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Food Science & Nutrition Internships Abroad

Interning abroad is an eye-opening way to experience another culture and its workforce. Food science and nutrition internships abroad allow individuals to learn from professionals who are knowledgeable and established in the field. Those who go abroad in food science and nutrition will also have the chance to explore issues surrounding the food and health industry. This hands-on type of work will be invaluable, and expand the conversation about a more inclusive food world.
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196 Food Science & Nutrition Internship Programs Abroad

Volunteer for the Visayans

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Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines

Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) provides a wide range of program choices for people wanting to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines through our local community partners and our very own community centers. VFV endeavors to improve the quality of life of the community by providing responsive, efficient, and high-quality community service through our programs and projects that promote self-efficiency, well-being, and prosperity of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Visayas Region. VFV has initiated programs to address issues in social welfare, education, public health, and community development in rural areas surrounding Tacloban City. The design of our programs allows prospective participants of varied skills and professions to get involved with various projects. We require that all volunteers are flexible, self-motivated, open-minded, sensitive to other cultures, and desire to challenge themselves in an unfamiliar environment!

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Roots Interns
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Roots Interns

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Food Security Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

If you're interested in food security and organic farming, this i...

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The Intern Group

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Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in United States 2025
Internships in New York

Experience New York City, the world’s financial and business capital, with a career-boosting international internship. NYC provides unparalleled opportunities to gain professional skills, global connections, and real-world experience across finance, business, marketing, PR, tech, NGOs, and more. Our program partners with 3,000+ leading companies and NGOs worldwide, offering internships tailored to your career goals. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or professional, you can build a standout résumé and gain experience in a highly competitive global job market. Participants receive mentorship, professional development tools, and access to local networking and cultural events. Join our 15,000+ alumni network and gain international work experience that elevates your career while living and working in one of the world’s most exciting cities.

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Adelante Abroad

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Internships in Spain - Adelante Abroad

Adelante Abroad offers affordable internship programs in Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona in nearly every field. Each program emphasizes cultural immersion, language acquisition, and career development through hand-selected internships for each of our applicants. Adelante Abroad provides an easy way to get work experience through part-time internships in Spain. One thing that separates us from all other internship programs is the price. We guarantee we offer one of the cheapest programs you'll find on the market. Do a little research and find out for yourself. Our programs also focus on the independence of the traveler. Get the opportunity of a lifetime exploring Spain with a program that you get to create and personalize to your interests and needs. Our Spain internship programs are available in a wide variety of sectors such as architecture, hospitality, business, medicine, veterinary, LGBTQ, pharmacy, and other fields. Have a specialized industry that you are looking to intern in? With enough time, we can usually find a company that matches your interests. Visit our website for more information.

VACorps

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507

Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in South Africa 2025
VACorps Professional Internship Program

As a participant of our program in Cape Town, South Africa, you tell us what type of internship experience you are looking for, and we will create a tailored placement based on your specific interests. We’ll place you within an environment where you will make a positive contribution to your host organization while gaining invaluable and distinctive international work experience. We find placements for any type of participant, regardless of the area of study or professional focus. We only offer internships in Cape Town because, quite simply, this is the most beautiful and dynamic city in the world. Visit our program testimonials to learn more about why our participants regularly have life-changing experiences in our program.

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Asia Internship Program

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141

Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in South Korea 2025
Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

Korea is a dynamic destination to pursue an international internship as it is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world but still maintains its rich cultural roots. With South Korea experiencing major economic growth the past decade, a large amount of working opportunities across a wide range of industries has opened up for foreigners to pursue. Through AIP’s award-winning international internship program, you are guaranteed to receive a customized placement based on your career goals and aspirations. Interning abroad in Korea exposes you to international work environments while developing your professional connections and network of business contacts. Our partnership with hundreds of companies including multinational corporations, rapidly growing startups, and charitable NGOs allows us to offer a wide range of placement opportunities. Regardless of which industry you are interested in pursuing, our experienced placement team is ensured to accommodate your needs. Apply today and take advantage of this incredible internship opportunity in Korea!

