We love the phrase “There’s no growth in the comfort zone.” But we also know that starting a DI is getting out of the comfort zone enough! Relocating, finding a place to live, navigating a new city …… it’s a lot on top of attending rotations and grad school. That’s why choosing a distance dietetic internship is a great idea.

The distance internship format can seem more daunting considering you must work on finding sites and preceptors, but chances are good that you have developed a network right where you are. Locations where observations took place, sites where you’ve volunteered, places you’ve worked, people in your community who you know that are at potential rotation sites – all add up to resources that can help you craft the perfect internship.

Here are some comments we’ve received from graduates about the benefits of a distance program:

“I liked the flexibility of rotation sites and I got to intern at a functional medicine clinic that aligned with my interests.” A.V.

“I loved it. I didn’t have to move or travel so it took out the stress of being in a new city along with doing an internship.” K.W.

“The distance dietetic internship internship option was wonderful because it allowed me to be able to complete the internship requirements without having to leave my home state or uproot my family. Also, having classes online was really helpful as they allowed me to take a lunch break at my rotation, attend class, and then complete the rotation in the same day without having to go home or take a half day at the rotation. In turn, this allowed me to stay on track with completing internship hours in a timely manner.” E. C.

The LWDI distance option has a little lagniappe, too! Do you have friends or relatives in another city you’ve wanted to visit (who can put up with you for a few weeks LOL?) Do some research and find a site there! Use our Preceptor Resource Packet to get started or reach out here for guidance on securing a site with the necessary paperwork and you’ll be on your way!