Finding an internship as a physiotherapy student at Hanze (without losing your mind)

At some point during your physiotherapy studies, the word internship starts popping up everywhere. At first, it feels far away. Then suddenly, everyone is talking about placements, preferences, and what they want to specialize in, and you’re like, “Wait, am I supposed to have my whole future figured out already?” 

Good news: you don’t. Even better if you’re studying physiotherapy at Hanze, you’re actually in a pretty great position when it comes to finding an internship. Since we start very early with them; already in the first year there are internships organized by the uni, so you can get a feel for it. 

Here’s how it usually works, and how to approach it without unnecessary stress. 

First things first: you’re not on your own 

One of the biggest advantages at Hanze is that internships are largely provided or coordinated by the university. This means you’re not expected to email 50 clinics while panicking (although it might feel like that at times). The university has an established network of placement locations, and they help guide you through the process. This counts for the long internships in year 4, but also the shorter ones in years 1- 3. 

That said, you still have some responsibility. You’ll often need to indicate preferences, prepare properly, and take some initiative when it’s needed. It’s sort of a balance between support and independence. 

Talk to your teachers (for real) 

This might sound obvious, but it’s underrated: your teachers are one of your best resources. They have so many connections in the field, know what different placements are like, and can give advice based on your strengths and interests. If you’re unsure about what direction you want to go, whether it’s sports, rehabilitation, or hospital care, talking to the teachers can really help. It might feel a bit formal at first to ask for help, but most teachers are genuinely happy to guide you. It’s literally part of their job. 

Use your network  

Networking sounds like something only business students do, but it’s just as relevant in healthcare. 

Think about: 

• People you know in the field 

• Guest lecturers 

• Previous internship supervisors 

• Classmates who’ve already done placements 

Even a simple conversation can lead to useful insights or opportunities. 

This is where platforms like LinkedIn come in. You don’t need to become super active, but having a profile helps you connect with professionals, follow clinics, and sometimes even discover internship opportunities. (We have an article about all useful LinkedIn tips on our blog!) 

It’s a learning experience

Your internship is not about being perfect. You’re there to learn about things and scenarios that don’t come up in class and to develop your confidence! 

You won’t know everything (and honestly, no one expects you to), and you’ll probably feel a bit unsure at the start. That’s super normal, every physiotherapy student goes through that phase. 

You’ll learn how to communicate with patients, apply techniques in real situations, and connect theory to actual practice. Things that feel abstract in class suddenly become very real, especially since you have actual patients instead of your classmates to treat. 

You'll figure it out!!!

Finding an internship can feel like a big step, but at Hanze, you’re not doing it alone. You have support from the university, guidance from teachers and academic counselors, and more options than you might think. Whether you find your placement through a Hanze-offered internship, a connection, or a bit of initiative, it all counts. You don’t need to have everything figured out, you just need to start exploring, and it will all work out!