Senior Health Advocacy Internship
The Career Development Office (CDO) and Health Professions Advising are excited to offer a Senior Health Advocacy Internship. We are seeking five interns to help lead three interactive workshops at Belmont Village Senior Living in Aliso Viejo, focused on the Blue Zones—regions in the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives. These workshops will explore the lifestyles and wellness practices of Okinawa (Japan), Ikaria (Greece), and Nicoya (Costa Rica)—communities known for their strong social ties, nutritious diets, regular movement, and deep sense of purpose.
As part of Soka University of America’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and community engagement, this internship provides a unique opportunity to engage with older adults in a designated senior living environment, including those in memory care. Belmont Village includes a specialized unit for residents coping with cognitive decline, and students may have the opportunity to interact with individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in a thoughtful, respectful, and structured setting.
Intern Timeline and Responsibilities:
- A virtual orientation session will be held in mid-to-late August, introducing interns to Belmont Village staff, the care environment, and guidelines for safe and respectful engagement.
- Interns will then meet bi-weekly during the fall semester to develop, plan, and rehearse the workshop content. Planning is student-led, with guidance from Health Professions Advising.
- Interns will collaboratively lead three themed workshops based on the Blue Zones, tailored to the interests and needs of Belmont Village residents.
Tentative Workshop Dates (Fridays):
- September 19 – Japan (Okinawa)
- October 17 – Greece (Ikaria)
- November 14 – Costa Rica (Nicoya)
Please note: Dates and workshop topics listed below are tentative and pending final confirmation. Applicants should be aware that some details may be subject to change.
Transportation to and from Belmont Village will be provided.
Important Note: Students must not miss class to participate in this internship. If you are scheduled for classes during any of the workshop times (Fridays around 4:00 PM), please do not apply. Academic responsibilities take priority.
Training and Support:
While this is an unpaid internship, students will receive hands-on experience and foundational training in:
- Healthy aging, cognitive wellness, and intergenerational engagement
- Elder communication, including dementia-aware and memory care-informed practices
- Public health education and workshop facilitation in a senior living setting
- Professional collaboration with staff in health care, aging, and wellness fields Making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of older adults in the local community
This internship is ideal for students interested in health professions, gerontology, psychology, social work, or community health.
Estimated Time Commitment:
Interns can expect to complete approximately 25–30 hours of community engagement during the fall semester, including:
- Orientation
- Planning meetings
- Workshop development
- On-site engagement
Qualifications:
We are looking for students who are:
- 2nd-4th undergraduate students at Soka University of America
- International or U.S. students in good academic standing
- Proactive, dependable, and self-directed
- Comfortable taking initiative and working independently
- Interested in learning about healthy aging, cognitive health, and elder care
- Thoughtful and respectful in intergenerational and memory care settings
- Willing to follow all Belmont Village policies, including confidentiality, professional conduct, and health and safety protocols—this includes not attending in-person events when experiencing cold, flu, or other potentially contagious symptoms, out of care and respect for a medically vulnerable population
Application Timeline:
- Applications Open: July 1, 2025
- Applications Close: August 1, 2025
- Selected interns will be notified shortly after the deadline.
This is a unique and meaningful opportunity to explore the intersection of health, community service, and aging while gaining valuable experience in a real-world setting.
Apply now to be part of this impactful and inspiring internship!