This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.
Details at a Glance
Application Deadline: January 11, 2026 (11:59PM)
- Program Type: Graduate Placement Opportunity
- Program Location: 2026S In-person, Ethiopia
- Duration: 3 months beginning in May 2026
Program Overview
The Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the School of Social Work (UBC) in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), specifically, the Primary Healthcare Center, Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health, invites applications for the Policy, Practice &
Research in Mental Health Systems program.
This three-month graduate placement offers students an exceptional opportunity to engage directly with continental efforts to strengthen mental health systems, integrate non-
communicable disease (NCDs) prevention, and advance evidence-based policy and practice across Africa. Students will contribute to ongoing activities within Africa CDC’s Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health (NCDIMH), while developing their own applied or research-
focused projects under the mentorship of both Africa CDC and UBC faculty.
Students selected for this placement will embody the values of the African Union, which guide Africa CDC’s work across the continent:
- Respect for Diversity and Teamwork
- Think Africa Above All
- Transparency and Accountability
- Integrity and Impartiality; Efficiency and Professionalism
- Commitment to Information and Knowledge.
Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how these values align with their personal and academic commitments.
About the Host Division: Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries & Mental Health
The Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health (NCDIMH) operates under the Primary Healthcare Center at the Africa CDC. The Division’s work is guided by the Africa CDC Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries Prevention and Control, and Mental Health Promotion Strategy (2022 – 2026) and focuses on strengthening Member States’ capacity to address NCDs and mental health challenges through coordinated, evidence-based, and sustainable approaches.
Key functions of the Unit include:
- Supporting policy development and program implementation on NCDs and mental health.
- Promoting surveillance, data systems, and research on NCDs, injuries, and mental health.
- Fostering cross-sectoral partnerships and knowledge sharing among AU Member States.
- Leading continental advocacy for mental health promotion and NCD risk reduction.
Students placed with the Unit will gain firsthand exposure to Africa CDC’s leadership in global health policy, program coordination, and evidence translation.
Placement Details:
- Host Institution: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
- Location: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Division: Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health
- Duration: 3 months (Summer 2026)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. (Addis Ababa time) – hours may also include evening and weekend engagements.
- Format: In-person, on-site engagement
- Number of Placements: 2-4 students (depending on Africa CDC capacity)
- Funding: $2,000 CAD award from UBC ORICE*
- Program Fees: Estimated $5,000 CAD (details below) + airfare and incidentals
*Selected candidates must meet the award eligibility requirements to receive the ORICE award.
Project Objectives:
This placement is designed to:
- Enhance student understanding of the policy and practice landscape for mental health and NCD prevention in Africa.
- Provide hands-on experience in a continental public health organization.
- Support Africa CDC’s strategic objectives through applied research or professional contributions.
- Strengthen intercultural and professional competencies relevant to global public health leadership.
- Build collaboration between UBC and Africa CDC on knowledge exchange in mental health systems strengthening.
Placement Streams:
Option A – Research/Inquiry Stream
For students in research-based or thesis programs who wish to pursue a specific area of inquiry during their placement.
Applicants must submit a study proposal (max 1,000 words) outlining:
- Research question(s) and rationale
- Methodology and data sources (if applicable)
- Alignment with Africa CDC’s strategy
- Ethical considerations and supervision plan (including UBC academic supervisor)
Option B – Professional Learning / Support Stream
For students in professional or course-based programs seeking hands-on experience in practice and organizational learning.
Students in this stream will submit a Learning Objectives Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) instead of a research proposal. This document should:
- Outline the specific learning objectives the student hopes to achieve during the placement.
- Describe how these objectives connect to their academic program or professional trajectory.
- Identify the skills, competencies, or thematic areas they wish to develop.
- Explain how engagement with Africa CDC’s work on mental health and NCDs will contribute to those goals.
- Indicate if this fulfills a specific requirement within your degree, and if so who the academic or staff oversight person is within your department.
Activities under this stream that interns could potentially provide assistance to include:
- Supporting the AU CDC unit of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health teams with planning, implementation, or analysis of program evaluation activities.
