Description
The Global Health Program is a professional experience, providing opportunity for health sciences students to apply knowledge and theory learned in the classroom to a professional work setting and to develop the skills needed for successful transition to the public health workforce.
The minimum 4-weeks internship for the ongoing research/implementation projects of Cluj School of Public Health – Romania – is an opportunity for students to apply learned knowledge and theory to a research/professional work setting. The C-SPH staff conducts intensive research on multiple topics, such as: Health Policy and Management, Social and Behavioural Health, Environmental Health, Violence and Injury Prevention. You can apply for an internship for one of the active research projects.
Why the Global Health Program?
Customized placement
The program offers placements that match with your academic background and interests. Therefore, you will get to work on projects and conduct activities which overlap your educational background, previous experience and future goals.
Extensive academic support and mentoring
You will get to work with dedicated and supportive advisers who have extensive experience in developing and implementing research projects tackling a wide array of public health issues. This will translate in a unique working experience.
English as language of instruction
All the mentors, as well as the other C-SPH staff members are fluent in English. Therefore, the entire program, as well as all the other interactions throughout your stay at C-SPH will be carried out in English.
A rich cultural experience
The program runs in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, a multicultural environment with a long-standing tradition as a leading academic center. Being located in the heart of Transylvania, the city of Cluj-Napoca has good travel connections with the rest of the country, but also internationally, being connected by direct low-cost flights with more than 20 European cities.
Available Programs
The Global Health Program allows you to choose from 6 unique programs, the one which suits your interests the most.
Research Projects
Research Projects
Become an intern at Cluj School of Public Health. You can pick from a wide range of ongoing research projectsRead More
Your Research
Your Research
Conduct your own research study, benefiting from mentoring and administrative support of experienced staffRead More
Medical Shadowing
Medical Shadowing
Observe and communicate with health care professionals in a different medical systemRead More
Community Practice
Community Practice
Apply knowledge and theory learned in the classroom by taking part in different social work environmentsRead More
Rural Health Program
Rural Health Program
Blend basic public health concepts with real-world practice and skills in mountainous rural areas in Transylvania, RomaniaRead More
Maternal&Child Health
Maternal&Child Health
Discover the MCH issues in a post-communist, middle-income country, specifically RomaniaRead More
Customized Programs
If your field of interest covers multiple areas, we have prepared a series of customized offers of our programs, varying from 4 to 6 months.
You can choose the offer which suits you best in terms of interests and duration.
| Period of time | 4 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option A | 1 Month – Research Project
1 Month – Medical Shadowing 1 Month – Community Practice 1 Month – Rural Health |
1 Month – Research Project
3 Months – Your Research 1 Month – Community Practice |
1 Month – Research Project
2 Months – Your Research 2 Month – Community Practice 1 Month – Rural Health Program |
| Option B | 2 Months – Your Research
2 Months – Community Practice |
2 Months – Research Project
1 Month – Medical Shadowing 1 Month – Community Practice 1 Month – Rural Health Program |
2 Months – Research Project
1 Month – Medical Shadowing 2 Month – Community Practice 1 Month – Rural Health Program |
| Option C | 2 Months – Research Project
2 Months – Medical Shadowing |
2 Months – Research Project
2 Months – Community Practice 1 Month – Rural Health Program |
2 Months – Research Project
2 Months – Your Research 1 Month – Medical Shadowing 1 Month – Community Practice |
| Option D | 2 Months – Research Project
2 Months – Community Practice |
||
| Costs | $5200 | $6300 | $7400 |
Cluj-Napoca: Heart of Transylvania
Day or night, Cluj-Napoca never sleeps! Being the second largest city in Romania, Cluj-Napoca offers an endless number of choices for students with different tastes and budgets. What is more, you will rarely have time to get bored here, because the city is so full of energy and good vibes, it practically pushes you towards it. You’re not convinced yet? Take a look at what Cluj-Napoca has to offer, so that your student years will thrive with experience!
Festivals
Cluj-Napoca is the place where all the goodies happen! If you are an active person, who loves experimenting, then take a look! We have so many festivals happening during the year, it is hard to say no!
