In this four-week program in tropical Belize, you will be introduced to the field of global health and then participate in clinical rotations where you will see the concepts you learned in your global health course in practice.
You will spend the first two weeks in a combination of lectures, observational clinical experiences, and field visits, learning about global health through the lens of the Belizean healthcare system. During the second two weeks, you will participate in clinical rotations where you will have the opportunity to shadow Belizean nurses and develop a deeper understanding of Belize’s health system and what it means to be a health worker in a different social and cultural context.
During your four weeks, there will also be plenty of time to have some travel fun and get to know Belize, a multicultural, biodiverse Central American country that borders the Caribbean Sea. There will be organized excursions that will take you to ancient ruins and on a wilderness tour, and free time, where you may choose to explore the town market, hit the beach, or just relax with fellow program participants.
Global Perspectives in Nursing (weeks 1 and 2):
Featured topics explored in the field:
- Social determinants of health
- Infectious disease
- Maternal health
- Nutrition and global health
- Public health policy
- Environmental health
- Non-communicable diseases and injuries
Highlights:
- Observational clinical experiences at a community clinic and local hospital
- Field visit with community health workers
- Visit to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority lab
- Meetings with national and international health care organizations
- Lectures by experts in indigenous health
- Visit to a medicinal garden with a local healer
- Tour of San Ignacio and its town market
- A guided tour of the Xunantunich Maya site
- Free time to independently explore Belize
Community Health Nursing Clinical Internship (weeks 3 and 4):
Examples of possible clinical placements include:
- Public hospital
- Private hospital
- Medical center
- Home visits with community health workers
- School health programs
Your clinical shadowing program will allow you to shadow in multiple settings throughout the program.
Highlights:
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- Introduction to the history, culture, and society of Belize
- Overview of the Belizean health system and the Belizean Ministry of Health
- Interaction with a diverse array of medical professionals
- Full-time two-week internship
- Rotations in public, private, and community health sites
- An organized wilderness tour
- Free time to choose your own adventure in Belize
