University of Michigan School of Nursing

Undergraduate Global Opportunities

Home › Global Outreach › Going Global for Students › Undergraduate Global Opportunities
If you're unsure of what type of program to look for, be sure to visit the Getting Started page for Going Global for Students.     
 

Curriculum

Nursing Electives

The undergraduate nursing curriculum includes one elective course, N420: Introduction to Global Health: Issues and Challenges (taught on campus), that introduces global health concepts and the network of organizations working to advance health care internationally.
 
The nursing electives listed below now offer optional international experiences for students enrolled in a particular section. These courses are taught in the winter term, and travel takes place either during the winter term break or the spring term.

Non-Nursing Electives

For a list of global health related courses taught in other U-M schools and colleges please visit: U-M Global Health Courses.
 

Study Abroad Programs - Sponsored by U-M

The U-M Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) provides centralized support for a variety of global engagement and learning opportunities for the University of Michigan community. Listed below are just a few of their many offerings that may be of specific interest to nursing students. For more information and additional programs, visit the CGIS website.
 

Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU)

  • 3-4 weeks of travel taking place between May 3 and August 16
  • In addition to global experience, students participate in a service project
  • Students earn 3 credits for course UC275: 2 credits in the winter term and 1 in the following fall term
  • Applications are due in mid-fall
  • More info: About GIEU

Nursing in London

  • U-M program in partnership with Michigan State University
  • 4-week summer program
  • Students earn 5-6 U-M credits
  • Applications are due in mid-January
  • More info: CGIS - Nursing in London

Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) Latin American Health and Nutrition Program

  • U-M program in partnership with University of Iowa
  • 6 weeks in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic; includes homestays with local families
  • Students earn 8 U-M credits
  • Requires at least 2 semesters college-level Spanish or the equivalent
  • Applications are due in mid-January
  • More info: CIC Latin American Health and Nutrition Program

Global Course Connections (GCC)

  • CGIS offers opportunities to add a global travel component to the following School of Nursing courses: N421, N422  (see above under Curriculum)
  • Students wishing to participate in the travel component must apply through CGIS, and should expect to enroll in an additional 2 credit class
  • Applications are due in the fall term
  • More info: Global Course Connections

Spring/Summer Language Study

In addition to those offered by CGIS as highlighted above, other U-M sponsored study abroad opportunities can be found by searching the M-Compass website.
 

Study Abroad Programs - Sponsored Outside U-M

Some students opt to pursue study abroad programs on their own that are not sponsored by U-M but by another university or, in some cases, a third-party provider or a non-govermental agency. Courses taken through non-U-M programs may or may not count for credit or towards degree requirements. Please consult with an academic advisor in the Office of Student and Multicultural Services (OSAMS) for advice on transfer credit before enrolling in these non-U-M programs.  Below are some program offerings by geographic area.
 

Multiple Locations

Northwestern University – Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI)
Application Deadlines: December/January/March  
Duration: 9 weeks 
Synopsis: This summer program consists of a weeklong pre-departure training in Chicago, followed by an 8-week internship with a grassroots organization in one of six developing countries (Nicaragua, Bolivia, Uganda, Dominican Republic, India, or South Africa). While in-country, students work directly with local leaders to design and implement a development project. Students gain credit for two courses through Northwestern University. More info: Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI)

Latin America

Little to no previous language study required:

Argentina – Georgetown University: Translational Health Science Internship   
Application deadline: Early February
Duration: 6 weeks
Synopsis: The for-credit internship provides participants the opportunity to work with US and Argentine scientists studying respiratory infections in children. It consists of both a laboratory and clinical component, as well as visits to healthcare facilities in Buenos Aires.  Students earn 6 Georgetown University credits.  More info: Translational Health Science Internship.
 
