Studying abroad in public health provides a unique perspective on a variety of global health issues. You can meet with health care professionals and educators, explore cultural differences, and learn about the political systems that shape policies in other countries. The experience and knowledge gained while studying abroad will help you develop your professional skills and prepare you for a career in the health field.
Public health is one of the fastest growing fields in the world. In addition to preventing disease, people in this profession protect the health of their communities. They address issues related to disaster relief and provide services to prevent illness. A public health study abroad program can expand your knowledge of this field, improve your understanding of the international public health environment, and allow you to build your network of friends and colleagues.
Students can participate in a range of study abroad opportunities, from summer courses to a semester-long course or internship. While the exact schedule of your study abroad trip will depend on the current travel policy at your university, you can expect to interact with various community organizations, health care providers, and health activists. These experiences can help you strengthen your personal network, which can help you find employment in the future job market.
If you’re interested in a study abroad program, you can begin by working with your Education Abroad advisor. During your stay in a foreign country, you can meet with health professionals, activists, and other students to gain valuable insight into local culture and politics. It’s also possible to make connections with politicians or other public health researchers to assist with your projects.
Public health is an exciting and rapidly-growing field, so you will have the opportunity to take courses that cover a variety of topics. You can enroll in an elective course, which can count towards your public health minor. Electives are typically taught by public health faculty and require a 2.0 GPA in all classes. However, you can choose to take a course offered by other departments, provided you receive approval from your program director.
One study abroad option is the Institute of Collective Health, a research and educational organization located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The organization offers a 12-credit graduate-level program. Among its other benefits, the institute is affiliated with the Federal University of Bahia. Located in the third largest city in Brazil, the institute is known for its music and food.
Another program is the Global Public Health Research Program, which focuses on epidemiology, health promotion, and collective health. In addition to classroom instruction, the program includes language instruction, an applied research project, and cross-cultural lectures.
Students have the chance to work with a variety of community organizations and government agencies, making them more knowledgeable about the public health field. As they learn about different cultural practices, they’ll become more sensitive to the needs of others. For example, they’ll be able to apply what they learned to an emerging issue, such as gender inequity. Moreover, their ability to adapt to a new environment will make them more competitive in the job market.