DESCRIPTION
This is a 3-week reoccurring program in based in Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, India. Students enrolled in this program will travel abroad to work on public health projects aimed at improving health and will team with local public health workers and community development partners to establish and assess ongoing public health resources in that region. We will be using a community-engaged approach to assure our work is focused on the needs of the rural and peri-urban communities.
Fieldwork will be conducted in Kaza and surrounding villages. Besides being involved in education, service and research projects, the students will get enriching opportunities of cross cultural learning and global citizenship as this region offers an insight to Buddhist way of life with a Tibetan influence. The region is dotted with ancient gompas (monasteries) which are a treasure house of paintings, scriptures, and artefacts dated as far as back to the birth of Buddhism. Tabo monastery, the oldest in this region, dates back to more than thousand years. Weekend trekking and camping in the remotest and highest parts of the world across the mighty Himalayan landscape will be a unique experience. The trip will end with a visit to the Taj Mahal.
Through participation in the pre-departure orientation sessions and on-site field work, students will learn about cultural, social, and health issues currently challenging communities most vulnerable living in the remotest parts of the world. Participants will see the workings of the Indian non governmental, government, academic, and community systems in the region. While in country, participants will divide into teams and work in rural communities to strengthen relationships with local partners, conduct surveys, and assess conditions that affect health and development. Work will take students into rural communities, homes, health posts, non-profit partner organizations, and government facilities. Research projects and interventions will be co-constructed with host entities and the University of Utah.
ACADEMICS
- Available credit(s): 4
- Applicants are required to enroll in the program course (Undergraduate or Graduate)
- Please consult with your Faculty Director and Academic Advisor to determine course enrollment
- Courses are subject to change
- Click on the Courses Offered link above for more information, including prerequisites
EXCURSIONS
- Possible excursions may include:
- Taj Mahal, Agra
- Hiking and camping in Himalayas
- Exploring New Delhi and Chandigarh
LEARNING ABROAD BADGES
In addition to taking classes, students enrich their time abroad by participating in Learning Abroad Badge opportunities such as, Career Development, Language Immersion, Research Experience, and Community Engagement:
The Learning Abroad Badges listed in the Fact Sheet above are included in this program. Some programs offer opportunities to earn additional Learning Abroad Badges through independent options. Students interested in earning multiple Learning Abroad Badges can participate in the Global U Program and receive special recognition at graduation.
- Career Development:
- Daily field activities will immerse the students in a diverse cultural setting, listening to and processing community-expressed needs, assisting in critically analyzing problems and co-creating solutions. Field projects will provide opportunity for developing management and leadership skills.
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Research Experience:
- Students participate in community driven research initiatives geared toward understanding and improving health in local communities. They will collect and analyze data and create a formal report explaining the results of their research. The final report is shared with the community to assist in health initiatives related to geoenvironmental and other factors. The report could serve as a poster session abstract or the foundation of a conference presentation.
- Community Engagement:
- Students work with local leaders to assess a variety of public health concerns and issues. A collaborative approach to problem solving is utilized to address educational, infrastructural, cultural, and economic issues that impact community health. Students will have the opportunity to interact with local leaders and learn unique ways of addressing common challenges.
FACULTY DIRECTOR
- T.P. Singh, MDS, MPH
- Associate Professor
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
- tp.singh@utah.edu
- Kyra Solis
- Program Contact
- Division of Public Health
- kyra.solis@utah.edu
ACCOMMODATIONS
- See Housing Type(s) above:
- Hotels in Delhi, Chandigarh, Narkanda, Kalpa, Kaza, and Agra
- Participants are required to use the program housing facilities
- Housing is included in the program cost
FINANCES
- Click on the Budget Sheet link above for information about ESTIMATED costs
- Participants should read the full Withdrawal Penalty Policy BEFORE applying
- Scholarships are available for Degree-Seeking, University of Utah students
- Financial Aid might apply, visit your Financial Aid Counselor for more information
LEARNING ABROAD HANDBOOK
The Learning Abroad Handbook outlines the University of Utah's eligibility requirements, financial policies, conduct standards, administrative procedures, academic expectations, as well as visa and passport guidelines for Learning Abroad Programs. ALL participants are subject to the rules and regulations in the Learning Abroad Handbook. It is every participant's responsibility to read the Learning Abroad Handbook and contact Learning Abroad with any questions.