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Intern Abroad HQ

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Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

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Beyond Academy

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Top Rated Program Intern Abroad in Japan 2025
Tokyo Internships with Beyond Academy

Beyond Academy is GoAbroad’s Top-Rated Intern Abroad Program. Our Tokyo Internship Program holds a 9.25/10 rating from 60+ verified student reviews. We combine tailored internships, deep cultural immersion, and a supportive community to help you thrive in Japan — and we’re backed by 500+ verified five-star reviews from alumni worldwide.” Step inside Japan’s unique culture with an internship in Tokyo, where leading tech and ancient traditions meet. Tokyo offers an inspiring location for those looking to experience living and working in Japan. Home to over 50 Fortune Global 500 companies, a dizzying range of businesses thrives in the city. We’ll carefully design your Tokyo Internship Program so it has the perfect ingredients for your career success. From selecting the ideal role within our extensive network of partner firms to workshops and one-to-one coaching, we equip you with the skills and insights needed to excel in your internship and beyond. Our Tokyo internship spans 18 industries, offering start dates every month and durations ranging from 1 to 6 months. Want to stroll through cherry blossoms on your way to work? Hike the magnificent Mount Fuji during the weekend?

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Institute for Global Studies

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Health and Fitness Internships in Spain

With the assistance of the World Internships team, land a professional placement that involves promoting a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and proper diet to Catalonians. In this Health and Fitness internship in Barcelona, Spain, become exposed to a range of relevant areas – health coaching, personal training, nutritional services, fitness testing, health fairs, and screening events. You may work alongside a sports team and be involved in training and management, assist a local wellness company with its marketing strategy, or even teach sports to children at a summer camp or after-school program. Barcelona, a bustling city of 1.6 million people, offers great cultural experiences. This is all thanks to a variety of activities such as Catalan cooking classes, bike tours of the city, and flamenco dancing. You may also opt to sign up for optional excursions to nearby Granada, Spain, or Morocco.

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Connect-123 Internship Programs

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Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

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AIFS Abroad

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18

AIFS Abroad Internships in Madrid, Spain

As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a city where business, government, and culture come together to offer unique opportunities for interns to experience the vibrant heart of the nation. Madrid has exciting internship placements in Business, Marketing, PR, Communications, Graphic Design, Non-Profit, Fashion, and much more. You'll be guaranteed a full-time, unpaid internship in an exciting organization that matches your goals and career aspirations. Academic credit is also available. See program highlights below for more info. Elevate your résumé, strengthen your professional skills, and expand your global perspective with an internship abroad in Madrid through AIFS Abroad.

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World Endeavors

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Intern in Ireland with World Endeavors

Ireland's charming people, beautiful rolling green hills, and dramatic coastline combined with its bustling and diverse economy make it the perfect destination for interns looking for rewarding professional opportunities and life-changing personal experiences. World Endeavors interns in Ireland live with local host families in shared or single rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Breakfast and dinner are included. Participants can upgrade to a full board (packed lunch) or a single room in a shared apartment (no meals and subject to availability) for an additional fee. Internships are available year-round, and each placement is customized for the participant. This means World Endeavors interns can choose when they would like to start their program, the duration of their internship, and their desired field. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times to intern in a specific location or field. Interns must be 18 or older and have completed high school (or equivalent). The program is open to current students, graduates, and mid-career professionals.

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Absolute Internship

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Intern in Singapore with Absolute Internship

Spend the summer gaining valuable work experience on Absolute Internship's award-winning Singapore program. Stand out as a future job applicant by completing a full-time internship in the world's most technology-ready city. Work within your industry of choice with over 30 fields to choose from, including Human Resources, Finance, Business, Entrepreneurship and Marketing/PR. Our company visits, career workshops and career speaker events are designed to improve your professional profile. Discover Singapore through a selection of cultural activities, day trips and weekend excursions. The Absolute Internship program includes high-quality housing in central Singapore, a wide range of cultural activities and group dinners, and we’ll help with your visa application too. We also provide 24/7 on-site support. Absolute Internship has been featured in the New York Times, BBC News, Bloomberg, and Forbes Magazine. We have placed 4000+ interns at over 800 companies worldwide.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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CIEE College Study Abroad

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17

CIEE Summer + Semester Internships Programs

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

Kaya Responsible Travel

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1

Nutrition Internship in Swaziland

Share your knowledge of healthy eating, cooking methods, and the impact of good nutrition on childhood development and growth by interning in Swaziland. The project supports vulnerable children from low-income communities by growing their own produce and eating healthily. This internship will give you an amazing opportunity to learn about the challenges facing poorer communities when it comes to nutrition, how different cultures view food, and the approaches undertaken to educate and overcome these. You will participate by using your skills to assist the overstretched staff in developing materials they can use long after you have returned home. Interns should be studying nutrition or a health-related topic or a professional in the fields of nursing, health promotion or health, or alternatively a dietitian. You should be comfortable working closely with a local staff developing the program as well as contributing your ideas and experiences to help staff and community members. Please bring a laptop to work on training materials, research, and your final presentation.

