Global Health Research Internship Abroad

International Health Alliance (IHA) offers unique internships that are designed not just for academic enhancement but for cultivating a deep-seated passion for healthcare and humanitarian service. We believe that healthcare should be an accessible right for everyone, even in the most impoverished areas of the world. Our interns have the opportunity to not only stand out for graduate school admissions and career applications but, more importantly, to help people around the world that are in critical need of medical care.

Our Global Research Program is a unique opportunity for students to combine data collection, cultural immersion, and real-world healthcare practice. Over ten weeks, participants will work alongside medical professionals, learn to design research tools, and contribute to improving access to healthcare in low-resource communities.

This internship is unpaid and has costs associated with the travel portion of the internship. International travel is a required part of the internship.

Program Duration: 10 Weeks

Overview: 9 Weeks Online Training: Dive into a structured curriculum delivered through 2-hour live and recorded online sessions each week. You'll be assigned a dedicated doctor for personalized guidance, ensuring a supportive and enriching remote learning experience. Weeks 1-5 prepare you for your data collection project in the Dominican Republic. Week 5 is on the ground in Dominican Republic. Weeks 6-10 are remote and conclude the internship after your data collection efforts are complete. 1 Week in the Dominican Republic: Embark on a transformative journey! Your in-person experience begins with training on arrival day, setting the stage for the week of hands-on medical experiences and live data collection.

On The Ground: Mobile Clinics: Spend four days participating in mobile clinics collecting data for your research project while helping those in critical need. Apply your training in challenging environments, contributing to addressing unmet medical needs. You will have the opportunity to help dozens, possibly even hundreds, of people get medical care that they desperately need and could not otherwise afford. Hospital Visit: Gain valuable insights into medical differences and hospital practices in the Dominican Republic by visiting a local hospital on the fifth day. Get first hand experience by shadowing some of the top doctors in the country. Ability to Choose Electives: Choose from a variety of added electives during your internship from suturing to cultural dance classes. Electives vary based on travel dates and doctor availability. Free Day: Strike a balance between professional development and cultural immersion with a free day on the sixth day. Explore and experience the country under the guidance of a travel agent. Return Journey: Conclude the week with the return journey home on the seventh day.

Why Choose Our Program? Remote Training Support: Structured online curriculum with live and recorded sessions. Hands-On Experience: Apply skills in mobile clinics addressing unmet medical needs and shadow some of the top doctors in the country. Experience what it is like to help people in dire need of medical help. Cultural Immersion: Explore the vibrant Dominican Republic with a free day. Professional Benefits: Receive letters of recommendation, alumni benefits, social media recognition, networking opportunities, and access to future professional development and educational courses. Unique Opportunity: Experience personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on communities.

By the end of the program, you will have: Designed and executed a data collection project. Gained real-world clinical experience. Improved your ability to analyze and present data. Built skills to enhance healthcare in low-resource settings.

Upcoming Program Travel Dates (if accepted you can choose which available cohort you want to join): May 24-31, 2026 June 14-21,2026 June 28- July 5,2026 July 12-19,2026 July 19-26,2026 July 26- August 2,2026 August 2-9,2026

The remote training portion of the internship will begin 7 weeks prior to the above program travel dates. If accepted to the program you can choose from any of the above program dates as long as there is still availability.

Requirements No previous medical experience is necessary. We provide all necessary training and you will be under the supervision of licensed doctors. Ability to travel out of the United States (Passport or Visa). Ability to work in a team setting. Must be 18 years or older. Must pass a criminal background check.

Don't miss the chance to secure your spot in this unique program that promises a journey of learning, cultural exchange, and meaningful contribution. Apply today and be part of a life-changing experience in the beautiful Dominican Republic!