The Summer Institute is an opportunity for engineering students to gain hands on repair and design experience while simultaneously helping disadvantaged hospitals and patients in a developing nation. Open to students of engineering, physics and chemistry, the Summer Institute begins with a one-month stay in Costa Rica or Tanzania in which students live with a host family. Mornings are spent learning Spanish or Swahili, while in the afternoons students receive three hours of technical training in the operation and repair of medical equipment. Day trips to the country's breathtaking natural features punctuate the experience and give volunteers a time to bond.

After the one-month training, each student travels to his or her target hospital. Students work repairing and installing badly needed equipment. Whether they’re working on an infusion pump that helps treat a tiny infant, or an ECG that will aid in diagnosing someone’s grandfather, each student-engineer makes a difference in patients’ lives.

EWH is always working on expanding the Summer Institute program even further. We anticipate adding trips to other parts of Africa and beyond!

DEADLINES

Applications are now available for Summer 2009! The application is due January 30, 2009.