Best Public Health Internships for 2023
If you’re wondering what the best internships in public health are, then we’re here to help you find a public health internship that’s suited to your goals.
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If you’re looking to get a glimpse into the public health field, you’ve come to the right place! As an intern on one of our public health internships, you’ll find yourself at the center of progress, actively addressing urgent health challenges that impact various communities. Internships in public health will offer you an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to projects and efforts that promote disease prevention, community well-being, and health equity. Embark on this transformative journey, where you’ll be part of impact-driven initiatives in under-served communities worldwide and join the mission for a healthier and equitable future for all.
Why choose Roots Interns for Public Health Internships?
Grassroots work
You’ll join an organization that works directly with their community to solve problems on the ground and make a real impact.
Matchmaking
We’ll help you find and prepare for an internship with the organization that’s right for you and your skills, background, and passions.
Academic Placements
Working abroad is an experience like no other and your internship will be tailored to your studies and interests.
Browse All Public Health Internship Projects
Program Assistant Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Pretoria, South Africa OR Remote
- Program Development, Coordination, Fundraising, Outreach, Reporting
Step into impactful community development and help organize and develop programs related to nutrition, psychosocial support, and skills development
Find out more
Health and Nutrition Research Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Pretoria, South Africa OR Remote
- Data Analysis, Literature Review, Reporting, Research, Writing
Explore the realms of nutrition education, breastfeeding practices, the food chain intricacies, and psychosocial support programs
Find out more
Mental and Physical Health Development Internship
- Min. 12 weeks
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Curriculum and Program Development, Education Methodology
An exciting opportunity to independently develop mental or physical care programs.
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Community Healthcare Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Puerto Inca, Peru
- Medical, Healthcare, Community outreach
Offer medical support and assistance at a local health center in the Peruvian Amazon
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Remote Mental Health Research Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Remote
- Data Collection & Analysis, Reporting, Research, Public Health
Make a valuable contribution to the fight to improve mental health support in Brazil.
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Public Health and WASH Engineering Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Shandia, Ecuador
- Education, Research, Operations, Construction, Engineering, Public Health
Help a rural community develop systems for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
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Program Management Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Cape Town, South Africa
- program management, health education, monitoring
Gain field experience educating young women and girls on Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights
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NGO Management Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
- Event Management, Fundraising, Digital Marketing
Help this NGO end period poverty and destigmatize menstruation.
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Sports Coaching Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Ghana
- Sports Coaching
Coach talented youth in Ghana in different sports, and help develop inspiring programs.
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Female Empowerment Education Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Livingstone, Zambia OR Remote
- Education, Facilitation, Research
Help develop educational materials to uplifts girls and women in this African community.
Find out more
Yoga Internship
- 8-26 weeks
- Cape Town, South Africa
- (Yoga) teaching, program development, communications
Teach yoga to bring upliftment to both individuals and the larger community.
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HIV Health Support Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Counseling, Education, HIV, Program Management
Gain experience in health education and HIV support in the context of a developing country.
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Healthcare Internship
- Min. 3 weeks
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Hospice support, Therapeutic Support, Healthcare assistance
Travel and contribute to meaningful work in the public healthcare system in South Africa.
Find out more
Other Academic Focus Areas
Benefits of Public Health Internships
Community engagement
Provide health education, support, and resources that contribute to community well-being by participating in one of our public health internships.
Industry insight
As an intern, you’ll get a look into the public health sector and the practices, principles, and methods contributing to sustainability and success in the field.
Cross-cultural competence
A public health internship will develop your global perspective and all you to bridge cultures as you’ll be working on health projects in diverse communities internationally.
Networking
Expand your professional network by connecting with professionals in the public health sector that are actively working at a grassroots level to make an impact in the lives of individuals and their communities.
Practical experience
Participating in a public health internship will enable you to gain real-world experience in projects that are making a meaningful impact on the ground.
Diversity
Enhance your interpersonal and teamwork skills by collaborating with project & community members from various backgrounds and expand your public health knowledge by taking on a range of tasks during your internship.