Music
Do you love music? Then we have the perfect place for you! ELECTRIC CASTLE is the first Romanian festival that took electronic dance music and live concerts sounds to a castle’s domain. Since its first edition in 2013, the festival was shortlisted every year for the Best Medium Sized Festival Category at the European Festival Awards, among other important European names. Held on the domain of Bánffy Castle (or Bonţida Bánffy Castle), Electric Castle Festival is an unique, mind-blowing experience. It shakes up the way people interact with music by combining a visually innovative concept with an eclectic musical line-up, breaking the boundaries between electronic music and reggae, mainstream and subculture genres. It’s the only music festival in Romania to offer a complete and authentic experience through notorious international artists, a vast camping area, a diverse food court and an exceptional scenery.
Untold Festival, the “Wold Capital of Night and Magic” is the largest annual electronic music festival held in Romania, taking place in Cluj-Napoca. The first edition of the festival took place in 2015, when Cluj-Napoca was appointed the European Youth Capital, and the festival won the title of “Best European Major Festival”. During the four days of the festival, more than 300,000 people attended the concerts held on several stages of the festival.
Ever get the feeling that you need to escape from the city noise and just breathe? We know the perfect place and time, and you won’t even have to leave the city! Jazz in the Park is not a new concept, and since 2013 it was brought to Cluj! Located in Central Park, Jazz in the Park is the perfect site to listen to good music, read a book, and just relax! Did we mention it has a free entrance?
Movies
Is watching movies one of your hobbies? Why not sharing this experience with others just like you? TIFF (Transilvania International Film Festival) was founded in 2002, being the first international feature film festival in Romania. TIFF has become a well-known brand in Romania, having over 60.000 spectators at their film screenings, during the ten days of the festivals. Also, it has become an important release place for young and promising Romanian film directors, being a promoter of the Romanian film. During these 14 years, Transilvania IFF has become a well-known brand in Romania, not only due to the outstanding films screened every year, but also for the effective organization, sparkling atmosphere and density of events, from seminars, workshops and panels to fabulous concerts and crazy all night long parties. The last editions of Transilvania IFF have not only been spectacular, but also showcased an extremely generous and diverse offer of films and sensational events. The 2015 edition presented almost 400 screenings, attracting a record number of over 73.000 spectators during the ten days of the festival.
Over these 14 editions, Transilvania IFF was honored to host important personalities of European and worldwide cinema offering Lifetime Achievement Awards to Julie Delpy, Michael Radford, Annie Girardot, Udo Kier, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, Nicolas Roeg, Catherine Deneuve, Claudia Cardinale and Wim Wenders, Jacqueline Bisset, Geraldine Chaplin, Nastassja Kinski or Jiri Menzel. In the following years, Transilvania IFF’s main goal remains the promotion of cinematic art by presenting the most important films of the moment that feature both originality and independence of expression. This is a festival where imagination and youthful vision were always encouraged, and which the organizers have shaped up into a high-spirited cultural landmark.
Art
If you want the challenge yourself and learn more about arts, then this is the place! TiMAF (Transilvania International Music and Art Festival) is a unique concept in Romania, gathering in one place all arts: plastic arts, architecture, street arts, dance, theater, literature, publicity, decorative arts and design, gastronomy, martial arts, music, photography and film.
Pubs
Cluj is an important university center of Romania, and the students have plenty of places to hang out before or after they go the classes! Piezisa street, near Hasdeu campus, is unique because it hosts only pubs and bars, the most notable being Booha Bar and Studio 26. Memorandului Street is the home of L’Atelier Café and Shto College bar. Other nice places in town are Cafe Francesca, Q Cafe, Phil’s Coffee Shop, Chocodor Coffeehouse.
Clubs
Are you willing to spend every night in your student years sleeping? No? Good! Another impressive characteristic of Cluj is the diversity of clubs, that range from latino to electro, but all promise to keep you up till sunrise. Club Midi is ranked at 26 best 100 clubs in the world, which makes Cluj an even prodder city! Form Space is an unconventional place, the home sweet home of electronic, drum and bass and techno, its fans and local producers. The Shelter and Flying Circus represent the perfect places if you have an eclectic music style, if you love to dance or if you simply want to experience a live concert. Euphoria Music Hall is the perfect place for live concerts from your favorite bands, but also for great student parties, with mainstream music.
