All applications are due January 20, 2026. Learn more about available scholarships!
Nursing-Focused Global Experiences
Genomics and Precision Health in England: From the Plague to Nightingale
May 5 – May 22, 2026
Journey through England’s scientific past and future in this immersive study abroad experience. Explore how the nation that faced the 1665 plague helped shape modern health—from the self-quarantined village of Eyam to the monastic hygiene practices of Kirkstall Abbey.
In London, visit the Wellcome Library, the Royal College of Physicians’ Heritage Library, the Florence Nightingale Museum, and the Royal College of Nursing Museum to trace the evolution of medicine, nursing, and public health. A stop at Woolsthorpe Manor, Isaac Newton’s home, connects centuries of discovery and innovation. By linking the lessons of the plague to Nightingale’s transformative work and today’s advances in genomics, students will gain a unique perspective on how history, science, and compassion converge to shape the future of precision health.
Healthcare Delivery in Switzerland
May 2 – May 16, 2026
This program offers you an opportunity to learn about the culture, health care delivery, and nursing education in a Switzerland. During this 2-week study abroad experience, you will visit various academic, health care, government-supported, non-governmental, and private organizations focusing on educating nurses and advancing health care. The program includes overnight stays in Zurich, Basel, and Geneva and an excursion to Interlaken. During the trip to Geneva, you will visit the World Health Organization, United Nations, Red Cross Museum, and International Council of Nurses.
Summer Nursing at Trinity College Dublin
May 15 – May 30, 2026 (tentative)
Nursing at Trinity College Dublin offers undergraduate nursing students the opportunity to combine learning about nursing and healthcare in Ireland with an active program that includes shadowing opportunities in clinical practice. The program is designed for nursing students who are interested in exploring difference cultures and obtaining a global view of nursing as a part of their career the University of Pittsburgh. You'll earn three credits during the two weeks you spend in Dublin.
Italian Global Health Immersion
May 10 – May 26, 2026
In this program, students will learn about the impact of Italian and Mediterranean culture on health behaviors, health outcomes, and healthcare delivery. Students will participate in several hospital visits and clinical observation in various cities. Additionally, students will learn about the historical impact of the Roman Empire on public health practice. Students will visit museums and historical sites to deepen their understanding of health within a cultural context.
Healthcare Delivery at Saint Regis Mohawk
May 3 – May 9, 2026
This 3-credit study away course exposes students to an American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) culture and health care delivery system. Emphasis is placed on exploring health issues and risk factors, the impact of cultural characteristics on health disparity, health outcomes, and health care delivery and utilization, and the achievement of health-related goals. During the program there will be many site visits, field trips and cultural activities. Students will meet with local tribal members, healthcare professionals (nurses and doctors), and healthcare administrators within the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Health Services.
The program includes visits to the Tribal Medical Clinic, Diabetes Center and Outreach Department. Students will also have cultural enrichment experiences including visits to the Cultural Center and library. Some of the highlight experiences are a medicine walk trail through the woods with a traditional knowledge keeper, visiting community gardens, and a pontoon boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River to view areas of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.
Himalayan Health
May 5 – June 13, 2026
Join a group of adventurous fellow students for six weeks during the early summer in North India to learn about the challenges of emergency medicine, public health and medical care in the Himalayas, one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on earth.
All students will take a 3 credits Himalayan Health course and then do a 6 credits experience on Wilderness First Responder: Following an intensive series of courses that involve field trips and experiential, hands-on learning opportunities, students will be certified as a Wilderness First Responder and will understand the unique health and medical challenges faced by people living in remote mountain villages. At the conclusion of the program students will visit the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra.
Keio University Conference
All third-year students will receive an email with an invitation to apply for two spots to attend a conference at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. Past conference topics have included, “Tackling the Challenges of Aging Societies as a Global Health Issue and the Role of the Nursing Profession.” Past students have received funding for most of their travel and cost of attendance.
Healthcare-Focused Programs
Global Health in Spain
May 11 – May 28, 2026
Study global health in Spain, in a location that provides rich and varied opportunities for learning. You will visit local public health offices, gain understanding of the European Union’s structure for health care, visit global health agencies to see first-hand the healthcare needs of diverse populations. Málaga offers a robust urban experience, with different cultures and approaches to health, in addition to access to world-renowned cultural activities!
This program is designed for students in the School of Public Health, School of Nursing, and other students interested in health in a global context. While on the program, you will build skills for working with diverse individuals, and for working in international settings. You will also gain experience with teamwork and collaboration in multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary groups in exploring healthcare issues and situations.
Health & Culture in Bolivia
May 17 – June 27, 2026
Bolivia offers a truly unique opportunity to explore and learn. With the largest Indigenous population in South America, the country has preserved traditions and practices that many others have lost. Its rich Indigenous ancestry has shaped a vibrant culture with more than 39 distinct languages, though Spanish remains the most widely spoken and serves as the bridge across communities. During this 6-week program, students will earn 7 credits and take two academic courses on Culture and Health specific to this Andean nation, paired with a service-learning opportunity that connects classroom learning to real-world community engagement. They will also complete a 1.0-credit Spanish language course with a local instructor. All Spanish levels are welcome, including those with no experience.
The program also includes visits to several of Bolivia’s most renowned sites, some once considered for the “Seven Wonders of the World.” In the Chapare region, students will journey through the Amazon rainforest, spotting spider monkeys and exotic birds while hiking lush, biodiverse trails. In the highlands, participants will explore Lake Titicaca, the world’s largest high-altitude lake, while learning about the history, traditions, and natural beauty that surround it.
Traditional Medicine & Culture in Senegal
May 6 – May 28, 2026
Welcome to this 7 credit Maymester in Dakar, Senegal, the western gateway to the African continent. Senegal is increasingly viewed as the arts and culture capital of the continent with a rich history in literature, cinema, art, and music, complemented by Senegalese hospitality (Teranga) -- the warm embrace of others. All students will take Senegal: Intersections of Culture, History, Religion & Dance, and then a course on Traditional Medicine.
Public Health Threats in Suriname
May 16 – June 1, 2026
Explore the unique culture of Suriname and learn about global public health and environmental health threats. This program features trans-disciplinary science, practice, and policy approaches to addressing public health issues affecting environmental and human health. You will examine key public health issues affecting the health of Suriname’s ecosystem and its population, including the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
Through a series of lectures and fieldtrips, you will learn about the role of the ecosystem as a vital component of community health. A special area of focus will be the medicinal characteristics of plants. The course will also focus on the risks posed by environmental contamination, specifically those risks related to mercury released from some small-scale gold mining operations. You will employ community-based participatory research strategies to assess, manage, and communicate those risks.