Brazil – Michigan State University: Healthcare in Brazil
Application deadline: Early March
Duration: 4 weeks
Synopsis: Graduate students or upper-level undergraduates learn about Brazil’s public health infrastructure and policies through a combination of field experiences and lectures at the Universidade Federal de Bahia (UFBA) in Salvador, Brazil.  More info: Healthcare in Brazil
 
Costa Rica - CEA Medical Spanish and Health Sciences
Application deadline: Early February
Duration: 5 weeks
Synopsis: Offered at Veritas University in San José, this course allows students to improve their Spanish and practice it in a clinical environment. Two course options allow students to take an additional course in Costa Rican healthcare. Field work consists of visits to clinics, healthcare centers, and health fairs.  More info: Medical Spanish and Health Sciences
 
Ecuador – International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership (IPSL): Spanish for the Healthcare Professional
Application Deadline:  Early May
Duration: 4 to 5 weeks
Synopsis: This short-term study abroad and service-learning course, offered through IPSL, combines Spanish language study for a healthcare setting with service in a health services facility in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Academic excursions to health centers and cultural sites are included. Students have the opportunity to extend their programs by one week, working full-time at their service-learning placement.  More info: Spanish for the Healthcare Professionals
 
Mexico – Central College Abroad: Studies in Global Health  
Application Deadline: Early March  
Duration: 4 weeks          
Synopsis:  Based in Merida, students can choose one or both of the following: Healthcare in Yucatán (taught in English) or Spanish for Healthcare Professionals (taught in Spanish, minimum 2 semesters college-level Spanish required). Visits to healthcare centers, rural clinics, and urban and rural health intervention sites are included.  More info:  Studies in Global Health
 
Mexico – Instituto Cultural de Oaxaca: Spanish Language Study *
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: 4 weeks     
Synopsis: This renowned institute of Spanish language study offers two programs: a 15 hour/week course and a 20 hour/week course. Both can be supplemented with Medical Spanish and private lessons. Medical Spanish classes include visits to various clinical settings in and around Oaxaca.  More info: Spanish Language Study
 
Peru – Centro Tinku: Spanish and Quechua Language Programs
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: Various, depending on program chosen      
Synopsis: Centro Tinku, a well-regarded language school in Cusco, offers various Spanish and Quechua language programs that may be coupled with skills learning courses in ceramics, weaving, or Andean literature. More info:  Spanish and Quechua Language Programs
 

At least 4 semesters of Spanish or equivalent required:

Argentina and Uruguay – Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): Summer Community Public Health
Application Deadline: Early April
Duration: 8 weeks
Synopsis: Designed for health sciences students with intermediate to advanced Spanish, this program provides three weeks of intensive Medical Spanish and Public Health courses, followed by four weeks of field placements throughout Argentina and Uruguay.  More info: Summer Community Public Health

Chile – IES Abroad: Santiago Health Studies Program
Application Deadline: Early April
Duration: 6 weeks
Synopsis: Participants with intermediate to advanced skills improve their Spanish skills by taking a Medical Spanish course before taking part in a Clinical Observation Internship consisting of a seminar with weekly field visits to various Chilean healthcare settings. More info: Santiago (Chile) Health Studies Program
 
Dominican Republic – Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): Summer Community Public Health
Application Deadline: Early April
Duration: 7 weeks
Synopsis: Students will take courses in Community Health, Pre-Professional Healthcare, and Spanish. A week-long field placement in a semi-rural clinical rotation is included as part of the experience. More info: Santiago - Summer Community Public Health

Africa

Kenya – School for Field Studies (SFS): Field Practicum in Public Health and Environment   
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: 4 weeks
Synopsis: This broad-based program introduces students to health issues facing rural Kenya, with a particular focus on the Maasai people. Participants will visit traditional villages and ranches, as well as local healthcare facilities, HIV/AIDS clinics, and a national park. More info: Field Practicum in Public Health and Environment
 
Madagascar –School for International Training (SIT): Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Systems
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: 7 weeks
Synopsis: Participants study the intersection of traditional and allopathic medicine in one of the world’s poorest countries. The program incorporates thematic seminars, field studies, and interactive involvement with communities. The course requires a minimum of one year of college-level French or equivalent. More info: Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Systems
 
South Africa – New York University (NYU): Community Health - A Society in Transition
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Duration: 4 weeks
Synopsis: Participants in this New York University graduate-level seminar learn about topics such as health care delivery, infectious and chronic disease, HIV/AIDS treatments, and health policy in Cape Town. Students spend three weeks in Cape Town, and then one week traveling throughout rural areas of Western South Africa. More info: A Society in Transition

