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*Global Public Health in Ghana and Paris: Utah Asia Campus
(Outgoing Program)
Enrollment in a Learning Abroad Program, Learning Abroad 101, Pre-Departure Orientation, Participation Requirements for Learning Abroad, Post-Decision Health Questionnaire & Clearance, Pre & Post Commitments
This is a 3-week reoccurring program in Kumasi, Ghana. 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.
Students will be able to participate in research projects that evaluate different aspects of health in the villages and learn about the cultural, social and health issues currently facing Ghana. They will learn about current public health issues including infectious disease, nutrition, water and sanitation, maternal. Students will work with Ghanaian students and faculty from our partnering University, the Kwame Nkruma University of Science and Technology (KNUST). They will also have the opportunity to interact directly with village members by participating in field work programs that focus on community health and development.
Like other regions of Africa, Ghana suffers from disease, poverty, and other pressing social issues. While in Kumasi, students will be able to observe and participate hands-on in functioning, effective projects that have been successfully implemented and are positively changing health conditions in West Africa. Field work and activities will take place in Kumasi and surrounding villages.
The research site is a cohort of approximately 22,000 people in 20 rural villages approximately 25 kilometers from Kumasi, Ghana. These villages are part of an ongoing collaborative effort between Ghanaian and U.S. researchers to promote health in rural Ghana. The group of researchers, in collaboration with local village leaders, are working together to address pressing health issues including those associated with malaria, maternal health and child mortality.
This Ghana Learning Abroad Program will add one week abroad to Paris, France. The Paris, France add-on will give the students the opportunity to see first-hand some of the public health history and see cultural sites of Paris.
ACADEMICS
Available credit(s): 5
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:
Mole National Park (wildlife reserve)
Lake Bosomtwi
Cape Coast
Tour of Elmina Slave Castle
Take a Canopy Walk in the rainforest
Spend the day at the beach
Possible Paris, France excursions may include:
Institut Pastuer and Musée Pastuer
Musée des égouts de Paris/Paris Sewer Museum
Catacombes de Paris
Louvre
Sainte-Chapelle
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe Paris
Vedettes du Pont Neuf Riverboat Cruise
The program participants and program directors will walk to most places and use the Paris Metro to access the cultural sites.
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:
Students interact with local health care professionals and community leaders to understand how infrastructure and culture impact the health care system in the host country. Through networking and firsthand experience, they look at health care systems, health care delivery, and prevention in a comparative context. This experience will provide valuable insights that can be highlighted on resumes and during job interviews.
Research Experience:
Students participate in community driven research initiatives geared toward understanding and improving public 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 public health initiatives. 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
Scott Benson, M.D., Ph.D., MPH
Associate Professor
Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
scott.benson@hsc.utah.edu
Ty Dickerson , M.D., MPH, FAAP
Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Inpatient Pediatrics
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Global Health Education
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Division of Public Health
Kyra Solis
Program Contact
Division of Public Health
kyra.solis@utah.edu
ACCOMMODATIONS
See Housing Type(s) above:
Ghana Lodging
Okubi Hotel – Kumasi
Mole Motel – Mole National Park
Busua Beach Resort – Cape Coast
Paris Lodging
Holiday Inn Paris Saint Germain De Pres
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
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.