How to Get Shadowing Hours as an International Student (2025 Guide)

Why Shadowing Is Crucial—Even for International Pre-Meds

If you're an international student dreaming of attending medical school in the United States, Canada, or the UK, one requirement will almost certainly show up on every admissions checklist: shadowing hours.

Shadowing physicians helps you:

• Understand how doctors interact with patients
• Experience the realities of clinical care
• Confirm your interest in medicine
• Strengthen your application with real-world exposure

But as an international student, gaining shadowing experience—especially in the U.S.—can be challenging. Visa restrictions, hospital policies, and a lack of connections often stand in the way.

Fortunately, there are smart, ethical, and highly effective ways to build shadowing hours—both locally and abroad. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Shadowing Hours?

Shadowing involves observing a licensed physician as they provide patient care. Unlike volunteering or clinical internships, shadowing is primarily observational, though you may be invited to ask questions, join ward rounds, or sit in on procedures (with permission).

Shadowing hours are especially important for students applying to U.S. med schools via AMCAS or AACOMAS, which may ask you to categorize and log these experiences.

Many competitive applicants report between 50 to 100+ shadowing hours across multiple specialties.

Why It’s Harder for International Students to Find Shadowing Opportunities

International students face unique obstacles when seeking shadowing experience, including:

• Hospital liability policies that restrict non-citizen observers
• Lack of a U.S. Social Security Number or work authorization, even for unpaid roles
• Few personal connections in healthcare
• Language or cultural barriers in clinical settings

But here’s the good news: You do not need to be in the U.S. to gain relevant, high-impact shadowing experience

Where Can International Students Get Shadowing Hours?

Here are the top strategies:

1. Participate in Global Clinical Internship Programs (e.g., Go Elective)

Best for: Guaranteed shadowing, international exposure, mentorship
Where: Kenya and Tanzania
> Explore Pre-Med Internships

For international students who want structured, ethical, and immersive shadowing experience, Go Elective offers pre-med internships in East Africa that are designed to:

• Provide real hospital shadowing across multiple departments
• Offer daily mentorship from licensed doctors
• Include patient observation, ward rounds, and clinical case discussions
• Accommodate students from all over the world, no medical license or visa needed

You’ll rotate through specialties like surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and emergency medicine while gaining 100+ hours of documented shadowing experience.

Plus, the cross-cultural environment and public health outreach make your experience even more impactful for med school interviews and personal statements.

2. Reach Out to Private Clinics or Teaching Hospitals in Your Home Country

If you're based outside the U.S., don't overlook the hospitals near you. Many private or teaching hospitals in countries like India, Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and Malaysia may allow unpaid observational shadowing, especially if you:

• Have a formal letter of request from your university
• Demonstrate a clear interest in medicine
• Show up professionally and respectfully

Ask if the physician can provide a letter of recommendation or a certificate verifying your hours.

3. Shadow During Summer Breaks or Educational Visits to the U.S.

If you plan to visit the United States for a family trip, summer course, or campus tour, you may be able to schedule short-term shadowing opportunities.

✅ Tips for success:

• Email physicians 2–3 months in advance
• Mention your travel dates and student status
• Offer to sign any HIPAA/confidentiality forms
• Focus on academic hospitals, clinics, or alumni networks

> Use our guide on how to ask a doctor to shadow them to craft a compelling outreach message.

4. Join Virtual Shadowing Sessions (as a Supplement Only)

Virtual shadowing became popular during the pandemic and remains a viable option—especially for international students with limited access to in-person opportunities.

Platforms like WebShadowers, HEAL, and Virtual Shadowing by Pre-Health Shadowing offer free, case-based experiences online. While these won’t substitute in-person clinical exposure, they can:

• Introduce you to different specialties
• Help you build your medical vocabulary
• Be listed as virtual shadowing in your AMCAS application

> Best practice: Use virtual shadowing to supplement, not replace, your real-world experience.

5. Explore Research Assistantships with Patient Interaction

In some cases, research roles in hospitals or universities involve direct contact with patients—for example, collecting vitals, conducting surveys, or observing clinical trials.

As an international student, you may be able to apply for research internships with a student visa or through remote access. If the role includes shadowing clinicians or attending patient visits, those hours may count—just check with your admissions advisor.

6. Use Your Gap Year for Shadowing and Clinical Experience

If you're planning a gap year before medical school, use that time strategically. Consider joining programs like:

• Go Elective 2–8 week gap year internships in Kenya or Tanzania
• Hospital volunteering in your home country
• Clinical scribing in regions where you’re eligible to work (if on a student visa with CPT/OPT)

How to Log Shadowing Hours for AMCAS or AACOMAS

Medical school applications often require you to list and describe your shadowing experiences. Keep track of:

• Doctor’s name, specialty, and contact info
• Hospital or clinic name
• Dates and hours shadowed
• Key takeaways and lessons learned
• Types of cases or departments observed

> Consider using a spreadsheet or journal to track your hours as you go.

Final Tips for International Students Seeking Shadowing

✅ Start early – Give yourself time to plan, apply, and gain meaningful experience
✅ Focus on quality – One great internship beats 10 hours of passive observation
✅ Diversify your exposure – Shadow/Rotate across multiple specialties or settings
✅ Reflect on your learning – These insights will strengthen your personal statement and interviews
✅ Don’t give up – It’s harder for international students, but definitely possible—and worth it

Want Guaranteed Shadowing Hours Without the U.S. Visa Hassle?

Go Elective offers in-person medical internships in Kenya and Tanzania, specifically designed for international and pre-med students:
✓ 100+ shadowing hours
✓ Real hospital settings
✓ Physician mentorship
✓ Safe accommodation, travel, and support

> Apply now and gain the global clinical experience that sets your application apart.

Article Details

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Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 26, 2025