Opportunities Abroad

Engineering World Health Summer Institute:

EWH Institute programs train university STEM students and professionals, and place them in hospitals to repair equipment and share knowledge with local hospital staff.

"The Institutes aims to provide participants with the opportunity to become immersed in healthcare systems in low income countries, and work with hospital staff to improve access to functioning medical equipment. Our trainings focus on improving specific technical knowledge while teaching participants how to best communicate and work effectively in low-resource, cross-cultural environments."

Summer Institute programs are open to all applicants, and they are the longest-running programs in Engineering World Health. Participants will spend two months in a developing country, learn the local language and technical skills, and live with a homestay family.

Are you curious and want to talk to a past participant? Our former VP, McKenzie, worked in Nicaragua with EWH during the summer of 2017 and would love to share her experiences with you. Contact her at mcdo0624@umn.edu!

Train and Prepare & Impact a Community

With the Summer Institute Program, participants come together to learn about engineering and medicine in the developing world. Many opportunities are provided to participants and this program is only the beginning. As a participant, you will have the following opportunities and experiences:

Equipment-Repair Training

  • Work with medical equipment in lab and hospital settings

  • Learn hands-on skills and troubleshooting

  • Study the function and use of common medical devices


Language and Cultural Immersion

  • Gain exposure to other lifestyles and customs

  • Receive tailored, program-specific language classes (including hospital and engineering vocabulary)

  • Live with a local homestay family to heighten your cultural engagement


Work with Local Partners

  • Language Centers

  • Technical Training Centers

  • Hospitals and Clinics

  • K-12 STEM Outreach


Support Partner Hospitals (Teams of 2-4)

  • Repair and install medical equipment

  • Contribute to sustainable development by training staff on equipment use and maintenance

  • Collaborate with international medical professionals

  • Improve healthcare outcomes in vulnerable populations

  • Grow interpersonal and cross-cultural skills


Join a Community

  • Connect with a global network of medical professionals

  • Build relationships with your homestay family and local community

  • Learn and grow with hospital staff and local technicians

  • Bring your EWH experience home through a University Chapter

For more information, previous participants blogs, photos, and more, visit the EWH webpage: EWH Summer Institute

Questions / Eligibility? FAQ

Want to get involved? Check out the Application & Details at EWH.