Lessons Learned During an Event Management Internship
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Expedition Medic Internship
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Develop your paramedic skills accompanying young volunteers on the trip of a lifetime
This is a remarkable opportunity for a recently graduated medic or qualified doctor or nurse to seek international experience in incident management and paramedic support.
You’ll work as part of an organization that arranges service-focused expeditions for young people designed to develop their life skills, confidence, and global awareness. These trips include volunteer projects and adventure leadership experience in remote locations and require extensive logistical planning to ensure volunteer safety.
As an intern, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the health and safety of volunteers as they embark on this transformative expedition. Based in the organization’s in-country field base, taking occasional visits to project sites, you’ll deliver medical support (sometimes over the phone), complete incident reports, and ensure volunteer safety throughout the expeditions.
Learning Objectives
- Practical experience as a paramedic and medical support officer
- Gain behind-the-scenes insights into Raleigh’s operations
- Develop your telemedicine and remote leadership skills as you play a key role during possible medical emergencies
- Gain on-site experience in project management and risk-assessment with project support visits
- Gain expedition medicine experience through supporting medical cases in rural locations and supporting casualty evacuations
ORGANIZATION
This organization is a global powerhouse in the world of volunteer work. Active since 1978, the mission of this organization has always been to support young people to make change, both on their projects and within themselves. They arrange service-focused expeditions that provide their volunteers with opportunities for transformative personal growth. These expeditions equip volunteers with vital life skills, broaden their perspectives, and give them the confidence to become global citizens and leaders.
A crucial part of these expeditions is ensuring that all volunteer activities are done in an ethical, responsible, and sustainable way. The organization collaborates closely with local sustainable development initiatives to find sustainable solutions to issues of poverty, low education levels, food insecurity, and unemployment that volunteers can contribute towards.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Responsibilities
- Remotely support volunteer teams whilst based in the in-country field base
- Support and advise staff team on medical emergencies or incidents on project sites
- Deliver basic first aid training to volunteers and Venturer Managers
- Deliver medical one-to-one support to volunteers and manage volunteer support plans
- Prepare medical kits and manage volunteer medication as necessary
- Assist with emergency and casualty evacuations
- Complete incident reports and follow necessary reporting procedures and protocols
- Be the key point of contact for documenting medical reports, transcribing for and supporting Venturer Managers
Requirements
- You must be a qualified doctor, paramedic, or nurse to be eligible for this role. Previous experience in tropical or remote medicine is not required.
- Strong leadership and teamwork
- Compassion sensitivity to the needs of others
- Calm and collected under crisis
- Capable of the following incident response guidelines and protocols
- Ability to work autonomously
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Medical indemnity insurance – please contact your indemnity provider
- Minimum age: 25 years
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
During this internship, you’ll be joining volunteers on their expeditions in Costa Rica where you’ll spend the majority of your time at the organization’s field base. These field bases are compounds with housing and a workspace for office-based members of the team that also serve as the start and end point of expeditions.
Situated within view of Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica, you’ll stay in shared rooms or dormitories with shared communal areas. You’re sure to make close friends with the other members of your expedition team!
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
This organization has established support systems for all their expeditions, so interns can feel safe and secure. Interns will also be part of this safety and support system. As part of your internship, you will be first-aid trained and will take responsibility for the health and well-being of your volunteer group.
Communication
Communication
The field base in either country has Wifi available, although the remote location means connection can be limited.
Meals
Meals
All meals will be provided for you throughout your internship and cooked by yourself and volunteers on rotation. You can expect to eat many rice and bean dishes as this is the local staple. You and your team of Venture Managers will also be given a small food budget for extra fruits and snacks.
Location details
Location details
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with untamed natural landscapes featuring rainforests, volcanoes, and stunning coastlines. You’ll be based in Turrialba on a remote farm, surrounded by mountain-scapes and deep forests.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship programs have fixed start and end dates which can be found below.
26 January - 19 April 2025 --> Application deadline: 9 December 2024
11 June - 3 September 2025 --> Application deadline: 23 April 2025
26 September - 18 December 2025 --> Application deadline: 8 August 2025
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
12 weeks GBP 200 + fundraising contribution of £400-£600
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 dorm/shared room
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- All project transport
- Project training and equipment
- Raleigh t-shirt
- Exclusive travel kit discounts & advice
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- On-site 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 San José, Costa Rica
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Outdoor travel kit (details provided upon application)
- 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 Costa Rica.
What can I expect from an internship in Costa Rica?
During your internship, you can expect to gain a mix of professional development and cultural exploration. Also, throughout your internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, collaborating with locals and fellow interns, building relationships and a strong network.
How will a nonprofit internship in Costa Rica boost my career development?
As you engage in meaningful projects that contribute to sustainable development and environmental causes, you’ll gain a sense of purpose and passion for creating a positive change. Also, you’ll get to use and sharpen your professional skills, as well as your interpersonal skills. If you wish to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!
While on an internship in Costa Rica can I receive university credit?
Yes, but you must ensure with your university supervisor that the internship meets the needed requirements. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits to supplement your internship experience.
Will I receive compensation of any kind during my internship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any sort of stipend. When interning for a nonprofit organization, you will not be paid, but here are some ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring opportunities for both professional and personal growth and a wealth of new knowledge which is invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Borneo, Costa Rica, OR South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Volunteer Organization
TASK FOCUS: First Aid, Medical Support, Emergency Responder
LENGTH: 12 weeks
COST: From GBP 200
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain international experience working for a meaningful cause
- Build extensive practical skills in risk assessment, paramedical, and medical support
- Gain insight into sustainable community development and project management
- Help set the stage for a transformative experience for young volunteers
- Join thrilling expeditions to an incredible destination
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship or want more information, here’s what to do:
MORE INFO
Visit the Raleigh website for more extensive information about this internship.
APPLY
Complete the online form on the Raleigh website and upload a copy of your CV/resume.
ASSESSMENT
Raleigh will invite you to attend an assessment event if your application has been approved. If successful, you will be offered a place on one of their Expeditions.
CONFIRMATION
If everyone’s happy, Raleigh will provisionally confirm your placement and send you the invoice for the deposit.
PREPARE
Your placement is confirmed when the deposit has been received. You will then receive all the information to help you prepare as well as an invitation to the Raleigh Training event.
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Expedition Medic Internship
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Provide aid to those in need and develop your paramedic skills accompanying young volunteers on the trip of a lifetime.
Find out more
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