UTC RAVE Alert

Study Abroad Opportunities for Pre-Health Students

School for International Training

A wide range of programs for students interested in: medical school, physician’s assistant, public health, nursing, dental school, and working in healthcare in diverse communities.

Current Programs

Argentina: Public Health in Urban Environments

  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • Credits: 16
  • Program Base: Buenos Aires
  • Language of Instruction: Spanish
  • Homestay: Buenos Aires, 12 weeks
  • Other Accommodations: Small hotels or hostels
  • Prerequisites: Previous college level courses in the health and social sciences, 3 recent semesters of Spanish and the ability to follow assignments in Spanish.

Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment

  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • Credits: 16
  • Courses taught in: Spanish
  • Language of Study: Spanish
  • Program countries: Chile
  • Program Base: Arica
  • Prerequisites: Previous college level courses in the health and social sciences, 2 recent semesters of Spanish and the ability to follow lectures, coursework, and readings in Spanish.

India: Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Practices

Gain a deep understanding of how India nurtures its vibrant, traditional medicine systems while experiencing economic growth and modernization.

  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Credits: 8
  • Program countries: India
  • Program Base: New Delhi, Satoli-Nainital, Rishikesh, Palampur and Dharamsala-McLeod Gunj
  • Language of Instruction: English

India: Public Health, Gender, and Sexuality

Understand how and why India's approaches to health, gender, sexuality, and identity are changing.

  • Duration: 16 weeks
  • Credits: 16
  • Program Base: New Delhi
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Language of Study: Hindi

Italy: Food Cultures and Sustainability

Delve into sustainable agriculture on a Tuscan estate and explore how experts in the international community are confronting challenges of food security, nutrition, and health

  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Credits: 6
  • Program Base: Bologna
  • Language of Instruction: English

Jordan: Counseling and Humanitarian Action Internship

Learn the principles of humanitarian action in crisis situations in Jordan, home to millions of displaced persons and refugees. Observe the workings of UN agencies during a five-week internship.

  • Duration: 5 weeks
  • Credits: 7
  • Program Base: Amman
  • Program countries: Jordan
  • Language of Instruction: English

Jordan: Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action

  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • Credits: 16
  • Program Base: Amman
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Homestay: Amman, 12 weeks
  • Other Accommodations: Hostels, research institutions, or small hotels
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Language of Study: Arabic
  • Program Excursion Country: Switzerland

Kenya: Global Health and Human Rights

Understand some of Kenya’s most pressing contemporary and societal challenges, including rapid urbanization, access to healthcare, and human rights.

  • Credits: 16
  • Duration: 16 weeks
  • Language of Study: Kiswahili
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Program countries: Kenya
  • Program Excursion countries: Tanzania
  • Program Base: Kisumu

Kenya: Internship in Public Health in the Tropics

Explore the complexities of public health promotion and practice in Kenya and the tropics while gaining practical professional experience in public health.

  • Credits: 7
  • Program Duration: 7 weeks
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Language of Study: Kiswahili
  • Program countries: Kenya
  • Program Base: Kisumu
  • Prerequisites: None; however, preference is given to students with prior coursework or background in health and policy studies or related fields.

Madagascar: Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Systems

Examine how history, geography, biodiversity, and demographics shape traditional and allopathic healthcare, and explore plant-based and traditional medicine.

  • Credits: 6
  • Program Duration: 6.5 weeks
  • Language of Study: Malagasy
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Program countries: Madagascar
  • Program Base: Antananarivo
  • Prerequisites: None, although students with a background in French will have many opportunities to use their French language skills.

South Africa: Choose Your Track – Multiculturalism, Education, Health or Climate

 Participants choose from one of the four specialized tracks: multiculturalism, education, health, or climate. Each designed to provide a focused academic experience through field visits, guest lectures, and structured cultural engagement.

  • Credits: 16
  • Program Duration: 16 weeks
  • Language of Study: isiXhosa
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Program countries: South Africa
  • Program Base: Cape Town

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy (SEMESTER)

Explore global health issues and compare public health systems within the framework of international and sustainable development, humanitarian action, human rights, and social justice in Switzerland and Morocco.

  • Credits: 16
  • Program Duration: 16 weeks
  • Language of Study: French
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Program countries: Switzerland
  • Program Excursion Countries: Morocco
  • Program Base: Nyon/Geneva
  • Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework or background in development studies, public health, or the social, economic, and political sciences, as assessed by SIT. No previous background in French is required. Students with a background in French will have multiple opportunities to practice their French language skills.

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

Explore global health issues and compare public health systems within the framework of international and sustainable development, humanitarian action, human rights, and social justice.

