UC-SMART prepares a new generation of scholars studying and practicing at the critical intersections of medical anthropology, Black feminist theory, social medicine, and African cultural studies and poised to bring about the decolonizing and anti-racist work desperately needed. Few opportunities to conduct meaningful, community-based, collaborative research in African countries exist. Few programs are developing nuanced approaches to research in African countries and rarely are African researchers and institutions positioned as producers of knowledge. Our approach to research differs as we encourage students to critically think about and with African solutions to tenacious health issues. Students will learn and engage with ethnographic research methods and the development of anthropology in Nigeria. Students will receive a $4000 stipend at the completion of the internship.

UC-SMART formalizes a mechanism for students to receive collaborative mentorship from faculty at their respective institutions, various UC campuses, and the University of Ibadan. Faculty mentors are drawn from a broad range of social sciences including social medicine, medical anthropology, Black/African Studies, the history of science and medicine, and public health. Students commence a life-long mentoring relationship upon entry into the program.

UC-SMART offers students total immersion into life in urban Nigeria while they conduct first-hand ethnographic research on health topics in Nigeria. Students will be hosted at the University of Ibadan (UI), home to the first and oldest university in Nigeria. The University of Ibadan is located in the city of Ibadan, the third most populous city in Nigeria and the capital city of Oyo state. Students will be exposed to a broad range of cultural activities and historical sites during their time in Ibadan.

This program is currently only available to HBCU and University of Ibadan students.

—Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student in good academic standing at your institution (University of Ibadan in Nigeria or an HBCU in US) at the time of application

—Must be 300/400 level student(UI) or a sophomore/junior/senior (HU)

—Must comply with all visa and vaccine requirements of the United States of America, Nigeria, and the University of California

—Must have a passport valid for 18 months or more

—Must have an interest in pursuing an MD/PhD or graduate school in one of the following areas: medical anthropology, African cultural studies, public health, global health, social medicine, and STS

—Must be over the age of 18

The deadline for submission of all application materials is rolling. We will continue to review applications until the spaces are filled. For more information contact us at uc.smart.program@gmail.com.

To apply, fill out the application form here. Please be prepared to upload the following information:

—An unofficial transcript

—A resume/CV outlining your work experience (academic and otherwise)

—A 500-word essay that outlines your academic background, interest in medical anthropology, and how this experience will contribute to your academic and career goals.

—A photocopy of a valid passport bio data page. If you do not have one, please submit evidence that you have applied for a passport and expected date of passport receipt.

—One letter of recommendation from a professor who can speak to your academic interests and abilities (HU) or one letter of recommendation from your head of department (UI) should be emailed to uc.smart.program@gmail.com.