Overview
This program accepts by rolling admission and may fill prior to Cornell’s deadline.
Learn how communities around the world understand and strive for health and well-being.
What is unique about this program?
- Compare strategies of health and community across radically different country contexts and at global and local scales, through case studies, ethnographic research, and visits with a diverse array of health practitioners and local activists.
- Explore the health realities all citizens face amid mounting challenges created by changing social, environmental, and economic forces.
- Strengthen your ability to understand, interpret, and compare the socio-cultural, ecological, economic, political, and biological factors that affect human health.
What is unique about these locations?
Washington, D.C.
The seat of government of one of the richest nations in the world and hub of international policymaking, Washington, DC, is also home to some of the greatest wealth disparities of any city in the United States. Over the course of 10 days, explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods; meet with activists, government officials, and global health experts at non-governmental organizations; study the many social determinants of health; and develop your own perspectives before exploring similar issues internationally.
Delhi, India
India is a world power with a burgeoning economy and a massive population. In Delhi, India’s capital, consider the impact and response to the pandemic while examining the mental and physical health challenges of farmers and sexual minorities. Examine how the urban poor manage the fight against infectious diseases like HIV and Dengue, while facing a lack of access to clean water and food. Study health disparities and gain insights into potential solutions from distinguished academics, NGOs, local health experts, and government leaders. An excursion to the north will bring you to the historically marginalized forest communities near the Nepal border to learn about rural healthcare practices, the role of women as community health workers, and the central role of traditional medicine practices in these communities and India more broadly.
South Africa: Cape Town
The complex colonial and apartheid history of South Africa has entrenched a social, economic, and political climate that remains part of the country’s contemporary condition. Disparity of wealth and unequal distribution of resources provide a distinct backdrop to analyze and explore how the country’s past affects South Africans’ ability to access quality healthcare with dignity. In addition, Africa faces an increasing number of public health crises, with HIV/AIDS and TB epidemics at the fore.
Buenos Aires: Argentina
With a population of 14 million, Buenos Aires is the most important and influential city in Argentina, politically and economically. Study the complexities of living in this cosmopolitan, globalized city, where a free public health system covering every person in the country coexists with two others: a private sector and semi-private labor union sector, both powerful and competitive. Witness the effects of rapid growth shaped by immigration, as well as extreme inequalities in vast sectors of the population.
Things to consider before applying
- Review the information on the Education Abroad Office’s Get Started page for important considerations on academics and finances, and a guide to next steps
- Find answers on the Education Abroad FAQ and resource pages for Cornell study abroad policy, health, and safety updates
- Still have questions? Visit the Get Advice page and learn how to connect with an Education Abroad Advisors
- Want to keep up to date with Cornellians Abroad? Follow Education Abroad on social media, @cornelliansabroad, @CornellEducationAbroad
How do I apply?
Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. You may complete both steps simultaneously, but the Cornell approval process must be complete before your program advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit any approval or nomination to the program.
- For Cornell Approval, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page.
- For Program Admission, complete an external application directly on the program’s webpage, using the link in the “Snapshot” section. (Note: This deadline may be in advance of the general Cornell deadline for approval. Many programs fill by rolling admission.)