Students from across USF are invited to travel to Québec City to gain an understanding of the health system of Canada in comparison to that of the United States. Various public health topics such as homelessness, universal health care, and legalization of cannabis will be explored through visits to community organizations and hospitals while students will also have the opportunity to work with public health students from the local university. Students will support the local community by participating in hands-on service-learning experiences at places such as homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Students will round out their experience with opportunities to explore the local culture of Québec through circus school, dog sledding, and cooking a traditional meal. 

Participation: Graduate and Undergraduate students may register for PHC 4116 (3 credit hours)

Travel Dates: Spring Break 2023 

For more information, contact: Somer Burke, EdD, MPH, CPH, sgoad@usf.edu

Japan is considered one of the healthiest countries in the world. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture to witness first-hand why Japanese citizens enjoy some of the best health outcomes of any nation across the globe. Students will collaborate with faculty and students from the University of Tokyo and Gifu University through peer-to-peer interactions on campus and in the community. Students will engage in the community by participating in hands-on service-learning experiences to include spending the day at an elementary school to learn how lunch is a time for teaching important skills about serving food, portioning, table etiquette, recycling, and cleaning up. Learn about the immediate and long-term health consequences of nuclear weapons and disaster management practices integrated within the design of their cities. Explore the healthcare system and supporting vulnerable populations. Students will round out their experience with opportunities to explore the local culture of Japan by visiting shrines and castles throughout Japan, witness the traditional Ukai cormorant fishing and explore the bamboo forest in Kyoto, visiting the Hiroshima Peace Museum, and exploring segments of Tokyo. 

Participation: Graduate and Undergraduate students may register for PHC 4116 (3 credits)

Travel Dates: May 12 – 23, 2023

Cost: $4,656 including airfare

For more information, contact: Elizabeth A. Dunn, MPH, CPH, eadunn2@usf.edu

This course is open to all undergraduate students and will allow students to compare health systems in Panama to those in the United States. Some topics discussed will include infectious diseases, environmental health, and emergency management. Students will also gain a unique cultural perspective while visiting this beautiful country during the summer. 

Students will visit Panama for ten days, exploring multiple cities throughout Panama including Panama City, Embara, the Panama Canal, and Monkey Island while studying a variety of public health issues amid the cultural context in which they occur. Cultural immersion and field visits will provide students with an understanding of various factors that affect health outcomes in Panamanian society. Further, students will have an opportunity to participate in community service as the course will also include a service learning component. 

Participation: Graduate and Undergraduate students may register for PHC 4416 (3 credits)

Travel Dates: June 9 - 19, 2023

 For more information, contact: Patrick Rodriguez, MSPH, CPH, prodrig2@usf.edu