China: Community Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine

  China

• Kunming: 
Kunming

Term: Summer 
Dates: 6 weeks (early June through mid July)

Description: From barefoot doctors to traditional remedies, the Chinese public health system has drawn increasing attention in the West. In this program, students are given a unique opportunity to study traditional Chinese medicine and public health issues by working with professionals in the field in both urban and rural settings. Students will have the opportunity to observe traditional practitioners of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapy, and, in some cases, get practical training.

Based in the city of Kunming in Yunnan Province, China, and run in conjunction with the Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this program provides an introduction to the ancient philosophy, theory, history, and practices in traditional Chinese medicine, one of the world's oldest, best-known, and most-developed medicinal systems, placing it in the social context of public health in China.

Highlights:
Educational Excursions:

In addition to key sites of interest in the Kunming area, students will also visit the traditional towns of Dali, on the shores of Erhai Lake, and Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Bai and Naxi peoples.

Students will undertake the study of Mandarin with an emphasis on basic oral expression, listening comprehension, and an introduction to Chinese characters. Instruction will be offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Experience Required: yes

At least two semesters of college-level work at the time of application and good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework or other significant preparation in the health sciences or a related field, as assessed by SIT.

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 12-15

Scholarships are Available. To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932