Overview
Learn how communities around the world understand and strive for health and well-being.
What is unique about this program?
- Explore unique localities and gain insights into healthcare across continents.
- Conduct in-depth, research practice in radically varied contexts.
- Experience rare opportunities to interact with healthcare leaders and local experts.
- Witness healthcare access from the sprawling megalopolis to the rural village.
What is unique about these locations?
IHP programs spend significant time in two or three countries, and contrast both with a U.S. experience on the same topic or theme to examine global challenges in different settings. Because of the popularity of the Health and Community program, there are often two different tracks per semester. Both offer the same set of courses, but the different locations will provide their own "lenses" on the subject matter. Check the SIT website for itinerary and course information. While on location, you will have country-specific course coordinators and many local experts from all walks of life. You will spend time in urban and rural settings meeting with academics, policy makers, health care providers, and consumers of the local health care system. The case study abroad allows you to go in greater depth on a program that exposes you to so much.
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 two weeks, 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.
Cape Town, South Africa
Your semester continues in Cape Town, one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes where the colonial and apartheid history of South Africa reverberates to this day. With its blatant disparity of wealth and unequal distribution of resources, Cape Town provides a distinct backdrop to analyze how the country’s recent history shapes South Africans’ access to healthcare, education and, in some cases, basic services. Compare pandemic response strategies and outcomes and engage community-level explorations in the close-knit community of Bo Kaap in Cape Town and in the rural township of Zwelethemba. Examine how changes in political structure impact health and community life, in both positive and troubling ways—from grassroots activism to persistent health disparities. An excursion to the rural fishing village of Arniston highlights the work of marginalized communities committed to political, social, and economic transformation and health justice.
Amman, Jordan
Jordan is home to world renown healthcare resources, as well as a nation surrounded by political turmoil and now home to refugees from Palestine, Iraq, and Syria. In greater area of Amman, learn about healthcare services in urban and refugee settings through lenses of governmental, private, and NGO-driven healthcare. Examine the impact of COVID-19 on the Jordanian healthcare system as you learn about the health and well-being of health care providers themselves. During the excursion to the south, you will explore more rural spaces such as the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Wadi Rum where you will learn about Bedouin experiences of health and well-being, and Aqaba to experience modern and traditional practices. Across these contexts you will draw together interconnected the health factors of physical, mental, and social well-being in Jordan.
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.)
