Frequently Asked Questions

What is the summer program like?

Probably the best way to learn about the summer program is to read what past participants have to say:
Diane Testa

Sara Doll

What will I be doing in the hospital each day?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict your activities on a day to day basis. However, the team prior to your visit will have mapped out some specific needs of the hospital or clinic and will have informed EWH of these. You will know before you start your trip in general your goals will be. However, on any given day you may be calibrating instruments, taking equipment inventory, mapping hospital hardware, repairing broken equipment or dealing with equipment emergencies. Some days may be filled with equipment crises that need your immediate attention, while others may be spent waiting for something to happen all day (these are great days to spend talking to the locals and learning about their lives and cultures).

Am I going to be responsible for repairing equipment that someone’s life will depend?

Yes and no.

Yes. Some equipment will break and will be brought off line for you to work on. In that case, the equipment should not return to service if it does not work properly. When you are training in Costa Rica, you will learn how to insure that the device you repaired is working properly. In this way, you can be certain that someone’s life can depend on your work.

No. Some equipment will need your immediate attention. In other words, if you don’t work on the equipment, the patient will not be able to be treated or worse, their condition will deteriorate. Under these circumstances, you must do the best you can. I you don’t help, no one will.

Do I work everyday?

Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and they use their equipment all of that time. Nevertheless, it is very rare to need to work on Sunday. It is unusual to work on Saturday, but it does happen. When you are off, plan on taking trips around the country to learn and see more.

Are EWH supervised? Will I be traveling alone?

EWH trips are not supervised. You will be assigned a partner for your summer. You will work, study and travel with your partner. You will have a contact person in the city where you work and in the hospital where you work. However, these contacts are not supervisors. Once on site, you and your partner will be expected to act in a self-directed manner, to arrive at work each day on time, and to discuss with the doctors and nurses to identify equipment which is not working. Using this information, you will have to prioritize your time to complete your primary responsibility and help wit the equipment. Of course, EWH staff in the US are always available by phone and e-mil to help with problems as they arise, as is your contact in the host country. You may receive a visit from the Site Director during the summer. But, you will not be supervised.

Can I get financial aid for the $350.00 post-acceptance fee?

No.

How much spending money do I need to bring?

First of all, don’t forget that you will need to get to and from the US or Tanzania. In addition there are visa fees and entrance/exit fees for most developing world countries. Most people find that a small snack is all they need in addition to the provided meals- perhaps two to five dollars per day. In Africa, during the second month, you will need to purchase all of your meals, a bit more than five dollars per day. You will need to get back and forth to work and classes each day. This will cost you between one and two dollars per day. Your fees include a few social events, but you may want to take additional side trips. You can enjoy a weekend touring somewhere in Central America for between forty and sixty dollars, less if you take public transportation. In Africa a full-blown Safari can cost $200.

Everyone in the hospital will know what I need to do, right?

Wrong! Even in the developing world, hospitals are large, complex organizations. Some people will know that you are coming and what you will be doing and others won’t. You should expect to have to repeatedly introduce yourself and explain your purpose there. Often, these are great opportunities to ask about that person’s background and purpose in the hospital. You may start a lifelong friendship this way!

Almost everyone speaks English. So, will I really need to struggle in a foreign language?

Everyone does not speak English in the hospitals where you are going. You may find a few people who do, but very few. In Africa more English is spoken, but your success depends on your mastery of introductory Swahili. You are genuinely expected to learn a substantial amount of the foreign language and use it. Some people find it quite advantageous to start studying as soon as they are accepted into the program. Often you’re level of enjoyment of the summer and your acceptance at the hospital will be proportion to your mastery of the foreign language.

I know that it is poor in the developing world, but my living conditions will be pretty close to what I am used to in the US, right?

No. Living and working in the developing world is quite difficult. You should expect to find significant challenges in the simple tasks of your daily living (including such basics as drinking water, bathing and going to the bathroom) and at work (working temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas of the hospital are not atypical).

I won’t be able to participate in some of the summer because I have a family commitment. Is that OK?

No. If you cannot be part of the program from the first day to the last, then you cannot participate.

I am a graduate student. Can I participate?

Definitely. Many of our participants have already received their undergraduate degrees.

I am not a member of EWH. Can I participate?

No problem. Perhaps you'll consider starting a chapter in your area when you return!