International Medical Aid (IMA)

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Global Perspectives in Nutrition Placement/Dietetic with IMA

International Medical Aid (IMA) is a not-for-profit organization that provides travel abroad internships for nutrition and dietetics students. Undergrad and graduate-level students, as well as licensed practitioners, are invited to go to countries in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean to provide medical care to underserved populations. Interns shadow medical professionals who treat patients requiring medical attention. Underserved communities in remote locations generally lack funds and the basic tools to maintain healthy citizens. IMA strives to change that. In addition to shadowing and volunteering, interns are encouraged to take in the beauty and culture of the country. IMA works directly with local communities to provide these trips to students. IMA bases its programs on integrity, respect, commitment, and imagination and works tirelessly to provide a safe and mutually beneficial experience for students and licensed providers alike.

JENZA

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Internship in the UK with JENZA

Looking to get ahead over the summer, need academic credit as part of your degree, or just graduated and wondering what’s next? Turn your academic achievements into professional work experience with a 1-12 month internship in the UK. What is Intern UK? A cultural, creative, and corporate superpower—a UK internship can add serious gravitas to your CV. Attracting talent from across the globe in every sector, from technology to the arts, you’ll learn from leaders in your field, build your professional network, and get that all-important reference to help launch your career in one of the most diverse and dynamic places in the world. How it works: BUNAC, our sibling company in the UK, is one of the largest A-rated sponsors for the UK Government’s Temporary Work GAE visa. Together, we provide the sponsorship, visa support, and placement vetting to intern in the UK for 1-12 months, with step-by-step guidance and access to employer directories on our Intern Hub to help find your placement. Who can go? We can sponsor most nationalities (except UK + Irish citizens). You must be 18+ and either a full-time degree-level student or have graduated within 24 months of starting your internship.

Internship in Japan

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Internship Program in Japan by SEKAIA

Internship in Japan by SEKAIA Inc. (formerly ICC Consultants Inc.) Internship in Japan by SEKAIA is Japan’s leading internship program, connecting global talent with professional opportunities across the country. Based in the heart of Tokyo since 1988, we offer one of the largest networks of exciting placements for students and young professionals. Guided by our vision to “Explore the World,” the program goes beyond work experience—you’ll discover Japan’s culture, business, and people while growing as a global professional. From Finance to Fashion, Robotics to Journalism, Game Design to Event Management, and IT to Trade—we have opportunities to match your goals. No Japanese language skills? No problem. The world is open to you with SEKAIA. Our multinational team supports you every step of the way, offering 24-hour assistance, insurance, and personalized services to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. Start your journey today—send us a message and take the first step toward your future in Japan!

Linguistic Horizons

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28

Internship in the Sacred Valley, Peru

Intern abroad with Linguistic Horizons in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru! We are located at the foot of the Andes mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu! This program is ideal for those who want to go off the beaten path to have a truly immersive experience. You'll improve your Spanish, experience local life, and learn about the Peruvian and Andean cultures. You will intern with a local Peruvian company or organization. This internship program allows you to gain valuable experience in your field of study. We arrange customized voluntary internship placements for each candidate. You can stay for as little as 2 weeks or up to 6 months. Visit our website for more details!

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A Guide to Food Science Internships Abroad

Prepare for an Internship

Understand the benefits

Participating in a food science or nutrition internship you can help further the conversation to a more inclusive and healthier food future.

  • Cultural knowledge impacts. Experiencing foreign foods firsthand helps build your professional food knowledge. This knowledge allows for constructive comparison and expansion of your personal perspective of the industry, too.
  • Nutrition education. Help bridge knowledge gaps and learn from communities all over the world. People who are a part of the program can help sustainably contribute to a community’s growth.
  • Professional growth. Whatever field you’re participating in, you’ll be working with professionals and learning directly from them.