  • Credits: 6
  • Program Duration: 7 weeks
  • Language of Study: French
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Program countries: Switzerland
  • Program base: Geneva
  • Prerequisites: None required, but students with at least basic French proficiency will be at a linguistic advantage.

Vietnam: Traditional Medicine and Community Health

Gain a deep understanding of how Vietnam nurtures its vibrant, traditional medicine system while expanding and strengthening its far-reaching community health network.

  • Credits: 6
  • Courses Taught in: English
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Program countries: Vietnam
  • Program base: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Language of Study: Vietnamese, Chinese

The School for Field Studies

While any student can participate in these programs, students hoping to enter veterinary medicine will find them the most beneficial.

Current Programs

Cambodia: Elephants of the Cambodian Highlands

Spend your summer in the lush Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, studying the behavior and ecology of the endangered Asian elephant. Examine human-wildlife conflict and conservation pressures and discuss elephant welfare and management practices. Visit the vibrant city of Phnom Penh and the ancient temples of Angkor to explore the history and culture of Cambodia.

  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Credits: 4

Kenya: Endangered Species

During the semester students will perform research that spans across the wetlands, forests, and farmlands of Kenya and Rwanda, examining the interactions between the wildlife and human activity that shape coexistence.

  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • Credits: 18

Kenya: Elephants of the African Savanna

The African elephant is a keystone species with a profound influence on the landscape and dynamic in which it coexists with other African wildlife. As the largest (and one of the most charismatic) animal walking our planet, its conservation continues to attract concern within and beyond Africa. Join SFS Faculty and leading elephant scientists to learn about these animals in the elephant conservation strongholds in and around Amboseli National Park. Hear the perspectives of local communities living at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, including their day-to-day interactions with the African elephant. Duration: 4 weeks

  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Credits: 4

Kenya: Wildlife Health and Conservation

Immerse yourself in Kenya’s diverse ecosystems while exploring the role of wildlife health and medicine in conservation. Students you will study how disease, human–wildlife conflict, and environmental pressures affect elephants, lions, cheetahs, raptors, and other threatened species.

  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Credits: 4

Tanzania: Fundamentals of Wildlife Management

In this summer fundamentals course, the complex human-dominated landscape of the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, with diverse and competing land use types, becomes your classroom. Through field-based excursions, interactions with local communities, and discussions with wildlife conservation and management experts, watch the critical issues surrounding wildlife management and conservation come to life before your eyes.

  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Credits: 4

Tanzania: Wildlife Management Studies

Explore the iconic landscapes of Tanzania. Meet the country’s charismatic wildlife – from magnificent lions and elephants to thunderous herds of wildebeest and zebras – as you learn about their ecology and behavior. Experience the rich culture and traditions of Tanzania’s Maasai, Iraqw, and Hadzabe tribal communities while collaborating on issues of human-wildlife conflict and climate change. Finish the semester with an in-depth field research project.

  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • Credits: 18

Tanzania: Carnivores of the African Plains

Study the behavioral ecology and conservation challenges facing the African lion, cheetah, leopard, and wild dog – all of which are on the IUCN Red List, while observing some of Africa’s largest remaining carnivore guilds up close.

  • Duration: 15 weeks
  • Credits: 18

ISA Internships and Service Learning

Ireland: Business, Liberal Arts, and Nursing

The Business, Liberal Arts, & Nursing program is offered through the University of Limerick (UL). This program offers a wide variety of courses in many fields of study, including the Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Popular subject areas include Business, Irish Studies, Health Sciences, and Engineering. Unique offerings include UL's Service-Learning course and UL's traditional Irish music and dance courses, which are available through the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. Courses are taught in English by UL faculty with local and international students.

  • Location: University of Limerick, Ireland
  • Credits: 12 to 15 US Credits (24 to 30 ECTS)
  • Program Duration: 16 weeks
  • Requirements: Minimum 2.9 GPA, sophomore standing

Spain: Health and Natural Sciences

Choose from courses in English or Spanish across disciplines such as health sciences, biology, business, marine science, and Spanish for the health professions.

  • Duration: varied based on term and optional service weeks
  • Credits: 12 to 15 US credits based on term selected
  • Requirements: minimum 2.5 GPA, there is no language requirement but at least one semester is recommended
  • Students with advanced level of Spanish conversation/comprehension can be placed in UCV Health Clinics, Oncology Hospitals, Education, Speech Therapy, Special Education and Psychology, Podiatry, and Physiotherapy. A lot of these placements also have internships available in English, those which are bolded.

Health and Exercise Science

Interested in learning more about a different health care system or how culture plays a role in sport and exercise? Study abroad exposes you to the social and cultural context of health, health care, and exercise science. This exposure can help you gain a greater understanding of how people's cultural or social background impacts their perspectives on health and well-being. ISA offers a range of programs with global health courses, allowing you to learn more both in and beyond the classroom.

