Kenya

Overview

Your program will begin with a preparation session before you start a weekly rotation of virtual internships at multiple sites including Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and other host organizations working on public health issues in Kisumu. You will expand your knowledge of public health promotion and management in the tropics, complemented by immersive experiential learning, with guided weekly discussions, assignments, and reflection. You will gain in-depth knowledge, analytical clarity, and cross-cultural sensitivity as you develop self-confidence and an understanding of field-based education. In addition, these virtual internships will enable you to gain valuable work experience in a variety of settings and enhance your skills in  international work environments. As part of the program, you will complete a final paper in which you process your learning experience and the theory and practice of public health in Kenya and in the tropics more broadly. This final paper will also document comprehensive schedules and the specific skills and knowledge you acquired through the experiences. You will also focus on linking your virtual internship learning with the key critical issues related to public health promotion and practice. You will attend weekly online assessment meetings with your academic director or internship site coordinator and submit weekly work journals and fortnightly progress reports to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and professional achievements.

You will be expected to devote approximately 37.5 hours a week both on synchronous and asynchronous course activities. Synchronous activities may include orientation sessions, seminars and theme specific lectures, meetings with your internship advisors, 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. If a student cannot attend a live session, every effort will be made to provide a recording, transcript, or summary for offline viewing.

Asynchronous activities may include seat time at your internships, break-out groups, check-ins with your academic director, internship coordinator and your internship mentors, writing progress reports, discussion boards, completing assignments (including assigned readings and videos related to the program theme), a final presentation and final paper, and using audio or video to record reflections on the internship experiences. Students are required to demonstrate a strong online presence by participating in group discussions, answering questions, and interacting with course participants and staff.

Highlights

• Deepen knowledge of public health promotion and management in the tropics, complemented by immersive experiential learning.
• Gain in-depth knowledge, analytical clarity, and cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Develop self-confidence and an understanding of field-based education.
• Acquire valuable work experience and enhance skills in international work environments.

Prerequisites

None