The Millennium Villages Internship program provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about implementing public health, business development, agriculture, infrastructure, and other development interventions though firsthand participation. Students will be placed in one of the fourteen (14) MVP sites in ten (10) countries in sub-Saharan Africa or one of the regional MDG centers in Nairobi or Bamako. The program is intended to provide assistance and support to the MVP teams overseeing the interventions. In addition, students will gain knowledge, tools, skills, and experiences that they can apply to their coursework/thesis project as well as to their future professional pursuits. Students will have a rewarding and challenging experience and make a genuine contribution to achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in sub-Saharan Africa.
We welcome all applicants who have an interest in sustainable development and demonstrate a commitment to working with underserved populations. While preference is given to Columbia University graduate school applicants, graduate students from other institutions may also apply.
PROJECT SELECTION AND SITE PLACEMENT
Internship placements are made based on the needs of the site. MVP sites or MDG Center will identify projects and/or tasks for interns. Applicants should identify preferred placement regarding site. However, there is no guarantee that these requests can be met.
The MVP sites are located in Ethiopia (Koraro), Ghana (Bonsaaso), Kenya (Dertu & Sauri), Malawi (Gumulira & Mwandama), Mali (Tiby & Toya), Nigeria (Ikaram & Pampaida), Rwanda (Mayange), Senegal (Potou), Tanzania (Mbola) and Uganda (Ruhiira). The regional MDG Centers are located in Bamako and Nairobi. For more information about the MVP and these sites, please visit www.millenniumvillages.org
SESSION DATES AND APPLICATION DEADLINES
Summer Session: May – August 2012
Six-month Public Health Practicum: June – December 2012 (only for Masters Students in Global Health from the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University)
- General Application Deadline: February 10, 2012
- Acceptance Date / Assignment Finalizations: ~ March 9, 2012
Interns are expected to commit at least 2 months (8 weeks) to the MVP internship.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Please complete all sections of the application thoroughly. Your application must include all of the following to be considered:
- Internship Application Form (Download application)
- Résumé/CV
- Two Letters of Recommendation: If possible, please include a letter from a previous employer.
All applicants must send application and materials to:
Natalie Unwin-Kuruneri
Assistant Director, Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development
Office of Academic and Research Programs
The Earth Institute, Columbia University
natalie@ei.columbia.edu
Students from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons should also send their applications to:
Krystyna Cukrowski
Program Coordinator, College of Physicians & Surgeons
Office of Student Affairs
kc17@columbia.edu
