Health Issues in a Developing Nation
2009 Exploration Seminar in India
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. PLEASE CONSIDER ANOTHER EXPLORATION SEMINAR PROGRAM!
Program Director: Ardith Doorenbos ~ Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Systems
Dates of Instruction: August 24 – September 12, 2009
India has made strides toward improvement in health outcomes for its 1.1 billion people, yet overall health indicators are similar to those in other low-income and developing nations. Poverty, poor nutrition, and the lack of health care are compounded by urban growth and environmental degradation. While communicable diseases (malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS) are a major factor affecting health, chronic illness and disabling conditions associated with aging are emerging challenges. The traditions and unique mixture of cultures including Hindu, Muslim and English Colonial influence the social, economic, and health care practices of today. In turn, these structural conditions influence the health of individuals, families and communities, as they are linked to physical, social and personal resources to cope with health challenges. India is the world’s largest democracy and is projected to be the most populated countries and the fastest growing economies in the world. These factors point to the importance of developing a better understanding of health in India.
This study abroad course is designed to provide students with an experiential learning opportunity in a developing and resource-poor country (India). Health challenges and the health care system in India, as well as the policies and interventions aimed to reduce inequalities in health, will be explored. This course is expected to provide a rich global experience for students as well as an opportunity to work with health professionals and agencies in a developing nation.
The course is designed primarily for undergraduate nursing students who have a desire to learn about how health in developing nations is influenced by social, cultural, political, economic, environmental, structural, and ecological factors.
 The course includes a field component in which students will be placed in a health care facility or community agency (private, public, non-governmental and/or charitable organizations) based on their personal learning goals for their field experiences in India and their expertise, as well as the availability of sites. Students will work with faculty and local health workers in their assigned sites.
One of the field placements will be with the College of Nursing, Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, which is extremely active in community health and development and has been working with volunteers for many years. It is anticipated that students would also have opportunities to work with the College of Nursing Community Health (CONCH) programs that provide maternal and child health, the Community Health and Development (CHAD) programs (Urban units, leprosy program, Tuberculosis awareness camps and DOTS program, tribal health  program, health education, day care centers for the elderly, adolescent health program), the Rural Unit For Health and Social Affairs (RUHSA) that is located about 30 km from Vellore and involved in education and in social and economic development, and the Low Cost Effective Care Unit that provides medical care for the underprivileged in the urban slums of Vellore.
In addition, while in India, field trips to health and social agencies, occupational sites, schools, rural clinics, and providers of traditional systems of medicines, will be scheduled. Lectures by local faculty and professionals in health and human services will be arranged. Daily seminars when in India will be held as well.
Students will receive 5 credits for NURS 413. Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.
Student costs:
Additional costs include: RT airfare to India, some meals, immunizations, visa, health insurance and personal spending money.
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