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It’s right there in the name, global health—to succeed in this industry, you need to know how to collaborate with and reach a diverse audience from all over the world. One of the best ways to accomplish this is with an international public/global health internship.
An AIFS Abroad internship will help you expand your world perspective while building valuable skills that will launch your career in the public/global health industry. AIFS Abroad offers exceptional opportunities for internships in some of the world’s most iconic cities, so here are our top five cities for public/global health internships!
Want to lay the groundwork for a successful career in the industry? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 cities for public/global health internships!
1. London
London has long been at the forefront of public health and medical advancements, making it an ideal city for an internship in public or global health. Home to world-famous institutions like the National Health Service (NHS) and countless local, national and global health organizations, the city provides the perfect environment to begin your career in public/global health. With an internship in London, you can assist with public health research, support community health initiatives, or work with NGOs to tackle health issues—London offers you the chance to have a real-world impact in the local community and beyond. As a multicultural metropolis, the city also presents unique chances to gain a better understanding of healthcare disparities, public policy, and challenges that arise when providing healthcare to diverse populations.
Beyond its professional opportunities, London is an exciting place to live, filled with history, culture, and endless things to explore. You can stroll through Hyde Park, visit world-famous museums, or indulge in the city’s appetizing and diverse food scene—including everything from traditional fish and chips to chicken tikka masala (which was invented in the UK!). London’s excellent public transportation means you’ll have no problem getting around this bustling city for cheap—you can get from a public health seminar to a West End show in no time. If you’re ready to boost your career while enjoying diverse cultural experiences, hop on the Tube and start your journey!
2. San José
Costa Rica has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, making San José, the country’s capital, an unbeatable choice for your public/global health internship. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Costa Rica’s average life expectancy at birth (78.6 years) is higher than that of the United States’ (76.4) and the global average (71.4). Besides the strong government public health systems in the country, there is also an emerging private healthcare and NGO/non-profit industry that offers plenty of internship opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. With an internship in San José, you can learn how organizations liaise with government bodies and the community to address health issues and provide quality care. Intern in San José and learn what makes Costa Rica’s public health system so great.
Physical and mental health are inextricably linked—if you intern abroad in San José, you’ll learn that the Ticos (Costa Ricans) aren’t just healthy, they’re happy too. Intern in this tropical city, and you can enjoy the “Pura Vida” life—eat delicious cuisine made from local ingredients, go on adventures in the lush rainforests, and make friends with the welcoming natives. Thanks to San José’s location in the center of the country, you can explore everything Costa Rica has to offer, including biodiverse national parks filled with unique wildlife, beautiful villages bursting with traditional Tico culture, and beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Enjoy the good life and choose a public/global health internship in San José!
3. Dublin
Dublin is a major hub for public and global health, making it an exceptional place to launch your career in the field. Home to the renowned Health and Service Executive (HSE), numerous public health research centers, and a growing network of international NGOs, Dublin offers a wealth of opportunities for interns to make an impact and develop their careers. Whether navigating health policy initiatives, assisting with community health outreach programs, or helping with data collection and analysis, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a city with a top-notch universal healthcare system. Dublin’s position as a gateway to Europe offers exposure to global health perspectives and collaborative projects that address pressing international health challenges, from infectious disease control to mental health advocacy.
Dublin is the perfect city to immerse yourself in a new, fascinating culture while you make friends. The city’s welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to meet people, whether you’re chatting with locals in a cozy pub or joining a weekend hiking group to explore the stunning Irish countryside. There are also AIFS Abroad excursions that are included in your program fee. These trips are meant to enrich your experience and help you explore the country. Plus, they’re a great way to bond with other interns abroad. Explore Irish culture, make lifelong friends, and develop your dream career in public/global health in one of the world’s most exciting cities—you can have it all with an international internship in Dublin!
4. Galway
Galway is the perfect option for anyone looking for an international public/global health internship in a smaller city. As a close-knit community with a strong focus on healthcare accessibility, Galway provides interns with opportunities to work directly with local healthcare institutions, public health initiatives, and community organizations. The city places you in an environment filled with leading institutions like the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), which hosts innovative research in global health. In addition, many non-profits and NGOs are located in here, including organizations focused on supporting rural communities in Ireland’s countryside. Doing an internship in Galway will allow you to engage with healthcare on a more personal level, gaining firsthand experience in addressing public health challenges in one of Europe’s smaller cities—an invaluable skill for those looking to work in underserved areas or more isolated global communities.
Galway is an amazing choice for an international internship if you want to learn about Irish culture in a smaller, quieter city that’s brimming with life—the city is the cultural heartland of Ireland. With a public/global health internship in this small city, you can get an authentic look into Irish culture and heritage. You can explore colorful streets lined with cozy pubs, stone houses, and smiling faces. In every season, the city is home to some fun events like the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, Galway Early Music Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, Galway International Arts Festival, and much more. With its friendly locals and small-town warmth, you’ll feel like a Galwegian in no time!
Looking to impress employers with an international public/global health internship? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international public/global health internship is an incredible way to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for aspiring public/global health professionals in some of the world’s most exciting cities. With inclusions such as housing, insurance, career readiness programming, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain hands-on public/global health experience with an internship abroad!