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Public Health Internship in Zambia
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Bridge the gap in community healthcare and expand accessibility in Livingstone, Zambia
Be part of an organization that actively contributes to dismantling the social and health challenges that Zambians face on a daily basis. Many residents in Zambia rely on immediate family for health support due to the lack of accessible clinics. This Public Health Internship allows you to join an organization dedicated to expanding healthcare access for underserved communities, assisting local caregivers with home-based care. It’s an opportunity that offers more than just observation; it immerses you in meaningful, hands-on work that drives real change.
If you’re passionate about equality in the medical field, travel to Zambia and work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals, NGOs, and community members, gaining deep insights into the current health landscape. Your role goes beyond simply watching – you’ll actively contribute by collaborating with local communities to assess their unique healthcare needs, analyzing data, and participating in crucial discussions. Your assistance will be vital in relieving understaffed healthcare workers and in opening dialogues on important health issues. Uplift communities while gaining insights into Zambian society and healthcare to boost your resume and public health knowledge.
Learning Objectives
- Discover the inner workings of Zambia’s public health system
- International work experience navigating the daily difficulties and limitations of the public healthcare system
- Gain healthcare knowledge and empathy by challenging your perspectives
- Participate in important healthcare discussions in the context of a developing country
ORGANIZATION
This organization partners with local public health centers and supports rural communities with home-based care on the ground in Zambia. Their ethos addresses the continuous fight Zambians endure due the lack of accessible healthcare centers. As prices are skyrocketing in the private healthcare sector and staff in the public sector are overburdened daily, a majority of Zambian citizens are unable to access their basic rights to health facilities and treatments. This organization also aims to break down negative social stigmas that prevent citizens from reaching out to medical professionals for treatment. They provide a series of education workshops that cover all types of health talks including pregnancy and HIV. They are adamant on providing support, education, and clinic assistance in underserved provinces to ensure a higher quality of life for all members of the community.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
In rural villages near Livingstone, healthcare access is limited, with few under-resourced clinics and long queues. Due to this, you’ll participate in a variety of tasks alongside local caregivers to ease this burden on the public healthcare system, and assist communities in receiving the care and education they need.
Responsibilities
As a Public Health intern in Zambia you will have the chance to;
- Join home-based care visits in surrounding villages to observe the unwavering dedication and resilience of healthcare professionals
- Be part of the process for eliminating tabus and creating a safe space to talk about local health issues
- Participate in impactful discussions on pressing topics such as teenage pregnancy, pre- and post-natal care, and disease management, working closely with local midwives and healthcare experts
- Assist in preparing engaging public health educational materials
- Help create a safe and inclusive space to deliver workshops in schools or other establishments
Requirements
- No prior medical qualification required
- Have interest in the public health sector
- Basic healthcare knowledge is advantageous
- Be caring, compassionate, and patient to others around you
- Be prepared to help and assist patients wherever needed
- Minimum age of 18 years old for up to 4 week stays
- For stays longer than 4 weeks, minimum age of 21 years old (due to visa requirements)
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You will be based in Livingstone, a welcoming tourist town in a unique setting. Just a short drive away from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and the famous Victoria Falls, there will be plenty of opportunities to take sunset boat cruises and explore what nature has to offer! During your time off, you can venture to the African bush for a safari or stroll around the local markets.
Your backpackers accommodation is included in the internship fee, and we’ll arrange it all for you! There are dorms or single rooms available, and you’ll have use of a great number of facilities, including a pool.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Zambia is a relatively safe country, but there is petty crime, so it’s always good to be vigilant. Some safety tips are to avoid traveling alone, take a taxi/Uber at night, know safe/unsafe areas, avoid carrying valuables around, stay alert, and inquire about swim area safety. Prioritize protection from heatstroke and dehydration during your stay by drinking plenty of water. It is also important to respect the advice given to you by the accommodation host and internship supervisor.
Communication
Communication
Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Zoom, etc., but it may be slow. Purchase a Zambian SIM card for reliable phone use or opt for roaming.
Meals
Meals
At the backpackers, you can enjoy diverse meals with international and local flavors! During weekdays, breakfast and dinner are included in the fee, and open fire cooking sessions and braais (BBQ) are enjoyed weekly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.
Location details
Location details
Livingstone is located in one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, and offers a welcoming atmosphere where the locals will make you feel at home. Add excitement with bungee jumping, white water rafting, or helicopter flights. You can discover landmarks such as the Chobe Safari (Botswana) and Victoria Falls or take a weekend trip over to Zimbabwe!
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Start dates
2024: 2/30 Sept – 28 Oct – 25 Nov – 23 Dec
2025: 20 Jan – 17 Feb – 17 Mar – 14 Apr – 12 May -9 Jun – 7 Jul- 4 Aug- 1/29 Sept- 27 Oct – 24 Nov – 22 Dec
Longer stays than 12 weeks are possible; contact us for more information.
What you’ll pay (2024 rates)
4 weeks USD 2,950
6 weeks USD 3,720
8 weeks USD 4,930
10 weeks USD 5,060
12 weeks USD 5,730
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a shared room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- Meals from Monday to Friday
- Wifi access
- Housekeeping service
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Exclusions
- Flights to Livingstone
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals on the weekend
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Zambia.
What can I expect from an internship in Zambia?
During your internship in Zambia, you’ll be able to work with people from around the world, while also becoming part of a tight-knit community. Check out this testimonial blog from a past intern about her experience in Zambia to learn more about what your Zambian internship may entail!
How will internships with NGOs in Zambia boost my career development?
An internship with an NGO in Zambia will allow you to develop and strengthen various skills such as communication, teamwork, project management, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. You can check out this blog article in order to learn more about why doing a charity internship is good for your career!
Will I work with other interns during my internship with Roots?
It’s not a guarantee that there will be other interns on-site at the same time as you, but the organizations work with people internationally and locally to achieve their goals daily so there are plenty of colleagues around. The accommodation is a great way to meet other volunteers in the area as well!
Who can apply for an internship in Zambia?
Only people above the age of 21 can apply due to visa requirements. If you’re under 21 you can apply for a hybrid internship, which is up to 1 month in person and then continues remotely.
Am I able to receive a stipend of any kind during my internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any compensation. Since you’ll be joining a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but you can find ways to fund your internship here. The opportunities for both professional and personal growth are invaluable and your experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Livingstone. Zambia
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Public Health, Medicine, Community Outreach, Healthcare Assistance
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,950
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bring hope and health to underserved communities.
- Empower Zambians and make a tangible difference in their lives by contributing to public health initiatives.
- Provide needed medical assistance with compassion.
- Join a dedicated team to make an impact on everyday lives.
- Engulf yourself in the unique Zambian culture and discover one of the seven wonders of the world: Victoria Falls.
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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