CHS Offering 2 Education Abroad Options for Summer 2026
The College of Health Sciences is excited to offer two education abroad programs for Summer 2026. Education abroad programs provide unique opportunities for future health care professionals to develop skills and have experiences that will help them excel in both professional school and the workforce. Students who travel on both programs will:
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Practice intercultural communication, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, evidence-based decision making, collaboration, and more
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Hear from local guest speakers who provide unique perspectives on modern issues in healthcare
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Take part in cultural experiences that bring the connections between culture and health to life
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Explore another country with the support of a faculty member who develops customized curriculum to connect the experience with their CHS majors.
Dublin
This is a particularly fascinating time to visit Ireland if you’re interested in health or healthcare. The Irish are in the midst of reforming their healthcare system through an initiative called “Sláintecare,” which is aims to achieve universal health coverage regardless of ability to pay for care. They are moving from an insurance-based system that looked more like the U.S. to an adaptation of a British style system that aims to keep the best parts and fix the flaws. In addition, the Irish already outlive Americans, so we’ll spend time living the Irish lifestyle, exploring and enjoying the ways it promotes health. Ireland is a beautiful country, and students will have ample free time to explore from their base in Dublin. Students can use this program to replace CLM 323 or as an elective.
Berlin
From World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the rise of modern-day Germany, Berlin was, is, and will forever be a collision of cultures and identities. We will use this rich and challenging history to better understand the concept of cultural humility in the context of healthcare. How do culture and identity impact health outcomes? How can healthcare providers improve patient outcomes for all patients? And what can we, as Americans, learn from the Germans? These are just a few of the questions we’ll be tackling while living in one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. To this end, students will immerse themselves in everyday Berlin life by staying with local host families, visiting cultural heritage sites, and connecting with local experts. Students will also have ample free time to explore the city on their own terms and at their own pace. Students can use this program to replace HHS 453 or as an HHS 470 elective.
Berlin program director Dr. Brendan O’Farrell completed a Fulbright in Berlin several years ago and recently returned for a conference. He’s excited to share the city with students, including all of its wonderful graffiti and street art.
Both programs have an application deadline of Feb. 1, however programs are expected to fill before then. Interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as they are confident that they would like to be considered for the program.
Education Abroad and CHS offer scholarship opportunities to offset the cost, and students who receive Financial Aid may be able to use it if they enroll in at least six credits over the summer.
"Students who have traveled on our past programs have raved about the experience and we expect these to live up to that same high standard," O’Farrell said.