Asia / Pacific Rim

Australia – Butler University: Australia Summer Public Health Program
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Duration: 7 weeks
Synopsis: This program is offered through Butler University’s Institute for Study Abroad. Study international health and indigenous cultures at one of Australia’s most prestigious universities, the University of Adelaide. Students take two classes, including a required International Health course, and participate in a community engagement learning project within an Australian Indigenous community organization. More info: Summer Health Program
 
China – Education Abroad Network: Contemporary Issues in International Public Health Program
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: 3 weeks
Synopsis: This program is taught by a Purdue University nursing professor who will lead students through Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and to the Great Wall. Along the way, students will learn about public health in an emerging economy, and will see first-hand how public health is viewed in one of the world’s oldest civilizations.More info: Contemporary Issues in International Pubic Health Program
 
China – School for International Training (SIT): Community Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: 6 weeks
Synopsis: In addition to intense Mandarin language study, students will be introduced to the traditional Chinese medical system in Yunnan province, along China’s southern border. Participants learn and practice many different Chinese remedies and take lessons in acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine while also observing the Public Health infrastructure in rural China. More info: Community Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
 
China – Georgetown University: Global Health Summer in Shanghai  
Application Deadline:  Early February
Duration:  5 weeks
Synopsis: The course, offered through Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies, surveys issues in Global Health, with a special focus on disease patterns and the development of the Chinese healthcare economy. Participants visit national centers for disease control and surveillance, international health organizations, and community healthcare centers. Students are based in Shanghai and also travel to rural Yunnan province. More info: Global Health Summer in Shanghai
 
India – School for International Training (SIT): Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Practices
Application Deadline:  Early February 
Duration: 6 weeks
Synopsis: This program examines traditional approaches to healthcare and how such systems fit into the country’s overall health and development. Students will meet with practitioners of Ayurveda, yoga, and Sidda through lectures and site visits in and around New Delhi, as well as in the rural Himalayan state of Sikkim. More info: Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Practices
 
India – Alliance for Global Education: Contemporary India
Application Deadline:  Early March
Duration: 7 weeks
Synopsis: Students study in Pune, the intellectual capital of India and an emerging global city. Participants enroll in a seminar course on the history, culture, and issues facing contemporary Indian society. During weeks three-seven, students are placed with internship and research placements in Pune based upon academic interests and skills sets. More info: Contemporary India
 
Japan – Japan Center for Michigan Universities: Comparative Health Care in Japan
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Duration: 6 weeks    
Synopsis: Students of any major can enroll in this 8-10 credit summer course-internship hybrid experience, led by a UMSON professor. Participants first spend three weeks learning introductory Japanese culture and language for a healthcare setting. They then take a one-week survey of the Japanese healthcare system and culture followed by a two week internship in a hospital setting. All U-M students also receive a $1500 scholarship toward program fees. More info: Comparative Health Care in Japan.

Europe

Cyprus – Global Learning Semesters: Summer in Cyprus - Health Sciences Program 
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: 4 weeks
Synopsis: Nursing students enroll in two courses, one of which is a hands-on practicum course that introduces students to clinical settings in a European healthcare system. Participants complement their studies and clinical experiences with 6-8 days of in-country travel throughout Cyprus. More info: Health Sciences Program
 
Denmark – Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS): Health Delivery and Prioritization in Northern Europe   
Application Deadline:  Mid-April
Duration: 3 weeks           
Synopsis: Offered by the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, this three credit course, coupled with a study tour, aims to provide students with knowledge of the provisions and infrastructure of Public Health in Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Health policy prioritization and health service provision will be studied through coursework and visits to physicians, policy-making institutions, and interest groups. More info: Health Delivery and Prioritization in Northern Europe
 
Denmark – Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS): Human Health and Disease - A Clinical Approach   
Application Deadline:  Mid-April
Duration: 3 weeks       
Synopsis: The objective of this program, offered by the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, is to introduce participants to human disease and its diagnosis, treatment, and to the methods of healthcare professionals as practiced in a European hospital. Students will learn various clinical skills, but will not be introduced to clinical, patient-care-centered settings. 
 
