Internships
The MEDLIFE Internship provides an incredible opportunity for students looking to further commit themselves to MEDLIFE's work in Latin America. Interns work closely with MEDVIDA field staff on a variety of aid projects. Interns also contribute to the goals of MEDLIFE USA by assisting the with the management and promotion of MEDLIFE in the United States.
Summer Internships
Apply for the summer internship! All applications are due by February 12, 2012.
The Basics
MEDLIFE hosts summer interns in both Riobamba, Ecuador, and Lima, Peru. Interns live and work out of our MEDLIFE office, which doubles as a furnished apartment space, in each city. Interns are typically involved in a variety of aspects of MEDLIFE's operation, both in the US and abroad (see Responsibilities). The internship is 10 weeks and will run from mid-June to the end of August (exact start and end dates are flexible). MEDLIFE covers furnished housing, basic utilities, and work-related expenses for the duration of the internship. Interns are responsible for airfare and personal expenses.
Responsibilities
Intern responsibilities include helping lead Mobile Clinics, coordinating MEDLIFE Fund projects, assisting with patient follow-up care, producing promotional materials and media, coordinating fundraisers and other events with existing MEDLIFE chapters, assisting in administrative matters, researching assigned global health and/or international development topics, and otherwise helping to bring MEDLIFE's services to more people and places, both in the United States and abroad. Interns may also have the opportunity to engage in volunteer work with local organizations such as schools and hospitals.
Interns should expect to spend about 60% of their working time in the office and 40% in the field. Although the internship takes place in Latin America, a very important aspect of the program involves working to expand MEDLIFE to new schools, donor bases, and sectors in the United States. MEDLIFE interns also serve as a primary point of contact for MEDLIFE members in the United States looking to learn more about our organization, and as such all interns are expected to continue their service to MEDLIFE following completion of the internship.
Requirements
-Interns must be current undergraduates or recent grads.
-Interns serve a minimum of 10 weeks in Latin America.
-Knowledge of the Spanish language strongly recommended.
-Prior involvement with MEDLIFE highly desired, but not necessary.
-Interns skilled in the following areas will be highly valued: marketing, photography, video production, communications, journalism, computer science, and art/design.
What We're Looking For
We want self-motivated students who are able to work with minimal supervision. While most of our work is focused on medicine, this opportunity is for anyone interested in international development, so you don't need to be pre-med or have any medical background for that matter, or to have previous involvement with MEDLIFE. We want to recruit interns who have a range of skills sets and who can contribute to our organization in multiple ways. Most importantly, our interns need to be willing to do whatever it takes to help the poorest of the poor, from waking up at 5am to accompany a patient to the hospital, to spending an entire week in the office calling potential donors, to taking off a Sunday to work on a stair project. We want people who are serious about the work we do and who are willing to make a sacrifice to help those in need.
Year-Round Internships
MEDLIFE also hosts year-round internships for students looking to serve 6 months or more throughout the year. For all year-round internships beginning in Fall 2012, students should fill out our standard Summer Internship application. Please note on the application that you would like to be considered for the year-round internship, and include your dates of availability. Applications for internships in Fall 2012 - Spring 2013 are due by March 31. Contact Angie Vidal at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions.
