The world is full of opportunities for you to make a difference. Follow the links below to explore student organizations, internships, fellowships, training, and careers in international sustainable development.
Resources
Husky Helpers
If you want to serve others in the community, Husky Helpers may be the group for you. They are dedicated to helping those involved in doing community service activities on the Michigan Tech campus and throughout the Copper Country. Some of the activities they coordinate or help out with include Make a Difference Day, American Red Cross blood drives and Alternative Spring Break trips.
International Travel Scholarships and Fellowships
To defray the costs of international travel, the University and several external sources offer scholarships and fellowships. Review the study abroad financial resources for more information.
Michigan Tech Summer Youth Programs
SYP is looking for outstanding individuals who bring amazing experiences and fresh perspectives to the table. Applicants should be positive, forward thinking, innovative, and career-minded. SYP offers a flexible schedule in a casual, fun work environment, and provides valuable professional development experiences. If you're interested in learning more about social issues and gaining a global perspective, we encourage you to apply.
Mind Trekkers
Michigan Technological University's Mind Trekkers STEM Road Shows bring the WOW! of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to the hands and minds of K-12 students under the inspirational guidance of the Mind Trekkers team consisting of undergrad and graduate students.
Student Organizations
Alpha Phi Omega
Alpha Phi Omega is a national coeducational service organization founded on the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they provide service to their campus, to youth and the community, to the nation, and to members of the Fraternity.
Circle K International
Circle K International (CKI) is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization and one branch of the Kiwanis family. Their focus is to promote service, leadership, and fellowship not only to the members, but the community. As the Michigan Tech chapter, their goal is to make a difference on-campus and in the local community while having fun and making valuable friendships.
Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders is an international philanthropy organization that is all about using a wide variety of skills to improve the lives of communities in need around the world. Michigan Tech's chapter is currently working on well projects in Guatemala and a water distribution project in Panama, with both teams planning on traveling in the next year. This opportunity is not just open to engineering majors, but all students interested in international philanthropy. If you would like more information, please email Michigan Tech chapter president (smbeine@mtu.edu).
Build Your Skills
Bioforce Development Institute
Bioforce offers training in humanitarian administration, logistics, and water and sanitation. Programs are in French and are coupled with long-term field experience.
Engineering World Health (EWH)
EWH's summer institutes in Tanzania and Costa Rica combine a month of technical and language training with a month-long hospital internship repairing medical equipment. Open to engineering, physics, and chemistry students (undergraduate and graduate). A year-long volunteer program is also open to American and Canadian citizens.
Fulbright Grants
The Fulbright program provides full funding for recent graduates, graduate students, and young professionals to spend a year in one of 140 countries. Projects can focus on university coursework, research, or professional training.
International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA)
The Center for International Health and Cooperation offers the IDHA yearly in New York and Geneva. The intensive, multi-disciplinary course lasts for one months and simulates a humanitarian crisis.
NOHA Joint European Master's in International Humanitarian Action
Earn a multi-disciplinary master's degree while attending several universities throughout Europe. Scholarships are available to students from outside of Europe.
Radios
If you're interested in working in emergencies, knowledge of radios is an asset. The Michigan Tech Ham Radio Club has a wide range of equipment, including HF and VHF radios.
RedR
The RedR offices around the world offer well-respected training on many topics, including security, shelter in emergencies, logistics, and water and sanitation.
ReliefWeb
ReliefWeb has an extensive calendar of training relating to all fields of international relief work. Look under the "Professional Resources" tab.
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships
Rotary provides $23,000 for a year of study in one of over 70 countries.
Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) at Loughborough University
WEDC has a reputation as a leader in engineering in low- and middle-income countries. Several types of master's programs and post-graduate certificates are offered.
Gather Experience
Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED)
Offers 6-month internships in many fields (e.g. water and sanitation, hygiene education, journalism) in Africa and Asia. Travel, housing, and a stipend provided.
BRAC
Offers several types of internships in economic development, health, education, and human rights at its offices in Bangladesh. Expenses are borne by the intern.
BUNAC
Through BUNAC, current students and recent graduates can obtain a work visa in Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Most of the jobs that are found in this program are in restaurants, hotels, etc. These jobs can be used to fund a volunteer position at the head office of an NGO based overseas (e.g. Merlin, GOAL).
CARE
Offers 6-9 month internships at their offices around the world, working on a range of projects. Graduate students are eligible for the CARE-USA Fellowship Program, which provides year-long placements. Travel, housing, and a stipend provided.
Copper Country Habitat for Humanity
Get involved with the local Habitat for Humanity to work with other students and local community members to construct a home for a family in need of adequate shelter.
Foundation for Sustainable Development
Arranges internships of various lengths with NGOs in Latin America, Kenya, Uganda, and India, relating to many aspects of international development. Program fees are paid by interns.
IAESTE
Offers paid internships around the world for students in technical fields. Most assignments will not be very D80-like, but are an opportunity to gain international work experience.
International Medical Corps—Graduate Internship Program
One-semester internships are offered in field offices around the world. Interns must receive class credit for their participation. Areas of specialization include civil engineering, construction, and water and sanitation.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Offers internships and volunteer positions around the world.
Oxfam-Quebec
Offers 1-2 year internships in their projects around the world, some of which are related to water and sanitation. Travel, housing, and a stipend provided.
Relief International
Offers internships at projects around the world. Housing, food, and occasionally travel provided.
U.S. Offices
Consider volunteering in the home office of an organization. Here are some of the big ones, but do not overlook local non-profits.
U.S. Peace Corps
The classic. For U.S. citizens only.
United Nations
Internships are available at United Nations offices around the world. Many are restricted to graduate students, but some are open to undergraduates as well. Expenses are borne by the intern.
United Nations Volunteers—Online Volunteering Service
Help organizations around the world without leaving home. Positions are available in many fields, including proposal writing, website design, translation, and fundraising.