Museums and landmarks
Cluj is one of the cities in Romania with a strong personality and quite a history. This is displayed in the variety of museums, in the architectural wonders throughout the city and its landmarks. The Pharmaceutical Museum is located in a special place, the Hintz house, being the place of the first pharmacy in Cluj. The Ethnographic Museum from Cluj is the first ethnographic museum from Romania, founded in 1922, hosting over 40,000 original artefacts. Casino Building is one of the palaces in Cluj, hosting throughout the years a casino, a museum, an arts school and a restaurant. Located in Central Park, near the Chios Lake, the Casino is a symbol of the city. The Church of Saint Michael is definitely an emblem of Cluj-Napoca, the second largest church in Transylvania. Placed in the heart of Unirii Square, the church is one of the most representative monuments of gothic architecture. The “Alexandru Borza” Botanical Garden was founded in 1920, and it’s the home of over 10,000 species of plants. It is also the perfect place for relaxation and meditating, and from the Water Tower you can see the panorama of Cluj-Napoca. What is more, as a UBB student, you have a free entrance! Cetatuia, the fortress of Cluj, is an outstanding landmark of the city, having been built with the purpose of ensuring control over the city, after Transylvania became part of the Habsburg Empire. Today it is a dating place and a perfect location to see the city panorama. And did you know that you have to climb over 200 stairs to get there? Now that’s a challenge!
Sports
For those looking to keep their fitness during their student years, they can find both indoor and outdoor places to do so, along with the local sports teams. If you are part of a sports team, you like martial arts or you simply want to go with you friends and see a match, Sala Sporturilor is your place! Do you like water? Do you like swimming? Do you need time for you and your health? Perfect! Babes Park (which is in the same yard with our faculty) has a really nice, big and clean pool. Central Park is the largest urban park in Cluj and it is located on the southern shore of Somesul Mic river. It is a relaxing location, due to its large green spaces. It is a perfect place to walk, jog or simply relax. It inspires a nice mood mostly during summer nights. You need a few minutes to relax and forget about school? You just have to get out from the faculty’s building and you are there! During your breaks, you can relax on the Somesul Mic river’s side, you can take a walk or take a sun bath on the bench. Also you can come here and jog or you can go swimming at the swimming pool.
Cinema and theatre
With 4 cinemas, one national theatre, one Hungarian theatre and an opera, it’s quite hard not to be satisfied when looking for some motion in front of your eyes. The National Theatre of Cluj is an important venue for all theatre lovers, with screenplays presenting all year long. The National Opera of Cluj functions in the same building as the National Theatre, considered to be a genuine school of singing. The Hungarian Theatre, located near Central Park, is the oldest theatre of the Hungarian language, being founded in 1792. The screenplays are simultaneously translated in Romanian. Cinema City, located in Iulius Mall and Polus Center is home of the newest films the industry has to offer. Cinema Florin Piersic is the perfect place for students, with price tickets ranging from 5-10 lei. It’s quite a bargain, isn’t it? Didn’t get the chance to see a movie? Cinema Victoria runs projections of all kinds of movies, especially Romanian ones.
Useful links
Office & Accomodation
Check out below the accommodation and working environment at Cluj School of Public Health, described by Owen Parker, alumni of the Global Health Summer Program 2014.
Previous editions
International students experience – 2016
International students experience – 2015
International students experience – 2014
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of potential project(s) available for a graduate level student?
As a graduate level student, you can apply to one of the 6 available types of programs offered by Global Health Program. You can browse through the options in the “Programs” tab.
Is there adequate need for someone to work on that or those projects full-time for one month (or longer)?
The amount of time spent working depends on the project, and it can vary from 6 hours to 8. The period varies as well, you can apply for a minimum of 4 weeks up to 3 months.
Is there a period between May 1 and August 31 (these dates are customizable) that I could come to work on that/those projects?
You can apply for the period you are interested in and, depending on the calendar of the projects, if the program you chose is not available in that time, you will be proposed an alternative.
What skills would I need to be an asset on that/those projects?
In order to be suitable for working on the projects, it is desirable to have analytical and evaluative skills, interpersonal and communication skills, organizational skills, efficiency and flexibility, and computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft products (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email software, internet searching engines, and other programs. Nevertheless, most programs accept beginners as well on entry level activities.
Who would be available to supervise and/or mentor me during most of that period? Would this person be able to provide me with adequate supervision (e.g. their schedule permits, they have the necessary skills, education, etc.)?
