Exploring Health & Healthcare Systems in South Africa

  South Africa

Port Elizabeth

Term: Summer 
Dates: June

Description: This course will focus on current public health and healthcare issues in South Africa, especially within the Nelson Mandela Metropol in the Eastern Cape. One of the most beautiful countries in the world, South Africa is currently under extreme healthcare duress, leading the world in HIV infection and experiencing a host of other public health-related factors, including poverty, violence, alcoholism, and HIV-related infections. The country has experienced great strides following a long history of segregation associated with Apartheid. However, public health systems, including healthcare, continue to be a disparity for cultures within South Africa. Much of this is related practices that evolved due to Apartheid, however, rich cultural traditions also play key factors in how native populations approach preventative health and healthcare. The proposed program is designed to not only provide students with a global understanding of the complexities that exist within international health practices, but also serve as a platform for providing a deeper understanding of the consequences of health disparities as it relates to our own cultures.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 3,400 for Summer I 2009

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Dean's Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Western Michigan University's Mission Statement: The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established by the Board of Trustees in 1998, promotes and supports efforts towards globalization and internationalization of the academic environment of Western Michigan University. The Institute works closely with the International Education Council of the WMU Faculty Senate, as well as with international education committees and projects within and across colleges.

Year Founded: 1903