Global and Community Engagement Opportunities

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.

Student Organizations

Alpha Phi Omega logo.

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.


Engineers Without Borders logo.

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).


Habitat for Humanity logo.

Habitat for Humanity

Join the MTU Chapter of Habitat for Humanity to work with other students and local community members to construct a home for a family in need of adequate shelter.


Husky Helpers logo.

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. 


Resources

Students standing together in a hallway.

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.


Summer Youth Programs students group photo.

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 student holding up a beaker.

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.


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.

Catholic Relief Services—International Development Fellows Program

Offers 1-year internships at its offices around the world in a variety of programs. Travel, housing, and a stipend provided.

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.

VSO

Volunteer placement for 6 to 24 months in over 30 countries. Many skills are needed, including engineering. For volunteers with previous experience, travel, housing, and stipend provided. For those with less experience, fundraising is required.

Set up your own internship! If you can creatively fund yourself (think student loans), many organizations are happy to host a hard-working intern. The D80 Center at Michigan Tech has worked in over 30 countries. Chances are good that you know someone (who knows someone) who knows an NGO that specializes in your field of interest.