Making an Impact through Virtual Internships

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CAUSED multiple study abroad opportunities to be cancelled or postponed, but it could not stop Honors students from finding a way to still gain valuable global experience while giving back to communities in need.

For the past five years, Honors faculty and students have collaborated with the Kerolle Initiative for Community Health, run by Dr. Reginald Kerolle and based in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Kerolle and his team operate a free community-outreach health program in the rural towns of Ascension, Batey Baraguana, La Cambirma, Loma Blanca and Poncho Mateo, serving more than 1,500 people each year. Traditionally Honors students travel to the Dominican Republic as part of a service-learning study abroad opportunity. In the summer of 2020, six Honors students participated in the College’s first virtual global internship opportunity by working with the Kerolle Initiative from afar.

In preparation for this exciting opportunity, the students spent 60 hours learning about social determinants of health specific to the Dominican Republic and the importance of taking a holistic view of healthcare. They also engaged in daily Spanish language lessons to prepare for their role of providing virtual community public health presentations.

“The most rewarding experience I had was teaching children in the Dominican Republic the importance of clean water,” says Honors sophomore Ashley Rocks. “I was able to put the Spanish skills I learned to use while making a difference in children’s lives. I liked how even though we were thousands of miles away, I could still have an impact.” In addition to their service, the students gained a valuable education through this culturally-immersive experience. “The internship really helped me to see how a culture or your environment can impact your health,” says Honors senior Maha Uppal.

This internship not only signifies the resiliency of the Kerolle Initiative and their important partnership with our College, but also the determination of Honors students to make the most of innovative opportunities. “I am very proud of the students who participated in this program,” says Honors Dean Dr. Charles Adams. “2020 provided its share of challenges for us all, but each challenge offers us the opportunity to think creatively and find new ways to learn, grow, and serve. These students did just that.”

– Honors Experiential Learning Assistant, Kylie Pontious, contributed to this story “ I was able to put the Spanish skills I learned to use while making a difference in children’s lives. I liked how even though we were thousands of miles apart, I could still have an impact. ” – Honors Sophomore Ashley Rocks

Every year since 2016, USF Honors students traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of a service-learning opportunity with Dr. Reginald Kerolle.

In 2020, six Honors students participated in the College’s first virtual global internship opportunity by working with Dr. Kerolle remotely, as seen on the opposite page.