CPH currently has an agreement with the NGO Child Family Health International (CFHI) to offer global internships and practica to CPH graduate students. Students interested in an international practicum experience are highly encouraged to develop their project through CFHI to ensure your practicum experience results in a successfully completed project. CFHI has extensive experience working with public health students from around the U.S. and is familiar with the necessary requirements to ensure a successful practicum project and on-time graduation.

International practicum projects are still required to adhere to all MPH practicum guidelines. Additionally, students are advised to start the planning process for an international practicum earlier than those for a domestic practicum and should inform the practicum director of their global interest within their first year on campus.

Once students have applied and been accepted to a CFHI practicum experience, they will work with the CPH practicum director, their CFHI preceptor, and the CFHI practicum coordinator to develop an eligible practicum project and travel timeline.

Due to the increased complexity of planning and executing a successful international practicum, student eligibility for a global project will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The MPH and Practicum Directors will advise each student on whether or not an international practicum is feasible within their plan of study. Below is a list of minimum (but not exclusive) eligibility requirements:

• Significant previous experience traveling outside the U.S. prior to leaving for their global practicum.
• Possession of a valid passport and ability to obtain a visa (as needed)
• Good academic and disciplinary standing at the university and CPH

Students who do not have previous international travel experience are encouraged to engage in one of CPH’s non-practicum-based global programs during their first year. A list of available global programs can be found at: cph.uiowa.edu/current-global-programs

CFHI currently offers practicum experiences in 10 countries. Each location is able to provide different practical experiences and public health emphasis areas. As with a domestic practicum project, students must choose a project topic and location that is relevant to their primary area of study. Students can explore available topics and location options at: www.cfhi.org/all-programs 

Location options are:

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Ecuador
• Ghana
• India
• Mexico
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Uganda

Please note: All international practicums must meet the required minimum number of hours for the MPH practicum. CFHI’s short-term programs are not eligible options for CPH graduate students.

1. Students should start by contacting the practicum director and setting up a meeting as soon as possible and no later than 1 year prior to their planned practicum experience. Due to degree capstone requirements, most students will only be able to complete an international practicum project during the summer after their second year, extending their graduation date to August.
2. Students should plan to attend one of the MPH Practicum Information Sessions hosted by the practicum director during their first year on campus.
3. If students do not have significant international travel experience, they should aim to engage in a preliminary global experience with CPH during their first academic year on campus. Available global program options can be found at: cph.uiowa.edu/current-global-programs
4. Students are required to apply and be approved by both the practicum director and CFHI before they can begin the planning process. Students should aim to complete this application in the fall prior to their summer practicum so that the spring semester can be spent planning the project and making necessary travel arrangements. Students may not complete the CFHI application without prior approval from the practicum director.

As a reminder, eligibility for an international practicum will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the practicum director will advise each student on whether a global project is the right fit for them. Students should also consider the increased cost associated with traveling and living overseas for several months, as well as the tuition costs that come with delaying graduation until August of their 2nd year.

All communication regarding any practicum project should be directed to the practicum director first.

Contacts:

• For practicum communication, arrangements, and requirements, contact Jeanie Kimbel, MPH Practicum Director, at jeanine-kimbel@uiowa.edu.
• For information on global travel funding and travel arrangements, contact Sophie Switzer, Global Public Health Coordinator, at sophie-switzer@uiowa.edu.