Replying to @P. Ky also my internship came with a stipend. I have never done unpaid work and will never advise anyone to #globalhealth #globalhealthinternship #publichealthintership #internship #publichealth
Having personally completed a global health internship that was fully remote due to COVID-19, I can relate deeply to the experiences shared here. One of the key tools that made managing my responsibilities feasible was Smartsheet—a cloud-based platform ideal for tracking report submissions and automating workflows across different time zones. This allowed me to stay organized and ensure timely, accurate reporting despite not being physically present in Burkina Faso where the project was based. From my perspective, stipends are vital for internships, especially in fields like global health where the workload can be intensive and skill-building is profound. Being fairly compensated makes a significant difference, enabling interns to focus fully on their tasks and gain valuable experience without financial stress. I agree that unpaid internships generally should be approached with caution—particularly in sectors related to public health—because the work done can be complex and impactful, deserving fair remuneration. This remote internship model also highlighted how digital tools and excellent communication can bridge geographical gaps in global health projects. Even though I never traveled to the host country, I contributed effectively and built strong professional skills that enhanced my understanding of health systems and international collaboration. For anyone considering a global health internship, especially remotely, I recommend familiarizing yourself with project management software like Smartsheet and advocating for stipends to ensure a sustainable and enriching experience.
