CSIH International Internships

What is Expected?

CSIH international interns must be independent and motivated individuals who can adapt to the challenges of working, both alone and as part of a team, in a different cultural environment.

Once selected, you will be asked to sign a letter of agreement that outlines the responsibilities of all parties before, during, and after the placement.

Prior to placement, CSIH interns are required to:

• arrange for and purchase a return airplane ticket to the country of the placement;

• arrange for and acquire all necessary visas for travel;

• arrange for and acquire all necessary travel, medical, and life insurance before departure;

• arrange for and receive all required medicals, vaccinations and medications required for the host country;

• in consultation with host organization representatives, arrange for accommodation in the host country;

• complete the necessary forms required for CSIH and sponsoring agencies.

Note: For government-sponsored interns under programs such as CIDA's International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), CSIH pays directly for airfare and other pre-departure costs after interns have done the research for themselves and made the necessary arrangements. Other pre-departure expenses are reimbursed. Government-sponsored internships are fully-funded, with a stipend provided for accommodation and living expenses overseas.

CSIH provides assistance if difficulties are encountered during the preparation phase. All CSIH interns must be reachable by phone or email in the period between being offered a placement and departure overseas, as CSIH maintains contact on a daily or weekly basis and circumstances can arise requiring immediate attention.

All CSIH international interns must attend pre-departure training including: intercultural training, safety and security briefings, cross-cultural training, country and professional briefings, Global Health education, and goal-setting. CSIH also provides briefing materials including brochures, pamphlets, instruction sheets, and other useful information on adapting to life in a new country.

Government-sponsored CSIH interns are required to participate in awareness-raising activities in Canada to motivate more Canadians to become involved in global health and development.

Government-sponsored interns are required to submit reports to CSIH at the mid-way point in their placements and at the end. They are also obligated to keep CSIH informed of their employment status for two years after their internship, for purposes of program evaluation by the government.

Other responsibilities, including those of CSIH towards interns, are detailed in letters of agreement signed at the time of accepting a CSIH internship.

Are you eligible? . What is expected ? . Currently available internships.
How do I apply? .  History of CSIH internship program . Participants' experiences and reports