Nutrition Internship in the Philippines

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Empower communities by promoting healthy living and addressing nutritional disparities through hands-on engagement, research, and educational outreach.

Embark on a transformative journey with this nutrition internship, designed to provide an immersive experience in advocating healthy living and addressing nutritional inequality within marginalized communities. As an intern, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting a nutrition program by helping develop educational materials aimed at illuminating proper nutrition practices. You’ll compile reports to track the effectiveness of the organization’s initiatives and provide valuable insights for improvement.

Central to your internship is active involvement in the feeding program, where you’ll prepare nutritious meals for sponsored children and monitor their progress through height and weight measurements. Additionally, you’ll contribute to various research endeavors, offering recommendations to enhance the nutritional quality of meals and promote holistic well-being.

Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to share your knowledge through lectures and seminars and engage with community members to foster a deeper understanding of nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. Ideal for students with backgrounds in global health, dietetics, public health, or nutrition, this internship provides a distinct platform to effect tangible change while acquiring invaluable skills and experience in the field.

ORGANIZATION

VFV is a dedicated organization offering a wide range of placements across diverse fields and environments. Through the cultivation of vibrant partnerships with local entities and governmental agencies, they not only embrace but champion a holistic approach to alleviating poverty in Tacloban, Philippines. Their mission goes beyond mere service provision; encompassing a commitment to delivering a comprehensive array of services. From vital hunger relief initiatives to the promotion of children’s healthcare and the facilitation of education opportunities, this organization strives to address the multifaceted challenges faced by communities.

Whether it’s providing educational resources to underserved schools or spearheading initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility in remote regions, VFV remains steadfast in its goal: to uplift and empower members of various communities facing adversity. By nurturing a culture of collaboration and empathy, they foster meaningful connections between volunteers and the communities they serve, creating pathways for positive change that extend far beyond.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Throughout your internship, you will be intricately involved in the core operation of the organization, acting as a vital link to seamlessly merge into the path toward enhanced nutritional health, skill development, and overall well-being within the communities being served.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare nutritious meals to monitor children’s health in the feeding program
  • Conduct research to enhance the nutritional quality of meals
  • Help facilitate lectures and seminars on nutrition
  • Write reports on project progress
  • Develop educational materials

Requirements

  • Proficient in English
  • Passionate about personal skill development through training
  • Keen interest in aiding underserved populations in resource-constrained communities
  • Background or experience in public health interventions or nutrition education
  • Adaptable mindset and willingness to embrace diverse cultures
  • Demonstrates initiative and proactive approach in all undertakings

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You will reside with an experienced host family who has graciously opened their home to international volunteers for many years. These families embrace volunteers as cherished members, eager to share Filipino culture and include them in daily routines and special festivities. Shared meals provide an opportunity to enjoy authentic local cuisine while respecting dietary preferences. The accommodation provides access to electricity and running water with private bedrooms or shared quarters, each furnished with a mosquito net for comfort. While air conditioning is not available, fans are provided to cope with the tropical weather. Bathroom facilities are shared among family members, offering basic amenities and cold-water bucket baths. Although these adjustments may initially challenge your comfort zone, you can expect a safe, clean, and comfortable environment throughout your stay.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Prior to starting your internship, it’s essential to schedule a check-up with both your doctor and dentist. During these appointments, ensure you receive all recommended vaccines and medications to maintain your health throughout your stay. During your internship, you’ll receive a warm welcome into the neighborhood of Bliss, the heart of the community. With its lively atmosphere and low-income status, Bliss boasts a commendable low crime rate and a vibrant sense of communal spirit. The homes and surroundings are meticulously maintained, reflecting the neighborhood’s pride and cohesion. The Bliss community center and staff, along with your host family will provide any support necessary to make you feel comfortable and at home.

Communication

Communication

The VFV main center has Wifi for interns to use, however most homestays do not have Wifi available. It is recommended that you purchase a SMART SIM card upon arrival in the Philippines to be able to access the Internet and mobile network during your internship and stay connected with family and friends while abroad. Before traveling, ensure your phone has been unlocked for international SIM cards.

