International Medical Aid (IMA) accepts applications from students and professionals worldwide. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to participate. Our programs are designed for global participation, and we regularly host interns from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Language Requirements by Location
While English is the primary language of instruction and coordination across all programs, Spanish language proficiency is required for some sites.
Participants interested in our South America programs—specifically in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia—must have completed at least two years of Spanish coursework or demonstrate intermediate fluency. These sites require basic conversational Spanish to ensure meaningful clinical engagement and safe patient interaction.
In contrast, our Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania programs do not require foreign language skills beyond English. Most hospital staff and IMA coordinators in East Africa are fluent in English, and all interns receive regional-specific medical terminology and cultural orientation at the program's start.
Support for Non-Native English Speakers
While most participants are fluent in English, we offer extra support for non-native speakers to help them adjust to clinical environments and communicate effectively with staff and patients.
For full details about each country’s eligibility, visit our Global Healthcare Initiatives page.