Sanjay Gupta Sagar, a doctoral student in the UT Department of Health and Recreation Professions, is spending his summer interning for the World Health Organization (WHO) offices in Europe.
Sagar
“Europe was my first choice,” said Sagar, who also was accepted to the Nepal WHO office and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund in India. “I am originally from Nepal, which is in South Asia and hence, I do have understanding of public health in that region. I was never exposed to Europe, and that is why it was my first choice.”
Once he completes his studies and has had significant exposure in the field, his goal is to work with WHO and make a difference in public health.
While in Europe, Sagar also hopes to visit the WHO regional headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and Copenhagen, Denmark.
“Eventually, I want to work in the global public health areas, so I would like to get exposure to all regions of the world where WHO is working,” Sagar said. “My next destinations will be Australia and Africa.”
“It will be a great internship for him,” said Dr. Jiunn-Jye Sheu, UT associate professor of health education, who is Sagar’s adviser. “It is the most well-known organization on public health, and he has experience with water sanitation in underdeveloped regions of the world.”
Sagar found the internship while browsing online and said the application process was a lengthy one. He thanked Sheu and the Center for International Studies and Programs for their help in securing the opportunity.
“The Center for International Studies and Programs at UT is very supportive for those wanting international exposure,” Sagar said. “The center provided me a travel grant to cover my airfare to Germany, and I am thankful to them as well.”
