FAQs

Do you have a limit on the number of non-Iowa students participating?

No, there is no limit on the number of non-Iowa students participating.

How is it determined whether students will work in internships or more independent, self-designed research projects?

The basic structure of the program requires that at a minimum all students complete an internship or rotate within the various units of the Ministry of Health (and health-related NGOs) based on each student's stated interest (on the application and/or during your informational interview).

Research projects are not a requirement; however, in many cases students find that the experience and field work they participate in during their assigned internship lends itself to completing an informal research project. Moreover, since students are required to report on some aspect of their internship experience during our final seminar at the Gambia College School of Public Health, this culminating activity is an opportunity to discuss research projects or express an interest in future research related to an internship project or experience.

In certain circumstances, students participate in the program as research fellows after submitting a detailed research proposal which is supported by a faculty mentor and the program director. In this case the student participates in all of the orientation and group activities, but devotes much of their time completing the research project. In addition, they may be required to work closely with a specific unit under the Ministry of Health, The Gambia College, or a health-related NGO to facilitate completion of the project.

Can you estimate what percentage of times (or # days of the week) we would have group activities?

The first few days of the program are dedicated to providing a group orientation and scheduled social visits with the Gambia College School of Public Health, the Department of State for Health, and the Ministry of Health. Following the orientation, students begin working in their assigned unit (you will usually be assigned to a unit with another student from the group).

During the week (Monday-Friday), students travel to their assigned internship sites and work with their assigned mentors/supervisors; group activities during the week are usually limited to sharing breakfast and dinner together (dinner is used as a time for everyone to check in with the program director).

Since most of the Ministry of Health units are located within the same geographic area (in Banjul) many students end up traveling to work together in the morning. Sometimes students decide to do an informal activity (i.e. walking tour; trip to the internet cafe; visit with local friends; etc.) in the evening after dinner.

Friday is a half (work) day in The Gambia so we usually plan a group trip or cultural activity on Friday afternoons. In addition, there may be scheduled group activities on Saturday or Sunday, however we try to make sure that you also have "free time" on the weekends and in the evening to explore the culture on your own, or share time with friends.

Your web page suggests an informational interview with Dr. Marquez. Is there a particular time that would be best to call, or a particular set of questions she'd like me to answer?

Once you've submitted your application, you are encouraged to email Dr. Márquez at shannon-marquez@uiowa.edu to schedule an appointment for an informational interview (including phone interview).

The purpose of the informational interview is for you to provide more information on why your are interested in the program, what your specific or broad interests and goals are, and to provide you with as much information as possible so that you and the program director can decide if your participation would be beneficial.

For many, this is an experience of a lifetime, however, since you will be traveling to an environment that you are not used to there is a need to for each of us to realistically assess if we can compromise on familiarity and comforts to appreciate and respect the profoundness of Africa.

Is admission into the program competitive?

Yes. Applicants are considered based on stated interests and expectations, recommendation, and perceived level of maturity, responsibility, cultural competence, flexibility, etc.

We really want to make sure that you have truly thought about what you'd like to get out of this experience and whether or not the program would be a good fit for you—Africa is not for the faint-hearted, and if you are looking for creature comforts and home cooking in an environment that you are used to, this program may not be for you.

12 students went last year, will that be typical for this year also?

We are planning to increase the number of participants this year to 20.

Other than the 2000 program fee, approx. 900 plane ticket, and 300 spending, are there any other expenses?

No.