Areas of Study

  • Exercise Science
  • Global Health
  • Health Science
  • Kinesiology
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition and Food Science
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Sport and Leisure Sciences

Council on International Educational Exchange

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is the oldest and largest nonprofit in the U.S. for international education, providing study abroad, exchange, and internship programs for high school, university, and gap year students to foster global understanding and skills for diverse world living, operating globally with extensive programs and scholarships. 

Argentina: Summer Community Public Health

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credits: 10
  • Program Base: Buenos Aires
  • Language of Instruction: Spanish
  • Housing: Homestays in Buenos Aires or Shared Apartments
  • Other Accommodations: Dorms at the Okavango Research Station
  • Program Requirements
    • 2.5 Overall GPA
    • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent).
    • Recommended: College-level coursework in public health and Latin American history or politics.

Botswana Community Public Health

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credits: 15-18
  • Program Base: Gaborone
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Housing: On-Campus Residence Hall or Homestays
  • Homestay with host families 60-minutes from campus.
  • Other Accommodations: Select Plus Housing. This is single accommodation apartment style house that is a 15-minute commute to campus and is an extra fee.
  • Program Requirements
    • 2.8 Overall GPA

Botswana: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

  • Duration: 18 weeks
  • Credits: 17
  • Program Base: Gaborone
  • Language of Instruction: English*
  • Homestay with host families in Gaborone
  • Other Accommodations: Dorms at the Okavango Research Station
  • Program Requirements
    • 2.5 Overall GPA
    • 2 semesters of college level Biology, Environmental Science or equivalent
*Setswana Language and culture courses are taught in Setswana

Dominican Republic: Summer Community Public Health

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credits: 10
  • Program Base: Santiago De Los Caballeros
  • Language of Instruction: Spanish
  • Housing: Homestays or Shared Apartments
    • All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to the CIEE Santiago D.R. study center and PUCMM campus (under 20 minutes).    
  • Other Accommodations: Select Housing at an additional fee.
  • Program Requirements
    • 2.5 Overall GPA
    • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent).
    • Participants must be able to manage the daily physical demands of visiting communities in the high summer season, expecting to walk and stand for prolonged periods
    • College-level public health coursework is recommended

England and Netherlands: Summer Comparative Public Health Systems I + II

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credits: 6
  • Program Base: London and Amsterdam
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • London Housing: Standard Housing
    • Dorm-style studio. 45-minute commute to Study Centre
  • Other Accommodations: Select Housing at an additional fee.
    • Shared apartment located in Central London 30-35 minutes from the Study Centre
  • Amsterdam Housing: Standard Housing in a residence hall
    • 45-minute commute to CIEE Amsterdam Center and the University of Amsterdam.
  • Program Requirements
    • 2.5 Overall GPA

England and Netherlands: Summer Comparative Public Health Systems II + III

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credits: 6
  • Program Base: London and Amsterdam
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • London Housing: Standard Housing
    • Dorm-style studio. 45-minute commute to Study Centre
  • Other Accommodations: Select Housing at an additional fee.
    • Shared apartment located in Central London 30-35 minutes from the Study Centre
  • Amsterdam Housing: Standard Housing in a residence hall
    • 45-minute commute to CIEE Amsterdam Center and the University of Amsterdam.
  • Program Requirements
    • 2.5 Overall GPA

Spain: Psychology and Health Sciences

  • Duration: 14 weeks
  • Credits: 12 – 15
  • Program Base: Seville
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • London Housing: Standard Housing
    • Single room homestay.
    • Double occupancy room in a residence hall within 45-minute commute to CIEE Seville.
  • Other Accommodations: Select Housing at an additional fee.
    • Single room in a residence hall under 30 minutes from CIEE Seville
    • Single studio in a residence hall 45 minutes from CIEE Seville.
  • Program Requirements
    • 2.5 Overall GPA
    • Visa Required
    • A minimum of one introductory level course in Psychology or Health Sciences recommended.

       

CIS Abroad

Through CIS Abroad, students can explore a variety of study abroad and internship opportunities in the healthcare fields listed below, with programs available in different durations. To search available programs, please follow the instructions below.
Click HERE

Offered Healthcare Programs

  • Biomedical/Medical Science
  • Dentistry
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Midwifery
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Orthoptics & Eye Studies
  • Pharmacology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Radiology
  • Speech Pathology & Communication Disorders
  • Veterinary Science
  • Wildlife Pre-Vet
     

UTC Study Abroad Office: Learn More

 For more information on Studying Abroad Click Here to chat with the UTC Study Abroad Office.

Pre-Health Care Careers

Pre-Health Professions Advising