Why Choose Roots Internships in Public Health
Find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Public Health can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.
I had a wonderful time working with Roots and my placement organization. I was walked through the interview process and enjoyed how well-heard I was. My interests, schedule, and goals were taken into account at every turn. I felt supported during my stay and the accommodations were very nice. One of the best parts about this internship was how flexible it was. In the beginning, this was a bit of a challenge but once you find your own rhythm and goals, it’s the best. I did everything from working one-on-one with a few of the kids from the school, facilitating a girl power group, facilitating lesson plans with teachers, helping create a business plan, mission and vision statement, and so much more. Each day was new and different, a real adventure. My whole experience was so pleasant that I decided to come back after my internship and I’ll be staying here for the rest of the year! My life has been changed for the better because of this experience.
Shelby – Female Empowerment Education Internship
When I decided to travel to South Africa, Cape Town, I didn’t know what to expect – but I knew that a unique experience was waiting for me. I had the opportunity to get to know the culture, locals, nature, and life here. After a short time, I knew that this place was my home. I feel so connected to nature and people here. Every day brings magical moments of rainbows in the ocean waves, butterflies landing on me, waterfalls, nature sounds, powerful storms, laughing children, pure forests, breathtaking views, etc. Once I let myself accept that Cape Town is a place that is neither fast nor perfectly organized, but very slow and quiet, I was able to surrender to the flow and let each day come to me full of curiosity. I made a new family, wonderful friends, and unique experiences here, and was also able to learn a lot about myself, life here, and the different cultures that come together in this country. I am deeply grateful and already looking forward to my return.
Leonie – Yoga Internship
Blogs about Public Health
Public Health FAQs
Why should I do my Public Health internship abroad?
Throughout the world, there is a shortage of medical access and health education. In many communities, there is limited access to decent health care, both on a physical and a mental level. By doing your public health internship abroad, you will not only upskill yourself through hands-on work experience, but you will also make an impact in the lives of people in under-served communities.
On top of this, you’ll get to spend time in a beautiful place, embrace new cultures, and add international experience to your resume. Doing an internship abroad has a whole wealth of advantages, both on a personal and a professional level!
Who can apply for a public health internship?
AnswerIt depends! Each of our public health internship programs has a different focus and requires different experience and skills. Check out each individual internship listing to find out if you meet the requirements. And if you’re not too sure which internship is a good fit for you, just give us a shout, and we’ll guide you through it.
Whta can I expect to learn during my internship?
The various internships for public health offer quite different experiences, and each is described in more detail in the individual listings. But what they all have in common is that as an intern, you’ll join a small, passionate team, doing important work on a grassroots level. You can expect a practical and highly rewarding work experience in a welcoming environment.
Throughout your internship experience, you’ll have the support of our Roots team, as well as your supervisor on the ground. We’ve got your back when it comes to preparing for traveling, setting you up with safe and comfortable accommodations, and checking in to make sure you’re settled. We’ll also be in touch with your supervisor to ensure you’re on track to meet your internship goals and have the experience you were hoping for.
At Roots, we are dedicated to creating valuable learning experiences that also make an impact on the ground. Our internships are a unique combination of learning, doing purpose-driven work, and having an exciting travel experience.
What does the application process look like?
Are you ready to apply for one of our public health internships? Great! Here’s what to do;
- If you know which internship you’d like to apply for, fill out the application form, and send your resume to internship[at]rootsinterns.com. If you’re interested in various internships, just send us an email and we’ll guide you through the process of narrowing down your options and applying.
- Next, we’ll schedule a short virtual call to discuss your application, find out more about you and your internship goals, and allow you to ask any questions you might have.
- We’ll then pass your application on to the person who would be your supervisor on the ground. If they think it might be a good match, there will be a second interview, which will go into more detail about the internship tasks and your specific role.
- At this point, if everyone’s happy, we’ll send over an official internship offer! If you accept, we’ll start the payment and confirmation process of organizing your internship.
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
