Learning Abroad in Health & Wellbeing Sciences

“The Health and Wellbeing Sciences major provides an interdisciplinary view of health, health care, and wellbeing. Because these areas are defined and achieved differently across the globe, expanding our exposure to health in global contexts can increase our knowledge, enrich our perspective, and make us better future health professionals. Beyond professional benefits, learning abroad can be an absolute blast and lead to profound personal transformation through increased independence and awareness of our own cultural lenses. In some cases, such as my own, the impact of an abroad experience is so great that it shapes our personal and professional trajectories for a lifetime. In all my years as an advisor, I have yet to meet a student who regrets having gone abroad, though I’ve heard from many who regret not having done it. I encourage you to talk with your advisor early and often about your interest in incorporating learning abroad into your undergraduate experience.”

Amy Burger Sanchez, Program Director, CCAPS Individualized Degrees

Academic Planning

Review the suggestions below from the Health and Wellbeing Sciences Major before beginning your study abroad research. Learning abroad can provide students with an opportunity for personal growth and an understanding of health issues in the broader global community. A variety of learning abroad options are available to further support the critical thinking, communication, intercultural and problem-solving skills relevant to health and health care.

Fulfill Requirements

HWS Major Requirements

• HWS students can often find learning abroad programs and courses to fit into three particular areas within the major. The most typical section to apply courses taken abroad is within the customized focus area. There is also room for upper-division (3000+) electives in supporting credits. Depending on the program, students may also find acceptable alternatives to requirements within the HWS core, such as in communication, public health, and management/economics.
• Speak with your HWS advisor about specific course alternatives to obtain pre-approval toward use in the major. We do not recommend taking prerequisite courses abroad toward health professional school without consulting with your particular programs of interest.

Liberal Education Requirements

You can fulfill liberal education requirements while abroad. Consult the U Credit Abroad Search for more information.

Academic Planning by Year

• Timing your study abroad opportunity so it works for your schedule and your major can be a challenge. Students and their advisers must carefully evaluate and plan course sequencing into any study abroad experience. This is particularly relevant for any student sequencing science prerequisites for future application to graduate or professional school.
• Please speak with your HWS advisor about this issue. In some cases, shorter abroad experiences, such as those over May Term and Summer Term are a better fit to accommodate science prerequisites.

Freshman Year

• Start thinking about incorporating a study abroad experience into your academic program.

Sophomore Year

• Meet with your HWS academic advisor to determine appropriate course equivalencies for Liberal Education requirements and major elective options.

Junior and Senior Years

• During these years, students are most likely focusing on taking courses that apply to the major.
• Instructor-led, short-term winter break, May & summer sessions, or complete semesters are options.
• Meet with the HWS academic advisor to determine the appropriateness of courses.

CCAPS Short-Term Program

Formerly known as the Construction and Facility Management Pura Vida tour since 2013, the program incorporated Integrated Behavioral Health students in 2017 and 2018, Health Services Management students in 2018, and now is a college-wide program of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies, integrating the varied disciplines into a unique cultural immersion.
For more information, please contact:

• A. Peter Hilger, AIA, Program Co-Leader [email protected]

Global Ambassadors for Patient Safety (GAPS)

If you plan to participate in a program where you may have interaction with patients, please complete the Global Ambassadors for Patient Safety (GAPS) online module. This interactive online workshop developed by the Pre-Health Student Resource Center will help you:

• prepare for your experience abroad
• use your experience abroad to make a positive impact on your health program application
• consider the legal and ethical boundaries that should guide your activities while abroad
• understand your own limitations as an unlicensed student

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

CCAPS students can apply for CCAPS Collegiate scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.

Programs