- Contributing to policy or strategy development processes.
- Assisting with coordination, communications, and report preparation.
- Participating in technical meetings and stakeholder engagement.
Students will work under dual supervision (UBC and Africa CDC) and will either produce agreed upon academic outputs or a reflective blog examining the work the unit is undertaking and their intersecting learning.
Eligibility & Priority:
- Open to graduate students (Master’s & PhD) enrolled at the University of British Columbia. Must be a current student in good standing.
- Citizens of African Union (AU) Member States will receive priority consideration in selection.
- Non-African Union member state citizens UBC students with demonstrated interest in global mental health and health systems may also apply.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academic standing.
- Clear motivation and fit with Africa CDC’s work.
- Articulation of how this placement intersects with academic and professional goals.
- Cross-cultural sensitivity and professionalism.
- Ability to live and work full-time in Addis Ababa for the placement duration.
All applicants will include a cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcript with your application.
Selection Process:
Stage 1: UBC Review
ORICE staff, including the Faculty Advisor for East Africa regional concentration, will assess applications for academic merit, preparedness, and program fit and conduct interviews.
Stage 2: Africa CDC Review
Recommended applications will be reviewed by Africa CDC for final approval based on alignment with the division’s priorities and capacity to host.
Final selection (2 – 4 students) will be jointly confirmed by UBC and Africa CDC.
Financial Information & Program Expenses:
This is an unpaid placement. Students are responsible for travel, visa, insurance and living costs, including daily transportation. The ORICE $2,000 CAD award is available to those who meet the eligibility requirements to support student participation.
Estimated Expenses:
| Category | Description | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Program Fee | Administration, coordination, pre-departure training, risk management, supervision, room and board | ≈ $5000 CAD |
| Less: UBC Travel Award | ORICE award toward participation costs* | – $2,000 |
| Estimated Net Cost to Student | After UBC award (excluding airfare and personal expenses) | ≈ $3,000 CAD |
| *Award eligibility must be met |
These figures are preliminary and provided for planning purposes only. Final costs will be confirmed once program logistics and location expenses are finalized.
Terms & Conditions:
- Insurance: Students must maintain valid health and travel insurance throughout the placement.
- Visa: Participants are responsible for obtaining visas and travel documentation; UBC and Africa CDC will provide guidance and letters of support.
- Confidentiality: Students will sign a confidentiality agreement consistent with Africa CDC and AU policies. Information obtained through the placement cannot be published or shared without authorization.
- Conduct: Participants must adhere to both UBC and AU codes of conduct, ethics, and professional standards.
- Duration: Standard term is 3 months; extensions are only possible with approval from both UBC and Africa CDC. No additional funding will be available for an extension.
- Completion: Students will participate in pre-departure and re-entry debriefings coordinated by ORICE.
Application Components:
Applicants must submit:
- Online application form
- Statement of Interest (maximum 750 words) that:
- Describes motivation and preparation for the placement.
- Demonstrates understanding of and reflection on the African Union values.
- Option A: Research/Study Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) – or
Option B: Learning Objectives Proposal (maximum 1,000 words) as described above. - Curriculum Vitae / Résumé
- Unofficial Transcript
- Letter of Support from a UBC Faculty Member
- Copy of Valid Passport or National ID
Timeline:
| Milestone | Date |
| Call for applications released | December 5, 2025 |
| Application deadline | January 11, 2026 |
| UBC selection review | January -February 2026 |
| Africa CDC final approval | February 2026 |
| Pre-departure preparation | March – April 2026 |
| Placement period | 3 month duration between May-August 2026 |
Additional Notes:
- Students must comply with UBC and AU travel, safety, and ethical engagement standards.
- ORICE will provide pre-departure, in-field, and post-placement support.
- Students must be active students during the placement, and can not graduate during the program dates.
- Selected students will represent both UBC and the Africa CDC in a professional capacity.
Applications are open.
For more information about the program or the course, please contact ORICE at ubc.orice@ubc.ca