International locum tenens assignments are a unique way for physicians to explore the globe while earning a paycheck and sharpening their skills in new environments. Though this type of practice takes more planning, working as an international locum tenens physician can be a rewarding experience that is well worth the effort.

How do I get started in international locum tenens?

The easiest way to get started is to work with an agency specializing in international locum tenens. An agency with international experience will:

  • Have existing relationships with healthcare facilities in many different countries
  • Help with the licensing, credentialing, and visa processes
  • Understand each country’s healthcare regulations and how medical malpractice works in those locations
  • Typically pay for travel, transportation, and housing while you’re on assignment
  • Have support teams with international expertise if you have questions or if you run into a problem

You can also look for international jobs yourself. Keep these factors in mind:

  • Facilities advertising jobs locally are usually looking for physicians who are already licensed or registered there
  • Not all healthcare systems or facilities will help with visas or licensing
  • You will typically pay for your own housing, transportation, and travel if you don’t work with an agency

When should I start preparing for international locum tenens assignments?

If you want to take an assignment within the next year, start working with a locum tenens agency or doing your own research now. Most healthcare facilities begin advertising for openings six to nine months in advance.

Once you begin working with an agency or find a position on your own and contact the hiring manager, the interview process can take a few weeks or a month. And you can expect to wait at least four months from the time you accept a position to the time you start working because of the time required for credentialing, licensing, and visa processes, which vary from country to country.

What should I consider before booking an international locum tenens assignment?

Before you start browsing open jobs, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure a good fit and experience for you, the healthcare facility, and your patients. Here are some additional questions to consider.

How long are international locum tenens assignments?

The short answer is that it depends on the location. Because international locum tenens assignments involve lots of time and paperwork and time to attain credentialing, licensing, and visas in another country, they usually require longer commitments than domestic locum tenens assignments.

Because they are U.S. territories, assignments in the U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam are often shorter—just three to six months—while New Zealand and Australia usually require at least a six-month commitment. Some countries prefer a commitment of nine months to a year or more.

Where do you want to work?

Would you prefer a rural or urban area? Are you hoping to live near the coast or prefer mountains? Deciding on a general location and your preferences can help you narrow down your options. However, it may be worth keeping an open mind if you’re set on a particular country. Australia, for example, has mostly rural assignments available because these areas have the greatest healthcare needs.

Can I bring my family and pets along?
Yes! School seasons differ from country to country, so if you plan to travel with school-age children, you’ll want to plan at least a year in advance so they don’t miss classes. Many physicians decide to homeschool their kids while working because some of the rural areas send students to boarding schools.

However, bringing animals on your international locum tenens assignment requires extra legwork. Most pets must spend time in quarantine after arriving, which can be stressful for your pet, so leaving Fido behind with a friend or family member may be a better option.

How much do international locum tenens assignments pay?

The pay for international assignments depends on the country. While many countries offer lower salaries than physicians receive in the United States, the appeal of living in a new place often outweighs the monetary differences. Here’s how several popular countries compare:

If you’re considering an international assignment in one of these countries, it’s important to also weigh the cost of living, need for paperwork and visas (Guam and Puerto Rico are U.S. territories and don’t even require passports), local attractions in the area, culture, and patient population.

“You may not get paid as much, but you’re in an amazing location,” says Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, a hospitalist who has enjoys working in the Pacific Islands. “Guam is beautiful; the beaches are amazing. The condo I’m renting is directly over the ocean. I get to look at the sunset every day. I usually rush home at 6:30 pm just to watch the sunset. It’s so beautiful.”

How do I have a successful international locum tenens assignment?

Follow these tips to have a great experience once you start your new position.

Be respectful and willing to adapt

Healthcare facilities may operate differently from what you’re used to in the United States. Many countries have multi-disciplinary healthcare teams, and nurses, midwives, and techs are highly regarded and experts in the system. Some colleagues even refer to each other by their first names, not their titles, so you may not be known as “Doctor” there.

Ask for help when you need it

If you work with a locum tenens agency, your recruiter will be able answer questions and offer tips throughout your assignment. You can also talk to physicians who’ve worked in the area already.

“Global Medical Staffing pretty much held our hands through the entire process and had very long conversations with us about multiple things,” says Shauna Heine, who traveled to New Zealand with her husband, family medicine physician Dr. Jason Heine, and their two children. “It made our experience much less stressful.”

Do as much research as possible before you go

Once you’ve booked an assignment, read up on the area so you know the exchange rate, cost of living, types of items you can’t buy while you’re there, and foods available in grocery stores.

Dr. Bryan Zorko, an emergency and critical care physician who  worked locums in Guam, says it was almost exactly like living in the U.S., but there were some exceptions.

“There’s a lot more local influence on the food. You’re living on an island that’s pretty far away from people, so I found I wasn’t able to regularly get milk and cheese,” he says. “Also, everyone’s very friendly. If it weren’t for the fact that I chose to work so much, I probably would be going out to many more fiestas.”

It’s a good idea to open a bank account in your new country, because in many places it’s required to have one to sign a lease.

“Everything in New Zealand is by appointment. You can’t just walk in,” recalls Dr. Tracy Parrish, an emergency medicine physician, who wishes she had made a bank appointment to open her account before starting her assignment. “It’s tough to just walk in and get something done, even at the bank.”

Prepare for your absence

Ensure someone will be taking care of your home while you’re gone. Switch to paperless statements whenever possible and cancel any subscriptions.

Embrace differences in your area

Part of the appeal of international locum tenens assignments is the unknown, so enjoy it! The medical facilities, housing, and transportation in your new country will likely differ, so be willing to try new things and experience a lot of change.

How do I work with an international locum tenens agency?
If you’re interested in an international locum tenens assignment, start by connecting with a recruiter to discuss your schedule and interests. They’ll also ask you about your specialty, experience, and what you’re looking for in an assignment. The more experienced the agency, the more likely they will be able to match you up with the job that’s right for you.

Sometimes the timing isn’t right for an international position, so you may want to consider working locums assignments in the U.S. while you wait. It’s a good way to experience what it’s like to go to a new and unfamiliar location before you go overseas.

Whether you’re seeking professional growth, cultural immersion, or simply a fresh perspective, international locum tenens work offers a unique opportunity to expand both your career and your worldview. By stepping into new healthcare systems and communities, you’ll return not only with sharper skills but also with a renewed sense of purpose—an investment that benefits both you and the patients you’ll continue to serve at home.

Have more questions? Global Medical Staffing is the leader in international locum tenens. They began by placing physicians in Australia and New Zealand over 25 years ago and now have partnerships with health systems around the world. Call at 1.800.760.3174 to speak with a consultant, or view international opportunities on their locum tenens job board.