The internship requires at least a 4-week internship abroad, in or related to a resource-poor or resource-limited setting. It also requires a mentor both at UK and locally. The internship course is CPH 709.
Course Learning Objectives: The internship will provide an opportunity for students to participate in a health-related activity, project or program in a resource-limited setting in a foreign country. This will allow students in the Global Health Certificate Program to acquire direct international experience with relevant, current global health issues, and to integrate and apply knowledge and skills learned in their coursework.
The minimum duration of the internship will be 4 weeks and it will count as 3 credit hours (replacing one course on campus). Each internship will be unique, depending on the student’s background and interest, as well as on the needs and resources of the location where it is conducted. The main activity and setting of the internship can range from providing primary or specialty direct patient care in a hospital, outpatient or other type of medical setting (for students in clinical disciplines); prevention, community health or health education activities in schools, neighborhood meetings or other venues; collection of environmental samples from water, soil, food, etc. For students in the colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the internship may take the form of a rotation.
Internship placements will require completion of an application to be submitted to and reviewed by the certificate director, Dr. Keck. The internship application shall include a proposed work plan, with activity and learning objectives, and a mentorship plan which should include a UK-Global Health associate faculty supervisor and a local, qualified mentor or supervisor in the host location.
Approval of the internship application will also include consideration of the student’s background, interests and language capabilities. In addition to the field experience, before traveling the student will complete pre-departure orientation and preparation requirements of the International Center for students studying or working abroad. Upon returning to the U.S., the student must report on the internship experience in the form of a written report, an oral, open presentation or other format, and be approved by the UK-Global Health supervisor, for the completion of the internship.
**Funding for travel and living expenses will be the responsibility of the student. The certificate director and associated faculty may assist in pursuing travel funds from available sources, such as fellowships, travel awards and financial aid towards study or practice abroad.**
