São Leopoldo Mandic’s Internationalization Program will send medical students on elective internships abroad

São Leopoldo Mandic’s Internationalization Program will send a total of 39 medical students on elective rotations abroad as early as 2026. 

In 2026, São Leopoldo Mandic College will increase the number of medical students sent on international elective rotations through the institution’s Internationalization Program. In total, 39 students will participate in this academic experience at universities and healthcare centers in six countries, doubling the number of participants compared to the previous year. All selected students will depart by the end of this year. 

This year, students will participate in academic experiences in countries such as Portugal, the United States, Italy, and Australia, among others. In addition to the destinations, the length of stay abroad also varies depending on the program chosen. Placements can last from one month to one year.

The São Leopoldo Mandic Internationalization Program offers academic mobility opportunities for medical and dental students from all of the institution’s campuses. The initiative aims to strengthen professional development through hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings around the world. Among the 39 students selected for international elective internships in 2026 are representatives from the Campinas, Araras, and Limeira campuses. According to São Leopoldo Mandic, the program continues to expand and has doubled the number of participants compared to the previous year. 

According to Elizabeth Martinez, the school’s Internationalization Coordinator, the program prepares students for healthcare in a global setting. In this way, students come to understand the impact of social, cultural, and linguistic issues on medical practice. “This experience is very important because, in addition to broadening their technical and academic experiences, students also develop intercultural awareness,” she emphasized. 

In addition to academic mobility, the Internationalization initiatives also include lectures by international guests and Brazilian professionals with experience abroad. In this way, the institution broadens students’ exposure to different realities in healthcare. The goal is to provide academic experiences connected to diverse contexts of professional practice.

To kick off the 2026 elective program, the college gathered participating students for an orientation session. The session provided details on how elective internships abroad work and facilitated an exchange of experiences with program alumni. During the activity, students also had the opportunity to speak with student Paula Serpa, who participated remotely from Lisbon, where she is still completing her internship. 

During the event, the institution shared guidelines on how the internships work in each country, as well as recommendations regarding conduct, cultural adaptation, and making the most of the international experience.