UC Davis Study Abroad, Summer Internship Abroad Philippines, Remote Island Medicine Program, Header Image

Summer Internships in the Philippines - On Site

Remote Island Medicine

Accommodations

For the first two weeks, you will stay in a hotel or dorm-style lodging in Manila. For the remaining three weeks, you live with homestay families in identified remote island sites in Quezon and Romblon provinces. Homestay families are chosen and screened by the CFHI Local Coordinator.

Please note that accommodations do not include facilities like air conditioning, internet, telephones, mineral water, and hot water baths. Homestays provide a unique opportunity to learn about local culture daily in an informal setting.

UC Davis reserves the right to change the accommodation location. Should this be necessary, we will arrange alternative lodging. Please note that elevators, air conditioners and other modern conveniences may not be available in all locations.

Meals

Two meals a day are included on this program.

Excursions & Activities

Short excursions and day trips are included during orientation week.

Orientation Week Sample Schedule:

  • Welcome dinner and cultural show
  • Lecture about Filipino history and culture
  • Manila city tour, focusing on socio-economic realities of Philippines
  • Guided museum tours
  • Community service project
  • 3-day (2 night) field trip to Bagui, Banaue and the villages of Ifugao- traditional villages, spiritual healers and rice terraces

Get to Know Your Destination

Compromised of over 7,100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago filled with natural beauty and rich culture. Along with its rich biodiversity, white sandy beaches, mountain ranges, and tropical rainforests, the country’s colorful history is filled with a unique blend of cultures. Known for their warm hospitality and contagious smiles, Filipinos truly make the Philippines a special country to visit.

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and home to over a million inhabitants. It is one of the sixteen cities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region of the Philippines, whose overall population is estimated at 12 million.

Polillo and Alabat are two major islands that make up the Quezon Province, located southeast of Metro Manila. Romblon is a province composed of 17 municipalities scattered across seven islands on the Sibuyan Sea, located in the geographic center of the Philippines.

In the Philippines, most citizens are covered under the Philippine Heath Insurance Corporation. However, since the out-of-pocket payment is so high, there are many people who lack access to public health care. In many remote, hard-to-reach islands, otherwise known as geographically isolated disadvantaged areas (GIDA), hospitals and health care clinics lack infrastructure and investment, as well as supplies and personnel.

Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk

Participation in this UC Davis Study Abroad program requires travel to and extended living in a foreign location(s) abroad. UC Davis Study Abroad endeavors to reduce and mitigate risk wherever possible.  However, the environments and risks associated with living in these locations are substantially different than those found during a regular course of study at UC Davis. All participants must download and review the following information prior to departure. Any questions should be directed to the Program Coordinator.

Student Experience

Global Learning Hub Student Blogs and Articles

Check out student blogs, global learning, and student life across a variety of program experiences.