Funding Sources
While some internships are funded, or pay a salary, the majority of internships are done largely, or entirely, at your own expense. Check with your department for fellowships or grants. If you are considering working in Latin America or Africa, please check with the UF Center for Latin American Studies and the Center for African Studies for available travel grants. Also, speak to a financial aid counselor at the Office for Student Financial Affairs to ascertain any funding potential through loans or scholarships.
A number of non-traditional sources are available to for funding your internship.
Below are various organizations which may accept carefully prepared requests from an individual or institution. They provide full or partial support for an international opportunity.
The following information is based on that provided by the American Medical Student Association.
Religious Organizations
Many religious organizations have become more active in their support of
service-related projects with an international focus. Although an organization
may be approached, it may be more appropriate to request aid from a particular
committee or branch within the organization. These may be set up to act more
directly on such a request (e.g. a social ministry committee or "missionary" group).
Clearly, a student belonging to such an organization most likely has a better
chance of receiving a favorable response.
Local & Regional Chapters of Civic Organizations
Area chapters of the Lions Club, Jaycees, Rotary, Junior League (for women only), for example, give generously to fund education. Look for contacts in the phone book where you study, and in your hometown or find more information at the following links:
Ethnic Organizations
Local ethnic organizations may be interested in offering support for an internship located in the country of affiliation. While larger metropolitan areas usually host a number of active ethnic organizations and associations, smaller cities, too, often have one or more strong ethnic organizations that can be approached for assistance.
Local & Regional Foundations
Foundations may offer assistance to a student whose international internship is related to the foundation's mission.
Corporate or Foundation Support
National corporations often receive many requests for funding, while local corporations are more accessible and can become more personally involved. A local corporation may consider awarding a grant or a scholarship as part of its public relations efforts.
Partners of the Americas
Partners of the Americas is the largest private, voluntary organization in the Western hemisphere. It is engaged in economic and social development and technical training. The organization works by pairing US states and the District of Columbia with regions and countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in "partnerships." The partnerships partake in exchanges and organize development projects determined by local needs. These projects have included maternal/child health and nutrition, immunizations, AIDS prevention and education, and drug abuse prevention. Airfare is usually furnished for approved participants and either home stays are provided or low-cost room and board is available. To identify the coordinator of your state's partnership, contact:
Partners of the Americas
1424 K Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-628-3300
Fax: 202-628-3306
Local Newspapers & Magazines
Local publication companies may consider paying a student writing one or more articles regarding health care issues in the country of the internship. For example, a student who wrote a series of articles for a Philadelphia daily newspaper on healthcare in China covered all of his trip costs and expenses.
Local & Regional Chapters of Professional
Most medical and allied health sciences professions have their own professional organizations. A well-written proposal directed to the appropriate group may receive a positive response. For example, the Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians' Foundation has designated funds for several partial scholarships for students anticipating participation in a medical mission trip.
Sister City Organizations
Dynamic Sister City relationships can be the source of reciprocal programs and home stays. These, if tied to an international internship, can significantly reduce its cost. To locate a contact for a program in your city, or to initiate a Sister City relationship, request information from Sister Cities International:
Sister Cities International
120 South Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-836-3535