Global Health Program & Summer Schools
International academic placements, research internships, and short-term training programs in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Global health opportunities in Romania
One of our key initiatives, the Global Health Program (GHP), is an innovative academic placement program that brings together international students and local experts for hands-on learning. Since 2015, the program has focused on a specialized training experience to empower young people in healthcare and research.
Our philosophy: learning by doing
This is learning by doing. Our hands-on, fully customized experiences are for students ready to do more than just sit in a classroom.
10+
Years of
experience
Program tracks & fees
Select the track that best fits your career goals. All programs include housing, mentorship, orientation, and full support.
Research internship
Dive into real-world public health projects, from digital health to healthcare management. You can join ongoing projects or run your own research.
Who it's for: Pre-med, public health, or allied health students.
$2,700 – $3,100 / month
Medical shadowing
Peek behind the curtain of Romania's top hospitals. Follow local physicians, observe clinical culture differences, and ask the questions you can't ask in a classroom.
Who it's for: Pre-med & public health students (BA/MPH).
$2,800 / month
Community practice
Roll up your sleeves and work with local NGOs doing incredible work in elderly care, disability support, environmental justice, and beyond.
Who it's for: Empathetic, hands-on changemakers.
$2,500 / month
Rural health program
Test your adaptability by working in the mountain villages of Transylvania. Assess needs and engage with communities to see what healthcare looks like beyond the city walls.
Who it's for: Adventurous souls interested in underserved communities.
$3,300 / month
Pharmacy rotations
Experience four distinct pharmacy settings over four weeks: urban, rural, hospital, and research lab. Learn the real clinical side of pharmacy in Europe.
Who it's for: PharmD students.
$3,500 / month
Why Cluj? Why Romania?
Academic excellence
Cluj is home to top academic hubs where placements are customized to fit your studies and future goals.
A cultural crossroads
Romania is where East meets West. Cluj is multicultural, safe, and full of life — blending gothic cathedrals with indie bookstores and vegan bistros.
Student life
A city that never sleeps. From study cafés by day to legendary festivals like Untold and Electric Castle by night.
What students say
"I learned a lot of things during my stay here at Cluj, but one of the greatest lessons was in teamwork. Everyone works together here, and the strengthening of bonds is the top priority. This is a lesson that will stick with me for years to come."
"The SPH is unique in its structure and departmental cooperation. This has helped me learn about the different projects and the various research opportunities in Europe. The school creates an environment that promotes learning from teams."
"I still remember that in the team-building training program, we overcame our internal fears and practiced public speaking… I am glad that I was there, in SPH, meeting nice people, making good friends, acquiring knowledge, and experiencing a new life."
"The SPH has given me an invaluable opportunity to explore and develop my interests in public health… I was able to return for another academic year to conduct a research study on the pregnancy experiences of women living in Cluj County's rural areas."
Impact & partners
10+
Years of experience
50+
Students placed
10+
Partner institutions
Romania
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj; NGOs, public and private hospitals, businesses, local institutions
USA
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, University of Iowa, St. Catherine University, University at Albany (SUNY), Florida International University, University of California