Things to know

The field of food science and nutrition plays a critical role in addressing global challenges. Here are a few key points to consider if you’re pursuing a nutrition internship abroad:

  • Basics - NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) internships are popular for nutrition work abroad, offering diverse tasks like meal prep and community engagement, which contribute to a more secure and accessible food future.
  • Logistics and safety - Prepare important documents early, and have a flexible packing list suited to your destination. Good logistics can ensure a smoother, safer experience.
  • Cost of living and accommodation - Living costs vary by country, so budgeting is essential. Accommodation costs and options can also change based on location and season.
  • Social and cultural etiquette - Learning a local greeting can make a positive impression. Be familiar with social, cultural, and traditional norms, and stay open to engaging with them.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Food science internships focus on the technical aspects of food production, such as food processing, quality control, and product development. Nutrition internships concentrate on the relationship between diet and health, including dietary assessment, nutrition education, and public health programs.

Food science interns can anticipate being engaged in various tasks, such as conducting research and development on food products, assisting in quality control testing, analyzing food composition and safety, learning about food processing and packaging, participating in sensory evaluation, and supporting research projects related to food technology.

Yes, there are plenty of nutrition internships available for undergraduate students. Many universities offer internship programs as part of their nutrition curriculum, and there are also opportunities with government agencies, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and food companies.

Yes! While many nutrition internships require on-site work, there are increasing opportunities for remote internships. With the rise of technology, many organizations offer virtual positions allowing interns to work from anywhere. Tasks often involve data analysis, research, and nutrition education through online platforms. This can be a great option for students unable to relocate or prefer a flexible work arrangement.

Popular destinations for food science and nutrition internships abroad include Uganda and India where interns can contribute to addressing pressing food security and nutrition challenges. Additionally, the US, France, Italy, and Spain are renowned for their culinary heritage and diverse opportunities in research, industry, and healthcare. Interns can also experience diverse cultures and culinary traditions while interning in these countries.

The payment structure for food science and nutrition internships varies. Some internships are paid, while others offer academic credit or stipends. Factors influencing pay include the location, organization, and intern's experience. It's essential to research individual internship programs to understand their compensation details.

Latest Program Reviews

Learning Nutrition in Kenya with IMA: Resource-Limited Care, Real Impact, and Lessons I’ll Never Forget

December 21, 2025by: Emily Green - United StatesProgram: Global Perspectives in Nutrition Placement/Dietetic with IMA
10

