Global Healing HEAL Internship

  Honduras

Roatan

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: all year

Description: Health Education & Advocacy Liasons (HEAL) internship gives undergraduate and medical students the chance to work with physicians at the Roatan Volunteer Pediatric Clinic (RVPC) in Honduras for one to three-month stays. Interns have the unique opportunity to interact with pediatric patients and the visiting or local physician while experiencing international healthcare firsthand. While on the island of Roatan, interns work in both clinical and research settings.

Interns may design their own research focus to fit individual academic goals. A notable past research project includes the analysis of water sanitation on the island and the effects of water purity for the population. Students interested in healthcare and international public health can find more information about the internship application by contacting us.

** (Applicants are required to have near-fluency in Spanish at the time of the internship).

Highlights:
* This is the perfect opportunity for medical, nursing, or public health students.
* Our internship is year round, so availability is not limited to the summer quarter.
* Work with doctors and nurses to gain clinical experience.
* Roatan, Honduras is a beautiful island - scuba dive and go on adventures on the weekend.
* You can really make a direct impact on the patients you see at the Roatan Pediatric Volunteer Clinic.

Qualifications:
- Be proficient in conversational Spanish. Knowledge of medical Spanish is encouraged (skills will be assessed by Directors during the application process)
- Have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate education (current Sophomores are eligible to apply for the summer after their second year). Students that have completed at least 3 quarters/2 semesters of undergraduate education may be considered under special circumstances if the student has a strong background in Spanish and community or public health
- Be resourceful and take initiative
- Demonstrate respect for other cultures and sensitivity to local cultural values
- Observe prevailing workplace hierarchies and protocols
- Work independently but also function as a member of a team
- Be open to perspectives, opinions, and values different from their own

Cost in US$: 1500-2000/mo

Food can range from $150+, depending on how much you cook and eat the cheaper "local" food versus eating out at restaurants in West End. Interns on a budget have been able to keep their month-long internship cost down to $1500.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers have near fluency in Spanish and have a passion for healthcare and international health. Since they will be working individually, they must have an idea for a research project or an area that they would like to work in. The typical volunteer must be self-motivated and hard-working, but also be a warm and friendly person that can interact with the patients at the clinic.

Age Range: 20 and over

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Honduras Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Global Healing HEAL Internship's Mission Statement: To contribute to the delivery of quality pediatric health care to an underserved population. To create and promote public health initiatives that will increase access to resources for those who need them most. To build awareness among premedical and medical students of health care needs abroad. To provide cross-cultural exposure that will allow aspiring physicians to develop a more effective relationship with immigrant families at home as they pursue a medical career.

Year Founded: 2005