Welcome to our Shadowing Programs information page. Below you will find answers to the most common questions about our programs, application process, and what to expect during your shadowing experience. If your question is not answered here, please contact our program coordinator.​

Is Portugal and Spain safe for students?

Portugal and Spain are consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world in the Global Peace Index. Madrid, Coimbra, Lisbon and Oporto are walkable cities with reliable public transport. As in any city, watch for pickpockets in tourist areas.

 

Who looks after me during the program?

You have a local coordinator in your city, reachable by phone and WhatsApp 24/7, and a supervising physician at the hospital. We meet you at the airport, take you to your accommodation and walk you to the hospital on day one.

 

What if there is an emergency?

The European emergency number is 112. Your coordinator's number and the nearest hospital are in your welcome pack. We contact your emergency contact if needed.

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Where will I stay?

In a vetted shared apartment or student residence next the hospital, with other program students where possible. A private room is available for an extra fee in Lisbon Porto and Madrid. Coimbra all rooms are private and single.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Every student must have travel medical insurance valid in Portugal or Spain for the full stay, covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, repatriation and personal liability. You can buy our Standard Insurance option or use your own policy and upload proof.

Am I covered at the hospital?

Shadowing is observation only. The hospital's rules and your personal liability cover apply. You will sign the hospital's confidentiality and code-of-conduct agreement before starting.

Are flights included?

No. You book your own round-trip flight once you have your offer letter. Fly into Lisbon (LIS) or Oporto (OPO) or Madrid for Spain. For Coimbra programs we pick you up at either Lisbon or Oporto airports. Send us your flight details 30 days before start.

Do I need a visa?

US citizens can stay in the Schengen Area up to 90 days without a visa, which covers every program. Check whether the EU's ETIAS travel authorization is required on your travel date. Other nationalities: ask us before applying.

What is included in the fee?

Accommodation (no meals), airport transfers, local transport pass, cultural trips (with meals and transport), social events, a welcome dinner, coordinator support and your certificate. Not included: flights, meals, insurance (unless you add the option) and personal expenses.

How is this different from larger programs?

We take 4 to 10 students per program, match you personally with physicians, and the founder is involved from your first interview to your final day. You are not one of a hundred fellows.

How many hours will I get?

4 hours a day, 5 days a week: 80 hours for 4-week program, 60 hours for the 3-week program, 40 hours for the 2-week program and 20 hours for the 1-week program.

What certificate do I receive?

A certificate of shadowing hours on hospital letterhead, signed by your supervising physician, listing dates, total hours and departments observed, plus a Eurointernships program certificate. Your supervisor can also write a recommendation letter if you request it.

Can I use these hours in my medical school application?

Yes — you can list them as shadowing experience (for example in AMCAS). Each school decides how it weighs international shadowing, and many also expect some US shadowing, so check with your pre-health advisor.

Do I need to speak Portuguese or Spanish?

No. Supervising doctors speak English and explain cases to you in English. Patients mostly speak Portuguese or Spanish, so your supervisor translates. Basic Portuguese or Spanish helps but is not required.

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Is there a language course?

We give you a survival-Portuguese or Spanish session in week 1.

Who can apply?

Undergraduate students aged 18 or over on a pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-PA or public health track, and nursing students. Recent graduates in a gap year are welcome.

Will I take part in patient care?

No. This is an observation-only program: no examinations, procedures or medication. This protects patients and is how shadowing works in Europe. This protects patients and keeps your experience in line with what US admissions committees expect.

Will these hours count for my medical school application?

You will receive a signed letter from the hospital documenting your hours and specialties. Admissions committees value international shadowing for the perspective it gives on another health system; most also expect some shadowing in the US, so we recommend combining both.

Can I choose my specialty?

You tell us your interests and we match you as closely as the hospital's departments allow.

Can my university give credit for this?

It can, if your study abroad office approves it. We are happy to provide the program details they need.

Do I need vaccinations?

Hospitals require your immunization record (typically MMR, hepatitis B, tetanus, varicella, plus a recent TB test). 

What should I wear?

Business-casual clothes and closed shoes. Bring your own white coat; the hospital provides any other protective clothing.

What is the cancellation policy?

The deposit secures your place and is non-refundable after 30 days. Balance refunds: 50% up to 60 days before start, 25% up to 30 days. If we cancel, you get a full refund.​​​​​​