirements for minors traveling internationally. Check the program's travel and participation requirements before booking flights.
4. What should you check before paying for a medical program abroad?
Look at the total cost, what is included, the program's age and eligibility requirements, accommodation arrangements, insurance, transportation, and the type of medical experience offered. If you want to pursue independent medical research with 1:1 PhD mentorship, you can also explore the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.