Healthcare professionals work directly with patients every day, necessitating effective communication skills, an awareness of culturally driven norms and adaptability in all circumstances. Study abroad provides students with these invaluable experiences as well as expanding their existing skill set by expanding upon it outside the U.S.
Medical and health students can benefit immensely from traveling abroad for medical study purposes. By being exposed to different healthcare systems, equipment, daily processes and types of patients they can better prepare themselves for future roles within their field – an opportunity employers often appreciate in applicants.
No matter your healthcare field of choice – be it nursing, public health management or another aspect – studying abroad can expand both your current skill set and knowledge base while giving you new experiences across the world. Nurses and health professionals, in particular, will benefit greatly by expanding their international experiences as well as broadening their network of healthcare-related professionals to support both their careers and personal lives.
Experience gained by those with higher degrees can be particularly advantageous; graduate degree holders could potentially gain work at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or multinational companies to bolster their resume and open more doors towards full-time employment after graduating.
Students interested in global health may wish to enroll in HAD 517: Global Health Management, which allows them to develop an in-depth knowledge of global healthcare and its challenges. Through lectures, case studies and assignments this class allows participants to examine how healthcare managers from different nations approach similar management issues.
Students pursuing degrees in health sciences or medicine can also take advantage of programs like the Global Health Research Initiative Scholarship. CWRU Master’s students can benefit from this fully funded program that gives them the chance to travel around the globe and contribute their humanitarian efforts in areas like disease prevention, maternal and child health, community and economic development, etc. Scholarships such as this one offer students who wish to pursue a career in global health an invaluable and unforgettable opportunity. If you’re experiencing stress from traveling abroad, don’t be intimidated to seek advice or counsel from an advisor or counselor. Formulating a plan and developing strategies to deal with homesickness and culture shock will make the transition as seamless as possible. Before leaving home, it is also essential to familiarize yourself with the mental health culture in your destination country so as to avoid any unnecessary complications. TimelyCare App can provide immediate and real-time help, providing instantaneous access to a trained mental health professional 24/7 with complete confidentiality. CWRU students with ID can download this service free. You’ll find it available both in Apple and Google Play stores; for added support you may wish to visit your campus’ counseling center for counseling services.