During your work here, you will have a mentor from the staff of C-SPH. The staff is formed of young, qualified researchers in the health field, who will mentor you and provide administrative support throughout the program.
What language will I need to be effective in the office? Will I need other languages in the community?
All the mentors, as well as the other C-SPH staff members are fluent in English. Therefore, the entire program, as well as all the other interactions throughout your stay at C-SPH will be carried out in English.
What materials would be supplied by C-SPH? What would I be expected to bring (e.g. laptop computer, office supplies, recording device, etc.)?
During the program, you will be provided with all the necessary materials needed for conducting your work here. It would be desirable to bring your own laptop in order to increase efficiency.
What would be expected as deliverables or outcomes at the end of the internship?
Each student enrolled will have customized tasks, depending on your interests and the project you will be working on. After the admission phase, you will discuss with your mentor all the details regarding your work and requirements, establishing together a work plan.
Can someone meet my flight when I arrive? If not, can you provide me with information on reliable airport transit?
You will be provided with all the logistic details before your arrival. A member of our staff will welcome you in the airport in your arrival time.
Can someone assist me in identifying affordable, safe housing?
Housing is provided by the program in one of the international students dorms.
What is the best way to get around and what would be anticipated daily transportation costs?
The easiest way to get around the city is by tram or bus. The price of a ticket is 0.5 USD per trip. You can find more details regarding the routes here.
What would be an estimated daily cost for meals?
For a regular diet, a meal at the students’ cafeteria would cost around 2,3 USD. In a restaurant, around 6 USD.
What is the typical work week (days, time, etc.)?
The office hours of the staff at C-SPH are between 9am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday. Your program will be customized with your mentor and adapted to the project you will be working on.
What is the office dress code? What are the cultural norms for attire within the community and region?
The office dress code is casual, except of official receptions/conferences.
Will there be other interns there during this period?
C-SPH enrolls students in internship programs throughout the year, so there will be other interns working at the center in that period.
“The faculty at Cluj School of Public Health are dedicated not only to furthering research in Romania but also to making sure they teach and communicate well with students. I learned a lot of things during my stay here at Cluj but one of the greatest lessons was in teamwork. Everyone works together here and the strengthening of bonds is top priority. This is a lesson that will stick with me for years to come.”
” The SPH is unique in its structure and departmental cooperation. This has helped me learn about the different projects and the various research opportunities in Europe. The school creates an environment that promotes learning from teams and interacting to solve problems that is hard to find anywhere else.”
“As an American student interning for the summer at the Cluj School of Public Health, my experience there was nothing short of amazing. Everyone was extremely friendly and willing to help us students learn about how public health works here in Romania. The center is working on the most up-to-date projects spanning not only the country of Romania but is also working in collaboration with other countries in Eastern Europe and the European Union. Overall, my experience working with the knowledgeable professionals at the C-SPH has greatly increased my awareness of public health.”
“The program allowed me to experience public health research first hand. I learned about issues ranging from funding to submitting an article for publication. Moreover, seeing the dedication and hard work the faculty and staff at the CSPH put into changing the lives of their community is truly inspiring. As a student and future health care provider I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I learned here in my work.”
“Interning at Cluj School of Public Health has been an amazing experience. The greatest benefit has been working and learning from the incredible faculty and staff, who are all working on a wide range of innovative projects and pioneering the advancement of public health in Romania. Cluj School of Public Health is truly unique and offers the opportunity, resources, and guidance to mold your advancement and achievements, all while surrounded by a supportive and talented organization.”
“My experience at Cluj School of Public Health at Babes-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca was really great. I worked here in the summer of 2014 as an intern from the University of Iowa, USA. During my internship, I worked on a study about the experimentation with electronic cigarettes among young adult in three Eastern European countries: Romania, Hungary, and Moldova. With my mentor at the center, I worked on all the study phases from creating the objectives of the study, till writing the manuscript. The staff at the center were very helpful, pleasant, and welcoming. I really liked that they were all young professionals, which made the environment at the center very energetic and friendly. In addition to the lucrative work side, the center organized to the interns some touristic tours and programs in Cluj-Napoca, Sinaia, Brasov, and Sighisoara. I enjoyed these tours very much, and they well introduced me to the rich history of Romania and allowed me to enjoy its unique charming nature.”