MSI: Host Agency Requirements

An Emphasis on Undergraduates

The vast majority of MSI placements are for undergraduate interns. Experience has shown us that it is ideal to reach students at this juncture, before long-term career plans have been set and specialized graduate training has begun. This timing allows students to aim their work or graduate-school plans toward a career in international family planning/reproductive health if they decide through the internship that the field is right for them. Because of this, our host agency guidance is geared toward the hosting of undergraduate interns.

Organizations that Host Interns

MSI interns work with various types of organizations involved in international population, family planning, and reproductive health. Eligible organizations include U.S.-based international agencies and NGOs; developing country projects and affiliates of these organizations; and local, grassroots organizations. The following are among the organizations that have recently hosted MSI summer interns:

Advocates For Youth/Washington, D.C.
Africare/Harare, Zimbabwe
ASDE (Social Action and Development)/Arequipa, Peru
Family Care International/New York
Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs/Baltimore
Margaret Sanger Center International/New York
PLANFAMI/Puno, Peru
Population Action International/Washington, D.C.
Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH)/Nairobi, Kenya
Project Concern International/Cochabamba, Bolivia
Save the Children/Washington, D.C.
Society for Women Against AIDS in Africa (SWAA)/Dakar, Senegal

Host Agency Responsibilities

Because the goal of these internships is to encourage MSI students to consider a career in international family planning/reproductive health or population-environment, the most important responsibilities of host agencies are to develop a scope of work/job description that will expose their intern to the key issues, strategies, challenges, and rewards of this field –- and to designate a supervisor who is both eager and able to mentor the intern. Supervisors play a critical role in the internship experience; not only do they provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and performance feedback, but they also have an additional charge -- to inspire their intern, to serve as a role model for him or her, and to help the intern envision career possibilities in the field.

In addition, because this internship may be the first professional and/or solo overseas experience for a particular intern, host agencies are often asked to play a supportive role in other areas. For example, it is essential that supervisors designate another staff member to oversee and support their intern when they must be away from the office. It is often also helpful –- particularly with overseas placements -– if supervisors or their designees provide additional support during the settling-in period, such as meeting interns at the airport, helping them identify housing (if necessary), and helping them get oriented to their new city and country.

Of course, host organizations must be able to provide the facilities and support necessary for the intern to successfully perform his/her work. These include:

a significant orientation to the organization, its staff, and partners;
office space, desk, and supplies; and
the use of a desktop computer, printer, e-mail, and telephone.

Other support, such as funding for work-related travel, is frequently cost-shared with the Population Fellows Programs.

Supervisors should expect to prepare a written evaluation of their intern using a Program evaluation form. We also encourage host agencies (particularly those based in the U.S.) to offer their interns some opportunity for international travel, such as a site visit, conference, or training event.

Program Support

We not only provide interns’ stipend, housing expenses, and travel to and from the placement site, but we also help to prepare them for success with a thorough orientation. MSI undergraduate interns spend 10 days at the University of Michigan, during which Program staff and University faculty members introduce them to the field of international population, family planning, and reproductive health in the context of public health. Guest speakers from population organizations provide interns with a realistic sense of program work, and discuss the rewards and challenges of an international career. Former interns also share their experiences. In addition, interns receive coaching on how to adapt to and function effectively within various organizational structures. Particular attention is given to cultural awareness and sensitivity, as well as practical skills such as professional writing and public speaking.

Internship Timing

The MSI undergraduate intern orientation is held at the end of May, and interns are available for assignments from first of June through August 15.

The University of Michigan Population Fellows Programs are an equal opportunity employer. The University, in its employment and human resources policies and practices, will not discriminate against any individual because of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender non-conforming behavior, gender expression, gender identity, disability, special disabled veteran and Vietnam-era veteran status, and height or weight, except as allowed by the need for bona fide occupational qualifications. Reasonable accommodation will also be provided to persons with disabilities, to disabled veterans, and to accommodate religious practice.