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Internships

VAW Global Health Alliances develops community health systems while providing interns the opportunity to work alongside experienced local healthcare professionals. VAW Global Interns work closely with community partners to implement medical, dental, and veterinary clinics and global health projects across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This is an intensive internship — open anyone who is serious about their relevant area of study and has an interest in public health on a global level. In partnership with local communities and healthcare professionals, interns have the opportunity to gain skills in public health while supporting healthcare systems around the world. Interns are required to attend trainings and workshops prior to their trip, so that they are well prepared upon arrival in country.

Browse through Our Projects to find an internship that’s right for you. Ready to join our movement? Sign up for an Upcoming Trip here!

In-Country Schedule

VAW Global Outreach Trips are offered in two trip lengths: two weeks (15 days) or one week (7 days). On the two week trip, there will be six clinic or public health work days; on the one week trip, there will be three clinic or public health work days. Each country varies slightly in how the schedule is arranged and what opportunities are available.

All interns are responsible for covering their program fees, medication and supply fund fee, plane tickets, spending money, and any additional expenses.

What you get: Each internship is unique and opportunities vary by country, program, season, and the current situation. Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Interns have the opportunity to learn about healthcare in a global context and medical, dental, and/or veterinary procedures, treatment courses, and clinic operations — all under the direct supervision of experienced local healthcare providers and staff. Global Health Interns learn about increasing access to safe drinking water, planting garden boxes to strengthen nutritional security, and constructing latrines for proper waste disposal, among other healthy living projects — all under the direct supervision of experienced, local staff. Throughout their time in-country, and especially while in clinic or at their project site, it is of utmost importance that interns portray health care realities and burden of disease accurately, show professionalism, and respect patients and families privacy and integrity at all times.

Qualifications: Interns will prepare for their trip throughout the year by attending team training sessions, participating in local community service projects, and developing team building activities, led by their Team Leader or Faculty Team Leader. Interns are required to attend trainings and workshops prior to their trip, so that they are well prepared upon arrival in country. While on-site, interns will be required to attend several orientations and workshops focused on professional development and cultural sensitivity, which will reinforce the trainings they did leading up to their trip. Additionally, interns will be required to demonstrate proficiency in clinical and/or worksite skills — approved by a local leaders — before being allowed to assist on clinical and/or project days.