Have you ever wondered how to gain more confidence and get out of your comfort zone? Have you ever thought of studying in a different country and broadening your horizons? UMass Public Health Science Degree Program provides various opportunities for students to get involved outside of the major through volunteering, research, study abroad and additional academics courses. Studying abroad widens a unique perspective on the field that you are passionate in while also cultivating independence and international exposure.
Students get an opportunity to meet people with different backgrounds, diverse cultures and venture out around the world. UMass students can go abroad during their sophomore, junior and even the first semester of the senior year. For transfer students, you can study abroad if you have attended UMass Amherst for one full semester. You can take the courses that are credited toward the PHS major, minor, or even General Education courses. Many public health students have studied in countries such as Costa Rica, Thailand, India, Spain, and New Zealand. While studying abroad, you can join many diverse programs such as epidemiology, healthcare systems and policies of other countries, faculty research, and volunteer opportunities across the world. The programs can be one semester long or even a whole academic year long to explore in the country! Costa Rica provides the program “ISA: Medical Spanish & Health Care in Costa Rica” at Veritas University with no language prerequisite. In Brazil, the “SIT: Public Health, Race, and Human Rights” program based in Salvador is led by faculty staff from SIT. In Europe, countries such as Denmark have the “DIS: Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Copenhagen” program specifically for American college students with free transportation access across Europe. Some seven-week summer programs such as “CIEE: Community Public Health'' in Botswana, utilizing five weeks of classroom course, one week of language and culture practicum, and one week field placement in a rural clinic near Gaborone. Countries such as South Korea might not have specific public health programs for students, but you can still take related public health courses such as healthcare economics, international healthcare, and policies at Yonsei University or Korea University.
Finances may become the principal issue since living abroad and traveling can be expensive. The cost of study abroad can vary depending on the program, local economies, location, and durations. UMass IPO provides a rough estimate of education abroad costs, and a budgeting worksheet while you study abroad. There are also many scholarship opportunities based on financial need and academic merit, as well as student diversity, program destination, and language study. If you currently receive the Pell Grant, you are eligible for a $3000-$5000 Gilman scholarship with the IPO approval. Visit (www.iie.org/gilman) or email UMass EA Advisor: Kate Smith for more information.
All UMASS students who have a GPA of 2.5 or above (or met program requirements) with no outstanding disciplinary actions are eligible for study abroad. UMass required 12 credits for full time undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students. Students can find their desired courses and get it approved by the advisors on your International Course Approval Form (ICAF) before the program. For SPHHS students, you can contact Dr. Gloria DiFulvio (gloria@schoolph.umass.edu) for course approval. Don’t know where to start? Visit IPO website:( www.ipo.umass.edu) and learn more about academics & eligibility and specific programs. Schedule an appointment with a peer advisor to learn more about the programs or EA advising center drop-in hours 10am-4pm Monday to Friday at International Program Office (70 Butterfield Terrace; next to Gorman Hall). Meet with your EA Advisor to talk more the application process and requirements before your program.
By studying abroad, you can learn more international health issues firsthand and how to manage real healthcare policy from working effectively with diverse populations. We encourage students to take all the opportunities that UMass provides and make the best out of your college experiences!
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