An internship in Uganda is sure to be a bit unconventional, with many programs placing interns smack-dab in the middle of the action, instead of seated at a desk. There is much work to be done in Uganda across various fields, especially considering that many schools and medical facilities lack critical resources, so community outreach can go a long way.

In Uganda, there is a great need for medical and health science interns specifically. People who live in rural areas far from hospitals are in great need of healthcare services, meaning interns will have the unique ability to directly provide medical care and learn by doing. Medical interns may work in public hospitals or support NGO-run local hospitals, where doctors are revolutionizing improvements in women's health and attempting to improve infant survival rates by tackling malnutrition and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Due to limited resources and health care professionals, interns may be given the chance to perform major and minor surgeries, under supervision by local doctors, of course.

There is also a great need for teachers in Uganda, where teaching by repetition is the norm in most schools. Arts, crafts, team sports, and various other activities that have the power to inspire critical thinking play an important role in education, and interns may be given the freedom to develop and implement lessons that can integrate these types of subjects into their own curriculum.

The sad reality is, there is also a great need for volunteer assistance among victims of the past tumultuous decades of war and a seemingly endless succession of rising and falling dictatorial regimes. Uganda is recovering from a brutal and chaotic period, which has left it filled with scarred child soldiers and young girls dealing with AIDS or recovering from sex slavery. Therefore, grassroots community outreach, medical aid, and women's empowerment are all focal points for international nonprofits and those working to improve human rights in Uganda.

Rich in (untapped) natural resources as well as stunning natural beauty and wildlife that needs to be protected, Uganda is also an ideal place for those with an interest in environmental studies or the desire to invent sustainable development strategies and earth-friendly practices.

Lastly, there are internship opportunities in Uganda for budding filmmakers or those who want to make their way into the world of media. Film or media internships in Uganda often require interns to document ground-breaking innovations taking place in Uganda, which can help convince donors, volunteers, and ordinary people to support important causes.

While interning in Uganda, you will find people are very friendly with a laid-back attitude, but that doesn’t mean you should pack only flip flops and t-shirts! Personal appearance is a point of pride, especially in professional environments. In everyday chit-chat, and even during professional meetings, it is not considered prying to talk casually about your personal home and family life, even upon first making your acquaintance.

You may need to relax a bit, and expect that some formally arranged meetings may often start much later than the agreed upon time, or “African time.” Flexibility will be essential if you decide to intern in this laid-back country, and you will likely need to get used to getting by without all the comforts of home, which is sure to make you more easy going and self-reliant for years to come.