International Student Internships
Gain hands-on experience in tropical medicine through immersive fieldwork in clinical and community health settings across East Africa. Work alongside healthcare providers and researchers addressing tropical and neglected diseases while contributing to ethically approved health programs and community initiatives.
Academic Credit
Interns are placed in research, clinical, and public health environments.
Cultural Immersion
Interns experience facilitated cultural immersion with communities and local institutions.
Applied Research
Interns participate in primary and secondary data collection, outreach, and program support.
Professional Mentorship
Interns are supervised and mentored by host institutions and professionals in the medical and public health field.
4–6 weeks (short-term placements)
Offered during Semester and Summer terms
Flexible scheduling aligned with academic calendars
Kisumu, Kenya – Community and public health, tropical disease burden, health systems innovation
Kigali, Rwanda – Disease prevention, technology adoption, health system strengthening
Kampala, Uganda – Health governance, financing, and public–private partnerships
Arusha, Tanzania – Integration of traditional medicine and modern healthcare systems
Undergraduate and postgraduate students
Relevant academic or professional background
Institutional endorsement recommended
Internship Focus
Participants work directly with healthcare professionals and research teams addressing Africa’s major infectious and non-communicable disease burdens, including malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, maternal and child health challenges, and emerging public health threats. The internship focuses on understanding disease patterns, healthcare delivery in constrained settings, and the social and environmental determinants of health while exposing participants to evidence-based interventions and health system responses.
Global Engagement Medical Internships in the Tropics
Tropical Medicine Internships
> Locations
Kisumu, Kenya
Management of Tropical Diseases
Kisumu has a high burden of tropical diseases and is a site where cutting-edge innovations in community and public health are being implemented with commendable success. Interns shadow frontline medical and public health workers
Program Highlights
• Community Health
• Clinical Medicine
• Maternal and Child Health
• Management of Malaria, HIV/AIDs, Tuberculosis, Respiratory Infections
• Weekend trip to Sipi Falls Eastern Uganda
• Weekend trip to Maasai Mara
Kigali, Rwanda
Digital and AI Technology in Health Care Systems
Rwanda has made exceptional progress in addressing all the major tropical diseases with a huge emphasis on prevention and adoption of technology. Live in Kigali as you shadow local projects and professionals.
Program Highlights
• Rwanda’s Universal Health System
• Digital Health Innovation
• AI and Data in Health
• Biotech and Health Entrepreneurship
• Governance and Accountability
• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Several Kigali City Highlights
• Weekend Trip to Akagera National Park
Arusha, Tanzania
Integration of Tradition and Modern Medicine
Tanzania is making exceptional progress in the health sector seen in new projects and innovations in the health sectors of northern Tanzania. Learn about the integration of Maasai traditional medicine and modern health care systems.
Program Highlights
• Management of Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Respiratory Infections
• Community Health
• Maasai Traditional Medicine practices
• Traditional and Modern Medicine
• Kilimanjaro Excursion
Gulu, Northern Uganda
Public Health in Post Conflict Contexts
Northern Uganda’s post offers unique insights and experiences into post conflict recovery. Interns shadow frontline medical and public health workers.
Program Highlights
• Community Health in Post Conflict Settings
• Posy Traumatic Stress Disorders
• Infectious Disease Response
• Governance in the Health System
• Visit to Murchison National Park
• Kampala City Highlights Weekend
Program Fees
Summer
Flexible Term Charged weekly: $825 per week 1-week up to 28 weeks Fixed Term (6 weeks) — $4,950
Semester
Flexible Term (up to 28 weeks) — Charged weekly: $825 per week 1-week up to 28 weeks Fixed Term (15 weeks) — $12,375
> Not included
- International airfare
- Visa and travel document fees
- Personal health insurance (comprehensive coverage required)
- Vaccinations and pre-travel health screening
- Personal expenses and leisure activities
- Extended travel before or after program
Program Structure
The internship follows a structured learning-to-practice pathway, designed to progressively build knowledge, skills, and field competence.
Seminar — Orientation & Foundations
Participants begin with structured orientation seminars that establish a strong foundation for fieldwork. These sessions cover:
Core principles of tropical medicine
Regional disease epidemiology and burden profiles
Research ethics, informed consent, and community engagement
Overview of health systems and service delivery models in East Africa
The seminars ensure participants are culturally prepared, ethically grounded, and academically equipped before entering field placements.
Practice — Supervised Hands-On Experience
Following orientation, participants engage in supervised practical activities tailored to their academic background and placement site. These may include:
Clinical observations and non-invasive support roles
Public health data collection and documentation
Community health education and outreach initiatives
Disease surveillance, reporting, and monitoring activities
All activities are conducted under professional supervision, with a strong emphasis on learning, reflection, and ethical practice.
Placement — Clinical & Community Assignments
Interns are placed at approved and vetted sites, including:
Hospitals and health facilities
Community health and outreach programs
Research and disease surveillance sites
Placements are aligned with participant interests and program objectives while ensuring safety, supervision, and meaningful engagement.