Meals

Meals

Your host accommodation will offer two daily meals (breakfast & dinner), consisting of traditional Filipino cuisine. We are happy to accommodate individuals with special dietary restrictions; however, we kindly request prior notification to ensure we can meet your needs accordingly.

Location details

Location details

Nestled in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, Tacloban is a vibrant hub of resilience and vitality. Renowned as the commercial epicenter of the area, Tacloban boasts rich history and culture. Spare time in this city offers a wealth of attractions and activities to explore, from the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum for history buffs to Leyte Landing Memorial Park and the serene vistas of San Juanico Bridge for nature lovers. Dive into local life at the bustling markets, catch stunning sunsets at Cancabato Baywalk, or venture to Kalanggaman Island or hike Tacloban’s lush hillsides. There’s also plenty of opportunities to spend your weekends visiting nearby islands.

DATES & RATES

FEE BREAKDOWN

Start and end dates for the internship with this organization are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you’ll pay (2026 rates)

4 weeks USD 1,923

8 weeks USD 2,550

12 weeks USD 3,177

16 weeks USD 3,804

20 weeks USD 4,431

26 weeks USD 5,371

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation with a host family in a single or shared room (2 pax)
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Daily breakfast and dinner (traditional Filipino meals)
  • Waray-Waray Basic Language Lesson
  • Project Tour (to explore the different projects)
  • City Tour
  • Excursion to f.e. beach/resort
  • Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
  • Onboarding with your supervisor
  • Regular check-ins
  • Support from the Roots team remotely
  • A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
  • A reference letter upon request

Exclusions

  • Flights to Tacloban DZR Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Transport to the office
  • Lunch
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)\
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Philippines.

What can I expect from an internship in the Philippines?

During your internship, you can expect to get a glimpse into what it’s like to live and work in the Philippines. You’ll step out of your comfort zone, gain practical work experience, explore a new culture and environment, contribute to the UN SDGs, and learn valuable skills to apply in your personal life and professional career. All this, while getting to explore some of the 7,000+ islands found in the Philippines. Take walks on sandy white beaches, wander through rice terraces, dip into crystal clear waters, try tasty new foods, immerse yourself in history and culture, and enjoy every second of it! For more reasons to intern in the Philippines, check out this blog post.

Will I be able to travel around the country during my internship?

We believe an internship is more than just about your office work – it’s also about discovering and experiencing a new culture. You’ll be able to take advantage of your free time to get to the know the island and community that you are based in. Each internship has different commitments (some require a 6 day week), so be sure to confirm the schedule. To explore other islands in the Philippines, it’s recommended to plan time for an island-hopping trip after your internship experience. Be sure to ask your host organization for recommendations and must-sees!

Does my internship in the Philippines qualify for university credits?

It sure does! However, you’ll want to double check with your supervisor that your university approves the program. We can also assist you in purchasing transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.

Will I receive compensation during my internship abroad?

Unfortunately, no. When interning for a nonprofit organization, the placement will be unpaid, but there are different ways to fund your internship. Don’t forget, the wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both your professional and personal growth will be invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Tacloban, Philippines
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Program Development, Nutrition Research, Seminar Leading
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 1,923

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hands-on involvement in supporting a nutrition program’s development and implementation
  • Immersive experience in advocating for healthy living and addressing nutritional disparities
  • Engagement in knowledge-sharing activities like lectures and seminars on nutrition and healthy lifestyles
  • Perfect for students in the public health field or related fields to acquire practical skills and experience
  • Opportunity to explore the culture and natural landscapes of the Philippines
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form and share your CV with us.

GET STARTED

CONNECT

We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.

MATCH

Your placement manager will confirm with the host organization that you are qualified for their current projects.

CONFIRM

When your host site confirms that your application is being given strong consideration, verify your interest with a USD $250 deposit.

ENROLL

Meet with your host organization and move forward with your new role. We’re excited to help you plan your international internship!

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