Health Care and Social Services in Sweden

  Sweden

Stockholm

Term: Summer 

Description: Sweden's system of comprehensive and publicly-funded health care and social services, available to all residents, ranks among the most successful in the world. Sweden leads the world in major health outcomes, such as infant mortality and adult life expectancy, far outranking the United States. At the same time, Sweden spends approximately half of what we in the United States spend on health care. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to learn how the Swedish welfare state is organized and to see first-hand how it works on all levels and in various locations around the Stockholm-Uppsala area. Students will learn about Swedish history and culture, and will be challenged to re-examine many commonly held assumptions about both Scandinavia and the United States.

A special feature of the class is a four day visit to Helsinki, Finland, Sweden's Nordic neighbor. Finland offers an interesting variant on the "nordic model" of health and social care, which demonstrates how a highly competitive business economy can be successfully combined with a strong program of public benefits and services.

Two professors will guide and accompany the group, provide background lectures, lead discussions, and answer questions throughout the course.

Highlights: Itinerary Highlights

Visits and lectures by Swedish officials and professionals at sites including: the national health and social welfare planning boards, acute care hospital, geriatric hospital, nursing home, primary care clinic, hospital maternity unit, child day care center, adult assisted-living facility, psychiatric hospital, neighborhood social services office, immigrant assistance program, AIDS center, and national social insurance office.

Discussion with representatives of major political parties in Sweden.

Presentation on Swedish history and the rise of the Swedish welfare state.

Participation in Swedish cultural events.

Opportunity to participate in the traditional Swedish summer celebration.

A day-trip to Uppsala for additional facility visits.

Weekend cruise and sightseeing tour to Helsinki, Finland, with visits to the Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Services Research Center and a child care center in Helsinki.

A visit to the Nobel Banquet Hall and Nobel museum.

Cost in US$: Approximately $2,780

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 3 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $584 *

Graduate Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 3 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $722 *

*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the students individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Additional costs: Airfare, lunches and dinners, airport transfer, passport fees, and personal expenses.

Note
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application