FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows
"Global health seems much more real and personal. My experience has put a face to many issues of global health. I have a much better understanding of what does and doesn't work in global health and why it does or doesn't work. I realize now how important it is for clinics and public health programs to work with the community rather than just come in right away and do what they personally think is best." - Shane O'Brien, Project Bumwalukani, Summer 2010
"Overall, I had a great time working at FIMRC. I liked being able to work autonomously on the competitor analysis, as well as part of a team on the health education manual. I felt like I contributed concretely to FIMRC, both on the business side...and the healthcare volunteer side...so that while I was sitting in Philadelphia headquarters, I still felt a part of the activity in Africa and South America." - Luisa Armstrong, HQ, Summer 2010
"Though potable water and community education become your mantra, it is clear that there may seldom be simple solutions; each colorfully dynamic community must develop the delicate trust and respect between population and NGO that is necessary before approaching any obstacle." - Steven Purcell, Project Las Delicias, Summer 2010The FIMRC Internship Program provides the most driven individuals with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience developing innovative and sustainable solutions to a variety of global health challenges. Two types of internships are offered based on length of stay. FIMRC Ambassadors commit to 1 to 6 months on site and FIMRC Fellows commit to 7 months to a year on site.
As a FIMRC Ambassador/Fellow you will:
- Face the challenges of providing basic health care services in areas with little technological, financial, and/or educational support by designing, executing, and evaluating a self-driven project.
- Gain valuable insight into the inner workings of an international non-profit organization and foreign health care systems.
- Become immersed into the language and culture of your host community, thus gaining an intimate view of how behavior, culture, and economy affect health.
For further information on the internship program please click on the headings below.
- Fast Facts:
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- Internships are available in Costa Rica, El Salvador, India, Nicaragua, Peru, Uganda, and FIMRC Global Headquarters in Philadelphia.
- Two types of internships are offered:
- Ambassador Program (1 to 6 month commitment)
- Fellowship Program (7 month to 1 year commitment)
- Applicants do not apply to specific sites but rather the Ambassador or Fellowship Programs in general. Placements are based on the sites' needs, applicants' skill sets, and individual applicant's financial standing.
- Internships are unpaid.
- FAQs:
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What is a FIMRC Ambassador/Fellow?
FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows are highly qualified and driven individuals who believe that community development and a holistic approach to patient care are essential to improving global pediatric/maternal health services. They commit one month to one year of voluntary service developing sustainable projects at FIMRC Headquarters in Philadelphia or any one of our international project sites.
Where do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows work?
FIMRC Ambassadorships/Fellowships are available at FIMRC Headquarters in Philadelphia and all of our international project sites.
What do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows do?
FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows develop sustainable solutions to common problems that FIMRC partner communities face on a daily basis, such as access to clean water and nutritious foods, HIV/AIDS education, and the improvement of prenatal/postnatal patient services. Most projects involve basic health education and community outreach components. For more information, please see individual project descriptions above.
What is a typical day like?
Each project site maintains its own unique agenda. However, all Ambassadors/Fellows can expect to meet with their staff mentor or community leaders on a weekly basis to discuss project planning, implementation, and analysis. Community meetings and house visits as well as attending to patients at the various partner clinics, hospitals, and health outposts is also an important component of daily life in the field.
What level of staff support do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows receive?
While in the field, Ambassadors/Fellows work closely with the Field Operations Managers and clinic staff. Quite often, community members become important and influential partners in project development and implementation as well.
What are the benefits of participation in the internship program?
Ask any former Ambassador/Fellow and they will tell you they received much more from the FIMRC experience than they gave. In addition to gaining field experience working within a foreign health system and with an international NGO, participants develop project management and research skills, and benefit from the personal growth that always comes through intensive language and cultural emersion experiences. Many former Ambassadors/Fellows continue on to graduate school, medical school, or careers in NGO’s.
What are the internship program participation requirements?
Because of its holistic approach to patient care, FIMRC encourages diversity of backgrounds and experiences among applicants. In addition to students and professionals of community/global health and medicine, those with experience in NGO/business management, psychology, sociology, anthropology and the performing arts are highly encouraged to apply. The ability to work in intercultural settings and comfort with international travel is highly valuable as well.
Do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows need to speak another language ?
There is no language requirement for Project Bumwalukani, Project Kodaikanal or to work at HQ. All those interested in placement in Central or South America must have conversational Spanish. FIMRC’s national partner, Language Tailor, provides language assessments for Ambassador/Fellow candidates and is an excellent resource to look into for Spanish language training.
What is the minimum/maximum time commitment?
Ambassadors commit 1 to 6 months of service. Fellows commit 7 months to 1 year of service. This time may be split between HQ and an international project site.
Why do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows have to pay to work voluntarily?
Ambassadors/Fellows are very special and important members of the FIMRC family. We understand that due to their extended commitment to working in the field, personal financial situations can become complicated. We therefore offer rates that reflect our gratitude for the long-term support. Pricing can be discussed once an applicant is involved in the recruitment process.
What are the living/lodging costs involved?
Living costs vary depending on the project site but you can rest assured that they are nowhere near the cost of living in the United States.
How do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows fund their travel?
Past participants have funded their service through the assistance of family, friends, church groups, school associations, scholarships, and loans. Aside from the greatly reduced housing costs, FIMRC cannot offer financial assistance to Ambassadors/Fellows.
Do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows need to purchase travel insurance?
Travel insurance is only necessary if the current insurance plan does not provide emergency evacuation from foreign countries. FIMRC has partnered with Worldwide Risk Management (WRM) to assist in providing Ambassadors/Fellows with adequate international travel and medical insurance. WRM specializes in providing international health insurance to mission groups, volunteer organizations, and individuals traveling overseas for missions and humanitarian relief. FIMRC and WRM would like to suggest the Outreach Travel Medical Insurance product as the most appropriate insurance plan for your traveling needs. It is designed for the individual short term volunteer traveling for five days and up to 12 months. Outreach Travel provides medical benefits, emergency evacuation, terrorism coverage, natural disaster benefits, trip interruption, and lost luggage benefits. These are just a few highlights. For more thorough information, click here to read the full brochure. If you would like to get a quote or are ready to purchase, click here.
Do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows need a Visa?
The requirements of each partner country are different. For more information, please see individual project descriptions above.
Do FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows need any vaccinations?
In some cases, vaccinations will be necessary. Please click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most current vaccination recommendations.
Will FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows be safe?
FIMRC takes the safety and security of all participants very seriously. We provide secure housing and transport at all locations and debrief Ambassadors/Fellows on the norms of the country to ensure they do not mistakenly put themselves at risk. Close contact with community leaders ensures that in-country staff is aware of any potential situations that could compromise participants’ safety, thus allowing them to be proactive in taking the necessary precautions. It is also highly recommended that participants register themselves with the US Embassy in the country of service.
- How to Apply:
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Submit the following to internshipprogram@fimrc.org
- Personal statement of interest including dates of availability (no more than 500 words)
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Application Deadlines:
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- Fall: July 15
- Winter: September 15
- Spring/Summer: February 15
