ABOUT
The program lasts 8 weeks, from May 12, 2020 to July 9, 2020. Students start with a two-week orientation course, in which they receive intensive instruction on all aspects of Moldovan health and healthcare from the state’s School of Public Health Management, incorporating visits to several health institutions (state and private; urban and rural), as well as instruction on Romanian language. During this initial period they also receive a comprehensive general orientation to help them get to know Chisinau, local customs, culture and etiquette, and how to negotiate living in and getting around the city. They then embark on six-week internships chosen (ahead of the time) from a variety of state and NGO organizations working in areas of public health, health education, community mental health, children with disabilities, care for the elderly, environmental health, and others. Logistics, health and safety protocols, and social activities are provided by the Moldovan country office of American Councils for International Education. Upon satisfactory completion of the program students earn 4 transferable academic credits from Bryn Mawr College.
Pre-Departure Orientation Program
In order to get the most academic/professional benefit from this internship program, as well as to prepare participants for living and working in a different country and culture, there is a pre-departure orientation program. This is made up of a series of seminars/webinars conducted from Allegheny College in which future program participants will undertake preliminary research on Moldova and its health profile, study their internship organizations and the kind of work they will be doing, receive information/advice concerning health and safety, and in general prepare them for the experience they will be undergoing. Students are also advised to do some preliminary study of Romanian (the main language of Moldova).
This pre-departure program will include a video-conference on health/safety with directors from the American Councils office in Washington DC.
More details of all this will be provided to students on acceptance into the program.