My time in Kenya was one of the best experiences of my life. Interning in the hospital taught me so much about myself, nutrition, and the world. The clinical mentor Nashon in the ICU was one of the more helpful nutritionists I worked with—and while he challenged me, he also taught me so much. Each individual, from the mentors to the chefs to the interns, was so kind and made the experience so fun. The Masai Mara safari was definitely a highlight as well. The tour guide, Shadi, was so kind and really made the experience. I did feel that the program was geared a lot more toward pre-med fields, with mandatory sessions about suturing and clinical skills like that. As a nutrition intern, I sometimes felt out of place and that my time was not as well organized—but I still got so much out of the experience and would not trade it for the world! My recent nutrition internship with International Medical Aid in Mombasa, Kenya, was nothing short of transformative. Throughout my three week internship, I had the opportunity to experience hospital rotations in the pediatrics, oncology, and ICU units, participate in community health clinics about hygiene and women's health, and participate in cultural treks that gave me an expansive view of Kenya and its healthcare system. This experience opened my eyes to new aspects of healthcare delivery, nutrition practice, and political and cultural dynamics that will forever impact my career in nutrition and my approach to healthcare equity and global health overall. During my rotations at Coast Provincial General Teaching & Referral Hospital, I encountered a variety of nutrition-related conditions during my rotations in pediatrics, oncology, and the medical and surgical ICUs. The healthcare professionals I shadowed were working in an environment constrained by limited supplies and strained infrastructure despite having patients plagued by advanced malnutrition, dehydration, and complications resulting from infectious disease and poverty. However, I was most stricken by the lack of basic nutrition information from patients, especially during my rotation in the pediatric department. Formula feeding is very stigmatized in Kenya because breast milk is considered a safe feeding option for mothers battling with HIV/AIDS. Due to the stigmatization of formula feeding, mothers face excessive stress to ensure that their child is being fed properly, especially within the first six months of life. I saw many cases of children who were malnourished from the start of their life with symptoms such as muscle wasting, edema, weakened immune systems, and cognitive defects. On top of the stigmatization of breast feeding, mothers often failed to have adequate knowledge of breastfeeding despite it being the predominant form of feeding for their infants. The other nutrition interns and I performed breast feeding information sessions to large groups of mothers in the pediatrics unit to inform them on the proper way to hold their child when breastfeeding, how to get the child to suckle, and more. Being able to educate patients is the first step in making a change so being able to do this felt very impactful. Another example of limited access to nutrition education was during my rotation in the oncology department. Nutrition interns were given a pamphlet that outlined how to take care of yourself with cancer through methods like food, exercise, and sleep. While working in the oncology clinic taking the height, weight, and BMI of patients I left the pamphlet on the desk. An older man came in and shared that he had prostate cancer and had about six months left to live. He picked up the pamphlet and was immediately taken by the information inside. I told him he could keep it and he was incredibly grateful. I wondered why he was not given a care guide like this alongside his diagnosis and if he had, would his outcome have been different? Coming from America where the predominant nutrition related issues are obesity and chronic disease, I was shocked by the amount of kids facing food insecurity. According to the article Preventing and Treating Maternal, Adolescent, and Child Malnutrition written by UNICEF, “11 per cent of children are underweight, with four per cent wasted. Wasting and severe wasting are linked to increased and preventable deaths among young children,” (UNICEF). This was very prevalent in the pediatrics ward at Coast General Hospital and with just one nutritionist for the whole ward, this posed a challenge. Treatment options for these cases included vitamin supplements such as F-75, F-100, AminoGuard, and more in addition to counseling patients on how to increase their caloric intake. I found it challenging to see that even though a patient may have the proper nutrition information, a lack of monetary stability didn’t always make it possible for patients to have access to the food or supplements that they needed. This was new for me because in America, it is more common to have access and money to ensure that the changes a healthcare professional is providing can be implemented. Despite this, the problem solving techniques and resilience demonstrated by the medical professionals in these scenarios taught me that nutrition interventions can be creative and require deep contextual understanding. Kenya’s healthcare system operates under complex political dynamics. Areas such as Mombasa are historically underrepresented and underfunded. I saw firsthand how malnutrition in marginalized communities are deeply tied to such structural inequalities. For example, during my rotation in the surgical ICU, we saw a patient that needed liquid feed during his recovery from an Ileostomy because he was not able to properly break down micro and macro nutrients. These feeds were too expensive for him to purchase, however, so the nutrition team had to come up with a creative solution to this problem: Mala. Mala, fermented milk, naturally breaks itself down into glucose and galactose due to its enzymes. Therefore, Mala is very easy to digest and a cheap option for individuals who cannot afford the medication they need. This experience taught me that as a future nutritionist, it isn’t enough to focus solely on nutrient science. I must understand, and whenever possible help improve, the political, administrative, and infrastructural systems that determine supply chains, health education, and equitable program implementation. One unique experience that I had during my time in Mombasa was that I was present during a medical personnel strike. According to Daily Nation, “Doctors were promised salary adjustments and payment of arrears spread across different financial years, to be implemented in phases. However, the implementation has been plagued by delays, with healthcare workers pointing to bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of political will to honour the agreements,” (Daily Nation, 2025). This leads to healthcare workers' payment being delayed and them not getting the money they need in time. Many student nutritionists that I spoke with during my time at Coast General explained how even though you can be educated, it is extremely hard to get a job in Kenya. This is because it is