The field practicum experiences are the cornerstone of the Emory MDP curriculum. Our “embedded practitioner” model envisions students to serve within global development and humanitarian organizations as professionals-in-training. As such, they work with their project teams and produce high-quality work, while building their own skillsets and networks.

MDP students complete two summer field practicums (8-10 weeks per summer), contributing to development projects in the Global South or in the United States. Projects focus a wide range of sectors, including global health, environmental sustainability, water and sanitation, housing security, social enterprise,gender justice, and disaster recovery. 

Since the program's inception in 2010, we have faciliated more than 400 summer field practicum experiences with over 100 partner organizations in about 70+ countries and the U.S  Currently about half of the Emory MDP students choose to serve in the Global South and half of them do so in the U.S.

To determine travel safety and security in field practicum sites, Emory MDP relies on the CDC Travel Guidelines and US Department of State Travel Advisories (see this World Map). International SOS provides emotional support and emergency medical insurance to students while they are conducting their summer field practicums abroad.

Most Emory MDP sudents also engage in optional academic year internships. With MDP approval, second-year students who fulfill a required number of internship hours during the academic year may exempt out of their summer field practicum and graduate in May rather than in August.   

Photo Contest

MDP students demonstrate the diversity of Emory MDP field practicum experiences through their photographs.

View Winning Images

Practicum Partners

Partner organizations provide MDP students with exposure to real-life, on-the-ground development practice.

Learn About Partners