Ireland – Northern Illinois University (NIU):  Exploring Ireland’s Community and Mental Health Services
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Duration: 2 weeks          
Synopsis: This program, offered by NIU focuses on Mental Health and the history of institutionalization in Europe. There are both undergraduate and graduate course options. The graduate course is a self-designed independent study under the supervision of the participating faculty from Northern Illinois University School of Nursing. Students will travel to both Dublin and Galway, and will have site visits and several mental health facilities throughout the country. More info: Exploring Ireland's Community and Mental Health Services
 
Italy – Oakland University: Nursing Research in Italy
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Duration:    15 week online course, including 2 weeks in-country      
Synopsis: The Oakland University School of Nursing offers this course in Nursing Research and the Italian Healthcare System for undergraduate students. The program is an online course offered in the spring/summer semester, with a 2 week international component located in Padova, Italy. The course is pre-approved for transfer credit at U-M School of Nursing as course N256.  More info: Nursing Research in Italy
 
Switzerland – New York University (NYU): International Health Policy and Prospects  
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Duration: 1 week        
Synopsis: This short excursion to the heart of global Health policy and organization in Geneva is offered through NYU. The trip includes access to and meetings with officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the Global Funds to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (The Global Fund) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). More info: International Health Policy and Prospects

Research Opportunities

Not all global experiences need to be connected with earning academic credits (e.g. the study abroad programs outlined above).  There are a number of opportunities for research engagements that may be more flexible in terms of time commitment than the study abroad program requirements.  Two opportunities through University of Michigan centers are provided below.  Please consult with the Office of Global Outreach for additional research abroad opportunities.
 
U-M Center for Global Health: Student Research Scholar Program - Through its research, training, and service activities, the Center is centrally concerned with work that aims to promote global health equity. The Research Scholar Program should not be viewed as a typical research/internship program. Rather, it is a time to develop an initiative that has the potential to grow into a sustainable project impacting the student's career.
 
U-M Center for Human Growth and Development: Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program - This NIH-funded program is dedicated to increasing the presence of underrepresented minorities in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Students who are accepted embark on three-month research positions with U-M faculty to international placements where they conduct their research. Accepted students are awarded a monthly stipend, living expenses, round trip airfare to the placement site, and foreign and domestic expenses incurred while on the program. Undergraduate and graduate placements are available. Applicants must be African-American, Hispanic American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Rural Appalachian.

 

Internships and Service Opportunities

Like research opportunities, internship and service (e.g. volunteer) engagements may be more flexible than study abroad.  These opportunities are available through U-M affiliated units as well as through a number of other accredited colleges, universities and external organizations.
 

U-M Affiliated Organizations

Center for Global Health
Michigan International Internship & Service Program (MIISP) provides a year-long series of workshops that prepare undergraduates for summer internships or service projects abroad. The program requires a four-semester commitment (F/W/Sp-Su/F). Attendance at all MIISP workshops and relevant events is mandatory. Participants agree to advise the following year’s cohort during the post-experience fall semester. Applications are available at the beginning of the academic year and are typically due during the first week of October.
 
Pangea World Service Team - This student-led team, sponsored by the Ginsberg Center, is service-learning oriented and aims to enact social change through service, learning, and active citizenship. The team travels for four weeks to a different site each May. The sites are chosen via an application process from the University community. Funds are raised to offset the cost of the trip.
 
Sa Nimá Collaborative - This student-run organization operates two programs. One is located in Detroit and offers individual mentoring for high school-aged youth, with a special focus on graduation and post-graduation options. The international arm of the organization partners with the CasaSito Association in rural Guatemala. In conjunction with this organization, Sa Nimá implements public health interventions and needs assessments.

External Organizations

Download the list linked to below to learn about the opportunities available through accredited colleges and universities and external organizations that are known to U-M Education Abroad Office and the International Career Pathways network. 
 
 

International Career Guidance

Each fall, the U-M International Career Pathways network hosts two events for undergraduates, graduating seniors and graduate students interested in working, interning or volunteering abroad or working in an international career: