Psychology Internships Abroad (And Why You Should Consider One Abroad)

Psychology is the science of understanding human behavior and mental processes. An ever-relevant discipline in today's complex world. From clinical reasoning and research methodology to empathy and communication, a degree in psychology builds skills that are valuable in nearly every professional setting.

But theory isn’t enough. To apply your knowledge, you’ll need real-world experience and that’s where internships come in. For students pursuing psychology, psychotherapy, counseling, or social work, an international internship offers a transformative opportunity to gain clinical exposure and cultural insight while contributing meaningfully to underserved communities.

Here are four types of psychology internships you can pursue abroad and how Go Elective’s programs in Kenya and Tanzania can help jumpstart your global mental health career.

1. Community Mental Health Internships

Community-focused psychology internships are ideal for students eager to improve access to mental health services. You’ll support local outreach efforts, work with underserved populations, and participate in awareness campaigns targeting issues such as depression, trauma, and stigma.

At Go Elective, our Psychology & Mental Health Internships allow participants to shadow licensed counselors and psychologists in public hospitals and community clinics. You may assist with:

• Mental health education in schools
• Counseling support in HIV clinics
• Group therapy sessions
• Youth and adolescent development programs

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental health condition, yet services in low- and middle-income countries remain limited. Interning in these environments gives you the chance to help close that gap while building a deeper understanding of global mental health challenges.

2. School and Corporate Psychology Internships

Psychology interns are increasingly in demand across international schools and workplace wellness programs. Whether helping students navigate academic stress or supporting employees with burnout and anxiety, these internships offer practical experience in behavioral coaching, counseling, and organizational psychology.

Your responsibilities may include:

• One-on-one student support sessions
• Group workshops on mental wellness
• Employee mental health screenings
• Designing stress management or career guidance resources

This type of internship is ideal for psychology majors interested in educational or industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology. As mental health becomes a workplace priority, employers are investing more in programs to boost morale, retention, and productivity.

3. Clinical Psychology Internships Abroad

If you're aiming for a career in clinical psychology or counseling, a clinical internship abroad provides hands-on training in psychiatric hospitals, inpatient units, or outpatient mental health departments. Go Elective partners with teaching hospitals in Kenya and Tanzania where interns work alongside licensed clinicians in real-time care environments.

You may help with:

• Patient intake and mental health screenings
• Observation of psychiatric evaluations
• Psychological testing and psychometric assessments
• Crisis intervention planning
• Group and individual therapy sessions

These experiences give you a clear sense of the demands and rewards of clinical practice while expanding your exposure to cross-cultural variations in mental health diagnosis and care.

4. Social Work and Behavioral Health Internships

Social work internships abroad focus on holistic support for vulnerable populations. You might work with children in orphanages, families experiencing trauma, or victims of gender-based violence. Tasks may include case documentation, outreach coordination, needs assessments, and assisting in psychoeducational programs.

Interns often collaborate with:

• Social workers
• Child psychologists
• Community-based organizations
• Public health officers

These internships emphasize trauma-informed care, family dynamics, and early intervention—especially critical in regions with limited access to structured mental health services.

Why Do a Psychology Internship Abroad?

Psychology internships abroad aren’t just résumé boosters—they’re perspective changers. They allow you to:

• Gain clinical hours and mentorship in real-world settings
• Build cultural competence and empathy
• Expand your global network in health and human services
• Experience healthcare systems with different resource levels
• Strengthen your grad school or clinical program application

Whether you're a pre-health student, psychology major, or aspiring therapist, Go Elective’s programs in Kenya and Tanzania provide a structured, safe, and academically rich environment for global learning.

Final Thoughts: Take Psychology Beyond the Classroom

Your understanding of human behavior deepens when you're immersed in diverse environments, working with people whose experiences and worldviews may differ from your own. A psychology internship abroad with Go Elective helps you become not just a better student—but a more aware and effective future professional.

Explore our Psychology & Mental Health Internships or contact our team to start planning your journey in global mental health today.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 15, 2025