necessary to have a connection to the place in which you are trying to get a job through family or status. This corrupt system leaves educated people working under-paying jobs and a shortage of healthcare workers overall. Political and structural issues directly impact a patient's access to care and this became evident during my time at Coast General. I found myself in a hospital lacking attending nutritionists, while hundreds of patients still needed basic care. This experience revealed the relationship between labor relations, government, and healthcare access and highlighted that effective nutrition care depends not only on clinical skills but also on policy stability and the rights of workers. My experience at IMA was more than just clinical exposure. It provided me with the opportunity to participate in community outreach. Being a part of the Women's Health Clinic and Hygiene Clinic were some of the highlights of my time in Kenya. Co-leading information sessions to educate kids about their bodies and how to take control of their health was such a unique experience. We were able to tell how genuinely interested they were about what we had to teach them and how much this information meant to them. Although it was hard to see the lack of basic knowledge when it comes to hygiene and health, we were really able to make a difference in the lives of these individuals. A particular moment when I felt really affected was during my first Women's Health Information Session. While we were handing out menstrual pads, girls were taking multiple and hiding them under their chairs or in their desks in order to get more. Although this could be seen as a practical joke done by the kids, I took it as an indicator of just how limited resources are in this area and what a need there is for help. Cultural norms, oral tradition, and location all affect access to accurate health information and resources so being able to set the facts straight with these populations can make a great impact. One thing that I was not anticipating to be such a challenge during the internship was the language barrier. While English is an official language in Kenya, many patients and community members are more comfortable speaking in Swahili. Communication required patience, empathy, and occasional translation support. I learned a greater message in this struggle, however. I learned that the basis of healthcare is always built on trust, mutual respect, and cultural humility. It is so important for nutrition professionals to be culturally competent and understand how to interact with those different from us because nutrition is such a personal topic. Things like religion, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors have a large impact on nutrition care and it is necessary to have a grasp on a patient's history before providing care. One thing that I found interesting was that on the front of each patient file was the patient's religion. Religion greatly affects how patients will respond to care in Kenya. For example, Muslim patients do not eat pork which is something that you would not want to overlook when having a conversation with a patient or creating their food regime. Even though I did not fully understand each religion or tribe in Kenya, I learned that moving forward in my career it is necessary that I stay curious and aware of the differences in patients. Before Kenya, public speaking was not one of my strengths. Although it is still not my favorite thing, my time in Kenya taught me to be a lot more confident in myself. From traveling halfway across the world on my own, to leading women's health information sessions, teaching about hygiene in schools, and having group discussions with nutrition professionals and interns my confidence improved exponentially. Teaching during health education sessions made me feel more confident in the field of nutrition as it combined nutrition science and food hygiene with community engagement. I learned to enjoy sharing health information with large groups of individuals which is something that I can definitely pursue in America especially as I get further along in my nutrition career. Healthcare environments at Coast General Hospital showed me the power of resourcefulness and problem solving. I learned new techniques and ways of looking at nutrition issues that I would never be able to find in a textbook. I learned how to listen to patients and complete urgent and challenging tasks with limited and underwhelming resources. One example of this is how all medical records are hand written. Charting took much longer than it would in America because everything was done on pen and paper. There was also a plethora of missing information on many charts because they were not available to Coast General or they were just never updated. Additionally, I saw nutrition professionals pivot when supplements ran out. In the pediatrics ward, one of the main supplements for malnourished children ran out, F-75. The nutritionist swiftly found another supplement, F-100, that could be used instead with a few modifications. This taught me how to deal with contingencies that are bound to happen in the medical field and emphasized the importance of problem solving that I will carry into my future career. My experience in Mombasa cemented my desire to become a nutritionist who also understands the social, political, and infrastructural drivers of nutrition. I envision a career that designs culturally adapted nutrition education for all individuals. It is important to recognize how factors such as funding inequities determine nutrition and healthcare access. In Kenya, there is a large difference between the public and private sectors of care. Public healthcare is government funded leading them to be understaffed, poorly equipped, and lacking supplies. Private hospitals have much better funding and facilities and they can handle more rare and serious cases of illness. According to The Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, “The wealthy may be able to access high-quality private care, for many, particularly in lower-income areas, the private sector offers low-quality services that may be inadequate or unsafe,” (The Center for Human Rights and Global Justice). It is unfair that individuals have to be wealthy in order to receive quality care. If I had to sum up my nutrition internship with two words it would be life changing. I learned that science and medicine are only powerful when paired alongside cultural empathy, political awareness, and peer collaboration. I saw that structural inequities greatly affect lives, that clinical skills must be flexible, and that meaningful change often begins with listening, adapting, and teaching. Going forward, I will build a career that incorporates both nutrition science and health equity. I am committed to respecting culture, navigating resource limitations, and advocating for policies that ensure every community has access to the nourishment they need to not only survive, but to thrive. While Kenya is very different from America, these are messages that can transcend continents, languages, and lives.

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