INTERNSHIPS IN THE MILLENNIUM VILLAGES
The Millennium Villages Internship program provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain on-the-ground experience in public health, business development, agriculture, infrastructure, and other development interventions though firsthand participation. The MVP is a unique project, where interventions are implemented through a multi-sectoral, community-based model. Students will be placed in one of the ten (10) MVP sites that are located in ten (10) countries across sub-Saharan Africa, or at one of the regional centers in Nairobi or Dakar.
Students provide assistance to the MVP site teams and NY- and Africa-based technical advisory staff who are overseeing interventions. Students will gain knowledge, tools, skills, and experiences that they can apply to their coursework as well as to their future professional pursuits. Students will have a rewarding and challenging experience and make a genuine contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals in sub-Saharan Africa.
ELIGIBILITY
We welcome applicants who have an interest in sustainable development, demonstrate a commitment to working with underserved populations, and are interested in living in Africa for a short period of time. Please note that these internships are only open to Columbia University graduate students.
PROJECT SELECTION AND SITE PLACEMENT
Internship placements are made based on the needs of the site. MVP site teams will identify projects and/or tasks for interns. Applicants should identify their preferred site placement; however, there is no guarantee that these requests can be met.
The Earth Institute offers a limited amount of funding for these internships. Students should also indicate if they have other sources of funding for the internship, including the amount of funding.
The MVP sites are located in Ethiopia (Koraro), Ghana (Bonsaaso), Kenya (Sauri), Malawi (Mwandama), Mali (Tiby), Nigeria (Pampaida), Rwanda (Mayange), Senegal (Potou), Tanzania (Mbola) and Uganda (Ruhiira). The regional centers are located in Dakar and Nairobi. Please note that proficiency in French is required for placement in French-speaking countries (Senegal and Mali). Please also note that placements in any country may be revoked due to political instability and safety/travel warnings. For more information about the MVP and these sites, please visit www.millenniumvillages.org.
SESSION DATES AND APPLICATION DEADLINES
General MVP Summer Session: May/June – August/September 2014
Six-month MVP Summer Public Health Practicum: June – December 2014
- General MVP AND Public Health Practicum Application Deadline: February 14, 2014
- Acceptance Date/Assignment Finalizations: ~ March 14, 2014
General MVP Summer Session: Interns are expected to commit at least 2 months (8 weeks)
MVP Summer Public Health Practicum: Interns are expected to commit at least 2-3 months (8-12 weeks)
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Please complete all sections of the application thoroughly. Your application must include all of the following to be considered:
- General MVP Summer Session Application OR MVP Summer Public Health Practicum Application (only for Masters Students in Global Health from the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University)
- Résumé/CV
- Two Letters of Recommendation: If possible, please include a letter from a previous employer (only required for the General MVP Summer Session Application).
ALL applicants must send their materials to:
Natalie Unwin-Kuruneri
Associate Director, Office of Academic and Research Programs
The Earth Institute, Columbia University
natalie@ei.columbia.edu
Applicants from the Mailman School of Public Health should also send their applications to:
Preet Minhas
MVP Health Program Coordinator
pminhas@ei.columbia.edu
Applicants 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
