Maureen Yang ‘07
Northbrook, IL

Maureen Yang is a double major in Biology and Chemistry who had a summer internship at the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries in Arusha.

Staying in the US would never have given me a genuine picture of what life is really like for the millions with AIDS in Africa.  It was an eye opening experience to be in a completely different culture. 

When: Summer 2006 (between junior and senior year).

Why an international internship: I hadn't planned on going abroad, but the sponsor, Dr. Krisana Kraisintu, inspired me to apply for this internship. Plus, Tanzania is the perfect place to learn about AIDS and malaria. This internship challenged me immensely which I'm grateful for. 

What language did you speak: English, Swahili.

What did you do: I worked as an ARV production intern for half a month, learned to follow protocols to test the quality of the drug (these protocols were standardized using British pharmacopeia standards), and learned the entire production process of tablets (weighing room, mixing, tabletting, packaging). We also had to measure hardness, disintegration time, weight; typical quality control measurements. The other half of the time I spent at Mount Meru Regional Hospital shadowing doctors in various wards.  I also spent some time in the operating room, observing surgeries as well as interacting with medical students from all over the world.  We saw many patients with malaria, HIV/AIDS, burns, pregnancies, etc.