For the past year or so, I had been preparing to study abroad in France this summer. I often imagined myself exploring the beaches of Perpignan, eating all the pasta my stomach could handle, and being fully immersed in the language and culture. Unfortunately, the global spread of the coronavirus quickly dissolved those plans, and I was applying to the SIT Kenya: Virtual Internship in Public Health in the Tropics program thanks to an email Chelsea Hodge sent out to honors students before I knew it. While I was ready for a summer revolving around my French minor, I was excited to make the most out of my summer by focusing on my goal to enter the medical field one day.
This woman used a baby doll to demonstrate how to perform a physical examination. |
Even though I was thousands of miles away, the expectations placed on me were not lowered by any means. I was often quizzed on previous topics, given readings to discuss, and assigned topics to research. The amount of work this internship required was definitely not expected, which was initially stressful as I was not sure I would be able to juggle it with my other responsibilities. However, an honest interest in what I had been learning kept me motivated to stay on top of everything, even if that meant I had to wake up at 6:00 a.m. every day due to the time difference.
Sure, there are challenges associated with virtual learning, such as technical glitches, but the Internet provided many advantages to amplify my overall experience. I was able to swiftly research topics as they were being talked about or record important sessions to rewatch them at a later time if necessary. I was not able to have an immersive cultural experience like I would have if I was physically in Kenya, but I was able to pick up on some Swahili and learn about the environment through the staff’s perspective and videos. This internship was honestly one of the greatest opportunities I had been given, and a part of me is kind of glad my France study abroad program was postponed until next summer.
This screenshot shows online discussion of gender-based violence in Africa. Chithirala is pictured at bottom right. |
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This summer, although the COVID-19 pandemic suspended study abroad programs, students participated in a Study Abroad and Honors College pilot program to complete virtual international internships.
Chemistry major Meghana Chithirala completed a virtual international internship through SIT (the School for International Training), earning direct U of A credit and gaining valuable work experience. Interns with the SIT program based in Kenya complete a five weeks placement at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or other organizations working on public health related issues in Kisumu, deepening knowledge of public health promotion and management in the tropics. Learn more about Meghana's Virtual Internship in Public Health in the Tropics in Kenya.
Interested in pursuing a virtual international internship? This innovative program allows students to put accessibility and mobility concerns aside to develop meaningful professional connections with international companies, NGOs, health and education organizations, and so on. Although it’s not a substitute for a traditional on-site experience, these programs provide a project-based pathway for students to connect with international organizations. Learn more about options to internationalize your degree plan by adding a virtual international internship to your semester.