On The Move e.V. Global Mental Health Internship Program

Organization: On The Move e.V.
Location: Accra, Ghana or Kisumu, Kenya
Duration: Summer 2026 (8 Weeks)
Open Positions: 1 (Harvard College students only)
Funding: Unpaid Internship; Travel and Living stipend provided by CAS to cover the cost of the program
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 

About the Organization
On The Move e.V. is a Germany-based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering global collaboration and capacity-building in mental health. Through partnerships with universities, hospitals, and community-based organizations in Africa, Europe, and North America, On The Move e.V. supports education, research, and the co-development of community mental health initiatives. Our programs are designed to promote equitable exchange between local and international professionals and to strengthen community-based mental health systems. The organization places particular emphasis on mutual learning, sustainable partnerships, and cultural humility in global mental health practice.

Internship Overview
Interns will have the opportunity to engage directly in mental health work at the community and clinical levels. Day-to-day activities may include shadowing and assisting mental health professionals in hospitals or community outreach programs, contributing to educational sessions, and supporting the design or implementation of mental health interventions. Depending on interests and local needs, interns may also participate in applied research projects focused on policy development, program evaluation, or curriculum co-design. The internship follows a structured but flexible format, emphasizing hands-on experience, reflection, and cross-cultural learning.

Locations
Interns may select one of two locations: Kisumu, Kenya or Accra, Ghana.
The internship lasts approximately eight weeks, typically during June and July, though placements can also be arranged year-round outside the funded period.

• Kisumu, Kenya:
  Interns in Kisumu will collaborate with local NGOs such as Tinada Youth Action Africa, the Kisumu County Government, and hospitals including the Kisumu County and Referral Hospital and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. Partnerships with Maseno University and Uzima University offer opportunities for academic engagement. Kisumu is a vibrant lakeside city known for its warmth, cultural diversity, and strong tradition of community-based health initiatives.
• Accra, Ghana:
  In Ghana, On The Move partners primarily with academic institutions such as the University of Ghana (School of Nursing, School of Medicine, and Department of Psychology) and community-based organizations active in mental health outreach. Accra offers a rich mix of clinical exposure and community engagement, where interns can observe and contribute to mental health service delivery in both hospital and community settings.

In either context, interns will be able to join mental health professionals in their daily work with patients, participate in community education activities, and support locally relevant mental health initiatives. Example past projects include contributing to the development of a mental health policy at a local university, conducting research on community-based mental health interventions, and co-designing a psychological first aid course for patients living with sickle cell disease.

Format and Daily Structure
Interns typically work Monday through Friday, with weekends free for rest and local exploration. Some flexibility is provided to allow for regional travel and cultural experiences. The internship emphasizes immersive learning: participants engage directly with community members, collaborate with local professionals, and reflect on cross-cultural dimensions of mental health care.

Accommodation and Cultural Experience
Participants may choose to stay with a local host family (if available at the time of the internship), offering a unique opportunity to experience the culture, traditions, and cuisine of the host country firsthand. This arrangement supports deeper cultural understanding and meaningful connection with the local community.