Preparing for an internship in HIV/AIDS

This outline will help you focus on questions and decisions you need to make as you prepare for work in HIV/AIDS.  Please note that this checklist is not exhaustive, rather is its designed to serve as a guide in planning your experience.  We strongly urge you to contact the career center on your campus for more information and guidance.

1. Goals/Objectives
Identify your goals and objectives.

- What kind of work would you like to do?  Work in a clinic or hospital? In the U.S. or abroad?  A city or rural village?  Research or education? 
- Why do you want to do this kind of work?
- What would you like to learn or gain from your experience?

- Decide on whether you want:
- Study-abroad program (academic credit)
- Paid (there are very few paid internships)
- Volunteer

- Decide on type of organization (Non Governmental Organization/nonprofit, government, AIDS service organization, community development, school, foundation, etc.)
- Decide on geographic location (continent, country, region)
- Decide on time commitments/constraints. (Most organizations prefer at least 3 months time commitment)

2. When to start applying
Most internships run from May – October. You will need to start investigating and applying at least three months prior, often sooner.

3. Financial Considerations and Funding
You may need to raise funds for travel, lodging, meals and other living expenses. Pay attention to living costs of the country and figure out how much money you will need.

Sources for sponsorship could include:

- USAID
- US Department of State
- Institute of International Education  (IIE)
- your university
- service clubs (e.g. Rotary)
- Peace Corps
- Friends or family
- Grants from Foundations
- Exchange programs

4. Before you Leave
Learn about the country.

- The U.S. Library of Congress  maintains a website with links to a broad range of current and historical information on all the countries of the world.
- The Kaiser Family Foundation’s Global Health Reporting  website has profiles of many different countries that have been affected heavily by HIV/AIDS.

Finalize details of the assignment:

- Duration 
- Who will be your supervisor?
- Where will you be stationed?
- Will accommodation and other living expenses be provided/arranged or do you need to do that yourself?

Obtain visa and other immigration requirements ( e.g. work permits, etc).  The U.S. Department of State  maintains a website for travelers that has information and links to a broad range of helpful information for U.S. travelers.

If you are traveling abroad, find out any immunization and health issues pertaining to the country.  You should be aware that you may be exposed to conditions or diseases that may put your health at risk.  It is very important to take measures to protect your health.  The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization  maintain up-to-date lists of health-related information on traveling abroad.

Health/Medical Insurance.  Should you travel abroad, be prepared for your international travel with major medical coverage, accident coverage, life insurance, or coverage with a "sports" rider. Transitions Abroad  has links to different type of global health insurance.  In addition, many domestic health insurance plans have limited overseas benefits. Considerations include: 

- Benefits
- Cost
- Exclusions
- Process for making claims
- Contacts

Travel
- Airline ticket. Make sure you understand details on airline restrictions.
- Explore where travel insurance is needed

Safety and Security - Having a good experience is also highly dependent on being safe and secure.  Transitions Abroad maintains an extensive list of key links with information about how to make sure you have a safe and happy experience and what precautions you should take.

 -  You should also be sure to get as much contact information from the organization (phone, physical address, email) so you can pass on to family and friends at home.
-  Make firm prior arrangements on how you will be transported from the airport of arrival to your lodgings.

For more detailed information on check out:
Boston College Guide to International Internships:  Overview of programs that sponsor international volunteer projects.

University of Michigan International Center:  Web-based introduction and guide to internships and travel abroad. 

Transitions Abroad:  A guide to working overseas.

How To Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas This book provides information on how you can volunteer in Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Eastern Europe while exploring other cultures, making friends, learning about yourself, and enhancing your skills.

Jammeh, S, Akukwe C, Haley G, “The Need for an International HIV/AIDS Volunteer Services Corps for Africa,”  WorldPress.org,  January 27, 2005.