Hey, I’ve been looking into research opportunities and was wondering—can Indian medical students actually do research internships abroad? Like, is it a thing? How do people get in? Would love to hear from anyone who knows more! 
Yes, it’s totally possible! Some universities abroad have research programs that accept international students, especially for summer internships. It depends on the country and your year of study, though. Are you looking for something short-term or long-term?
There are a few structured programs like DAAD WISE (Germany) or MITACS (Canada) that fund research internships for Indian students. Some universities in the US and UK also have summer research opportunities, but those can be competitive. Most require strong academics and maybe some prior research experience.
Also, emailing professors directly works! If you find a professor abroad working on a topic you’re interested in, you can reach out with a well-written email, a strong CV, and maybe a statement of purpose. If they have funding, they might take you in for a research internship. It’s not guaranteed, but a lot of students have gotten opportunities this way!
Oh wow, I didn’t know cold emailing could actually work! But do these internships pay, or are they mostly unpaid?
Depends! Some programs (like DAAD WISE and MITACS) give a stipend, but many internships are unpaid. If funding is important, it’s good to check before applying. Also, some universities provide accommodation but not stipends, so budgeting is something to keep in mind.
Another thing—visa requirements! Some countries allow short-term research on a tourist visa, but others require student or internship visas. That can take time, so it’s good to check early if you’re serious about applying.