CSIH International Internships

Host Organizations

Host organizations for CSIH International Health internships include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Organization for Migration (IOM), regional health organizations such the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Ministries of Health, UN Programs, public health associations and universities.

When CSIH is applying for government or private funding for an internship project, Calls for Internship Proposals are sent to prospective host agencies with information on the what kinds of placements are being supported. The process is then as follows:

• Organizations interested in hosting intern(s) submit a proposal to CSIH based on guidelines and criteria geared to the demands of the particular funding department or entity.

• The YPPP Advisory Committee makes a selection of the best placements presented by host organizations in terms of CSIH objectives and the funding entity’s requirements and objectives.

• Once funding is approved, selected placement opportunities are advertised on the CSIH website and networks so that young Canadian professionals (usually recent university graduates) can apply for specific internships.

• Host organizations make the final selection of intern(s) following telephone interviews of candidates short-listed by CSIH.

• Host organizations agree to provide the work experience as planned for in their proposal, assign a mentor and provide support and career guidance to their intern(s).

CSIH has recently launched a program of self-funded internships called the Global Citizens for Global Health (GCGH) program. GCGH internships may be either short-term (under 3 months) or long-term (average of 6 months) and commence at any time of the year. GCGH internships are tailored to the qualifications and interests of specific individuals and Terms of Reference are drafted in collaboration with approved applicants. Host organizations under all CSIH international internship programs are required to provide mentorship to their CSIH interns and support for their job search activities on completion of their placements. They are also required to assist with finding suitable accommodation in the host country. Host organizations receive no financial or material support from CSIH to assist with hosting interns; but they are also not required to pay a stipend or assist interns financially, unless they choose to do so.

Host organizations under all CSIH international internship programs are required to provide mentorship to their CSIH interns and support for their job search activities on completion of their placements. They are also required to assist with finding suitable accommodation in the host country. Host organizations receive no financial or material support from CSIH to assist with hosting interns; but they are also not required to pay a stipend or assist interns financially, unless they choose to do so. Host organizations must agree to provide all necessary office space and equipment. If interns are required to travel in-country or internationally in order to fulfill their internship duties, host agencies have to be prepared to cover the associated costs.

CSIH interns are well-qualified, talented young professionals, many with advanced degrees, who have traditionally made remarkable contributions to the work of their host organizations. Please see Interns’ Experiences and reports. If your organization is interested in receiving a CSIH international intern(s), please write to us at internship@csih.org  with the name, title, and email address of the contact person, as well as the name of your organization and the country or region in which you would place intern(s). We look forward to hearing from you.