Internship and Research Opportunities for Khon Kaen, Thailand
Students participating in a community health internship or research assistantship will combine a structured work or research experience with complementary courses designed to provide valuable insights into various health fields and the language and culture of Thailand.
As part of the application interview process, we will explore whether an internship or lab-based research assistantship provides the best fit with your academic goals and objectives. The placement process will take into consideration your career interests, prior experience and academic preparation along with the needs of each placement site. Successful applicants will also demonstrate a high level of maturity, flexibility, self-direction, and responsibility.
Community Health Internships
Community health internships are available in two different placement formats:
- A shadowing-based placements expose you to the Thai healthcare system and to a variety of health fields,
or - A public health clinic- or agency-based placement within a local public health organization or medical department at KKU. Placement eligibility is determined through the interview process.
Shadowing-based placements
(3 credits only, 300-level)
Students participate in a rotating observation of different health providers in action, including a medical doctor, nurse, dentist, physical therapist, community health officer, and a traditional Thai medicine doctor. Students will complete individual and group projects as part of their shadowing placement.
These placements are a good option for pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-pharmacy and public health students who have a more broad-based academic background. They’re also great for students who aren’t sure which medical field they want to go into, as it provides exposure to all.
Eligibility Requirements
- Sophomore standing or higher at time of application
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Successful completion of university-level biology course with lab is required; introductory course in public health or other health science field is highly desirable
Public health clinic or agency-based placements
(3 or 6 credits, 400/600-level)
Advanced undergraduates and graduate students with the appropriate academic background may intern with a local public health facility or medical department at Khon Kaen University. Interns are assigned to an internship supervisor who oversees their work on special projects within the clinic or organization.
These placements are excellent options for pre-health majors with a strong academic background in community health or science. They also provide great experience for recent grads and students who want to go on to graduate school. Sample placement locations
Eligibility Requirements
- Junior standing or higher at time of application. (Open to recent graduates and graduate students
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of one or more courses at the 400-level in biology/chemistry for clinical placements or one or more health-related courses at the 300-level for public health placements.
- Prior lab experience and a course in statistical methods are required.
- Applicants are expected to be knowledgeable of the U.S. healthcare system structure
Research Assistantships
Lab-based research assistantships are available to advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a strong academic foundation in the desired area of research. Recent graduates may also apply. Prior laboratory experience is required.
Areas of research available at Khon Kaen University include community health; tropical medicine; exercise science; and medical research. Although students may have a pre-determined research project in mind, this isn’t required. Most students will be placed in labs where they will gain research experience by assisting faculty and researchers with pre-existing projects.
Examples of research centers at KKU
Tropical Disease Research Center (TDRC)
TDRC is an interdisciplinary laboratory at KKU for the research of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs include several parasitic, viral, and bacterial diseases that cause substantial illness for more than one billion people globally. TDRC supports the One Health Concept to communities in Khon Kaen and the northeastern provinces of Thailand.
Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP&HP)
The key research themes of HHP&HP focus on the development of functional foods and ingredients, cosmeceutical and health products, and the role of nutrigenomic, nutrigenetic and precise nutrition. The development of cognitive enhancer programs in education and integrative complementary alternative medicines such as laser acupuncture, aromatherapy, music and art therapy are also part of this institute.
Eligibility requirements
- Junior standing or higher at time of application. (Open to recent graduates and graduate students)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of three or more upper-division courses in science or health that provide a relevant foundation for the research project.
- Lab experience beyond an introductory level and a course in statistical methods are required.