The Center for Traditional Medicine internship program in Olympia, Washington provides individuals opportunities to gain skills and contribute to research, writing, clinical and administrative activities. Interns are expected to undertake both substantive work as well as administrative duties that help the center function.
We accept applications for internships in Olympia, Washington and very occasionally for a virtual internship. Internships are very competitive as we cannot accept all those who apply. The internships are individualized for each student. We accept undergraduates, graduates and post graduate students as well as others who are not in an academic program who want the internship experience.
Both Center for Traditional Medicine and the Center for World Indigenous Studies support an approach to professional and personal development, that integrates intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual growth. Most of the projects and departments are interdisciplinary by nature, and provide interns with a broad range of opportunities for both learning and practical application. Areas of focus may include natural medicine, traditional healing and health, spirituality and traditional medicine, community trauma, health psychology, nutrition and ethnobotany and public policy issues relating to health, the environment and biodiversity. Interns who desire experience working in a non-profit in the administrative, financial and/or marketing side may also request placement.
Interns participate from undergraduate, graduate and professional training programs around the world and are evaluated and selected competitively. Some interns have gone on to develop paid staff positions and serve as faculty though these openings are rare. The Olympia office provides a casual, yet intellectually and productivity- intense atmosphere in the heart of Olympia. We maintain a small staff of dedicated researchers and clinicians and volunteers.
Interns are asked to commit to a minimum of at least three months if during the summer (or the equivalent of one quarter/semester), 20-40 hours per week or six -twelve months during the school year. College credit may be arranged at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Supervision is provided by a senior faculty or staff member. The terms of supervision, which may include either individual or group processes are negotiated on an individual basis.
Application Process
Prospective interns are invited to send a detailed letter Dr.Leslie Korn, stating background and experience, your areas of interest and goals along with internship dates requested. Please include a statement of your computer research and word processing skills and if appropriate a sample of your writing.
An Application Fee of $25.00 (USD) (payable by check or credit card) must accompany your application. No fees are paid to interns. Interns are accepted on the basis of providing skills and services which foster the mutual goals of CTM and CWIS and the intern.
Please fill out and return the application form with your payment to CWIS Intern/Fellow Registration. If you have questions do not hesitate to call 360 586-0117 or 360 586-0656 Fax: 253 276-0084 or email directly. Send completed application to:
Center for Traditional Medicine / Center for World Indigenous Studies
Internship Program
PMB 214
1001 Cooper Point Rd SW #140
Olympia WA 98502-1107
Selected Universities
Represented by Student Interns
University of Bradford, England
University of Darmstadt, Germany
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
University of Michigan, School of Public Health
University of Texas at Austin
University of Vermont, Burlington
University of Washington, School of Social Work
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Bastyr University Naturopathic College, Washington
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire
Evergreen State College, Washington
Hawaii Pacific University
Vassar College, New York
