Public Health Internship in Arusha

Welcome To Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha, often called the gateway to East Africa’s safari circuit, is rapidly becoming a destination for international medical students seeking hands-on clinical experience. With a growing healthcare system, diverse patient cases, and English-speaking professionals, medical internships in Arusha offer both professional growth and cultural immersion.

Whether you're a medical student, pre-med, or healthcare volunteer, this guide explains everything you need to know about securing a medical internship in Arusha, Tanzania.

Why Choose Arusha for a Medical Internship?

Arusha provides a unique balance between clinical exposure and affordability.

Key advantages include:

• Exposure to tropical and infectious diseases (e.g. malaria, TB)
• Hands-on experience in resource-limited settings
• English widely used in hospitals
• Lower cost compared to Western internships
• Opportunity to explore nearby attractions like Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro

Top Hospitals Offering Internships in Arusha

1. Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital

• Largest public hospital in the region
• High patient volume → excellent clinical exposure
• Departments: surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics

2. Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre

• Well-equipped private hospital
• Known for maternal and cancer care programs
• Structured internship programs available

3. St. Elizabeth Hospital

• Smaller but offers more personalized supervision
• Ideal for students seeking mentorship

Requirements for Medical Internships in Tanzania

To secure an internship, most institutions require:

• Proof of enrollment in a medical/health-related program
• Valid passport
• CV and motivation letter
• Immunization records (e.g. Hepatitis B)
• Travel insurance

Some placements may require approval from the
Tanzania Medical Council

Costs of Medical Internship in Arusha

Typical costs include:

Compared to Europe or the US, Arusha is significantly more affordable.

What You’ll Learn

Interns in Arusha gain exposure to:

• Infectious diseases (malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB)
• Emergency care in low-resource settings
• Maternal and child health
• Community outreach programs

This experience builds adaptability and real-world clinical confidence.

Accommodation Options

Most interns stay in:

• Shared volunteer houses
• Hospital hostels
• Private rentals in areas like Njiro or Sakina 

visit our accommodations page 

Visa Information

Tanzania offers several visa types for visitors, primarily categorized into Ordinary (Tourist/Holiday), Multiple Entry, Business, and Transit visas. Most visitors require an e-Visa applied for online in advance, with single-entry options typically valid for up to 90 days. Key categories include:

• Ordinary/Tourist Visa (Single Entry): Valid for up to 90 days for tourism, holidays, health treatment, or family visits.
• Business Visa: Issued for up to 90 days for short-term professional tasks, auditing, or, investment meetings; cannot be extended.
• Multiple Entry Visa: Available for foreigners visiting frequently, such as American citizens, with a validity of 12 months, allowing a max of 3 months per stay.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Tanzania to another destination, valid for up to 14 days.

• Referral Visa: Specifically for certain nationalities requiring special clearance before entry.
• Student Visa: Issued to foreign students accepted to institutions in Tanzania.

Most visas cost $50 USD for single entry and $100 USD for multiple entry for most nationalities, while US citizens are required to pay $100 USD for a tourist visa.

We will assist you with visa application. 

Tips for a Successful Internship

• Be proactive—clinical exposure depends on your initiative
• Respect local culture and hospital hierarchy
• Learn basic Swahili phrases for better patient interaction
• Stay flexible—systems may differ from your home country