Kenya

Overview

Through this program, you will intern with an organization working on public health issues in Kisumu, Kenya. Internship placements will include Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or other government and nongovernmental organizations, such as the County Department of Health, Amani Counselling Center, or the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya – Kisumu Chapter. The internship will provide you with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in an intercultural workplace, while building the knowledge and skills you’ll need to work in public health.

Your program will begin with an introduction to the broader cultural, social, and political context of Kenya, as well as workplace norms and the ethics of interning in another country.  Your program will be complemented by immersive experiential learning, which will give you opportunities to deepen your knowledge of public health promotion and management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the tropics.

You will be expected to devote approximately 12-15 hours a week both on synchronous and asynchronous course activities. Synchronous activities may include orientation sessions, seminar country and theme specific lectures, initial meetings with your internship advisor, group reflection sessions, and project presentations. Frequency, duration, and scheduling of synchronous activities will be determined the first week of the course in conversation with participants to find mutually convenient times. In the event that a student cannot attend a live session, every effort will be made to provide a recording, transcript, or summary for off-line viewing.

Asynchronous activities may include seat time at your internship, break-out groups, check-ins with your Academic Director, internship coordinator and your internship mentor, writing progress reports, discussion boards, completing assignments and a final paper, and using audio or video to record reflections on the internship experience. Students are required to demonstrate a strong online presence by participating in group discussions, answering questions, and interacting with course participants and staff.

Highlights

• Understand the complexities of public health services and support in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Interactive seminar discussions and critical reflection guided by public health experts.
• Experiential virtual internship at renowned public health institutions and organizations.
• Designed to enable students explore their interest and gain meaningful skills in public health and related fields.

Prerequisites

None.