In the last several years there has been an exponential increase in the number of graduate and undergraduate students working on social impact projects in developing country settings. Many of these programs are short term engagements that last between 2 – 8 weeks over winter, spring, or summer intersession. Often times many of these students have never traveled to the destination site and are unaccustomed to the local cultural differences. While setting up a field program, a successful project is best driven by an experience field based mentor and supervisor. However the following are some tips for the traveling student to avoid unnecessary delays or impediments to having a successful experience:
Do not be a hero
If in an area that is endemic for malaria, TB, or other infectious diseases, do not hesitate to contact a local health worker or go to the nearest health clinic. Delaying care by a few hours can cause serious consequences. Before leaving for your destination make sure you have some form of international health insurance plan such as iSOS. Also, it is very important to remember to continue taking your malaria prophylaxis medications after your return from your destination as indicated by your prescription.
Your time is short, you can never plan enough
Do your best to gather as much information as possible to understand the context of the local problem and key stakeholders on the ground. Try in advance to schedule site visits and interview schedules before your arrival date. Be absolutely sure you have all the appropriate permissions and authorizations to collect and publish results.
Expected the unexpected, be flexible
The reality on the ground in global health is that most staff from junior to senior clinicians and administrators are over worked and have little extra time for new projects, regardless of the priority or importance. Often times an unexpected situation may occur. This might be work related – critical care emergency, or act of nature – heavy rains, flooding, or infrastructure related –email is not available, massive traffic congestion. Try to remain calm and work within the system. Use your mobile phone and SMS in advance to confirm appointments and maintain follow-up. Do not rely upon email as a primary tool for communication. Always have a back up plan.
Humility is critical
Too often I have see students intentional or not discussing details about an upcoming safari or upcoming job offers including salaries from summer internship positions. Remember in most instances one is working in an environment where there are vast structural differences and limitations to both educational and employment opportunities. Be appropriate and think before speaking. Remember that most of the professionals you are working with are mostly constrained by context, not by intellectual capacity or desire for advancement. If local partners sense you are insincere or in-country for a resume building exercise then the chances of accomplishing your goals for your project will be greatly limited.
Be smart, use common sense
When in doubt, don’t do it. Things that are most common that cause serious illness or worse include: 1) Eating or drinking from unsafe sources of water or uncooked food, 2) Traffic accidents. If the care or transport looks unsafe or the driver seems incapacitated due to alcohol or something else, just say NO!. It is better to be late than the alternative. 3) Unsafe pursuits. Most places of travel are endemic for HIV/AIDS. Unprotected sexual activity is playing Russian roulette. Also do not rely upon local safety standards for national parks and extreme sport activities. Double check all rented equipment, terrain vehicles as well as arrange activities through a recommended local travel agent. Saving money by seeking out unverified deals can cost you dearly beyond a hit to your savings account.
Create a weekly reporting system with interim and final deliverables
As described under the ‘humility section’ most officials you will be working with on the ground are extremely busy. Also chances are that most principle investigators or faculty members from your home institution will also be very busy with many other responsibilities. Manage both yourself and your ‘boss’. Prepare in advance meeting agendas that outline critical issues as well as a weekly summary of accomplishments, upcoming activities, and challenges or bottlenecks for action. Unless you carefully document your experiences and communicate effectively and concisely both accomplishments and challenges on a weekly basis, chances are that when your stay is over and you will have missed accomplishing many important milestones.
Do not be a hero
If in an area that is endemic for malaria, TB, or other infectious diseases, do not hesitate to contact a local health worker or go to the nearest health clinic. Delaying care by a few hours can cause serious consequences. Before leaving for your destination make sure you have some form of international health insurance plan such as iSOS. Also, it is very important to remember to continue taking your malaria prophylaxis medications after your return from your destination as indicated by your prescription.
Your time is short, you can never plan enough
Do your best to gather as much information as possible to understand the context of the local problem and key stakeholders on the ground. Try in advance to schedule site visits and interview schedules before your arrival date. Be absolutely sure you have all the appropriate permissions and authorizations to collect and publish results.
Expected the unexpected, be flexible
The reality on the ground in global health is that most staff from junior to senior clinicians and administrators are over worked and have little extra time for new projects, regardless of the priority or importance. Often times an unexpected situation may occur. This might be work related – critical care emergency, or act of nature – heavy rains, flooding, or infrastructure related –email is not available, massive traffic congestion. Try to remain calm and work within the system. Use your mobile phone and SMS in advance to confirm appointments and maintain follow-up. Do not rely upon email as a primary tool for communication. Always have a back up plan.
Humility is critical
Too often I have see students intentional or not discussing details about an upcoming safari or upcoming job offers including salaries from summer internship positions. Remember in most instances one is working in an environment where there are vast structural differences and limitations to both educational and employment opportunities. Be appropriate and think before speaking. Remember that most of the professionals you are working with are mostly constrained by context, not by intellectual capacity or desire for advancement. If local partners sense you are insincere or in-country for a resume building exercise then the chances of accomplishing your goals for your project will be greatly limited.
Be smart, use common sense
When in doubt, don’t do it. Things that are most common that cause serious illness or worse include: 1) Eating or drinking from unsafe sources of water or uncooked food, 2) Traffic accidents. If the care or transport looks unsafe or the driver seems incapacitated due to alcohol or something else, just say NO!. It is better to be late than the alternative. 3) Unsafe pursuits. Most places of travel are endemic for HIV/AIDS. Unprotected sexual activity is playing Russian roulette. Also do not rely upon local safety standards for national parks and extreme sport activities. Double check all rented equipment, terrain vehicles as well as arrange activities through a recommended local travel agent. Saving money by seeking out unverified deals can cost you dearly beyond a hit to your savings account.
Create a weekly reporting system with interim and final deliverables
As described under the ‘humility section’ most officials you will be working with on the ground are extremely busy. Also chances are that most principle investigators or faculty members from your home institution will also be very busy with many other responsibilities. Manage both yourself and your ‘boss’. Prepare in advance meeting agendas that outline critical issues as well as a weekly summary of accomplishments, upcoming activities, and challenges or bottlenecks for action. Unless you carefully document your experiences and communicate effectively and concisely both accomplishments and challenges on a weekly basis, chances are that when your stay is over and you will have missed accomplishing many important milestones.
