HPA Specific

Global Penn State Programs

Global Institutes (under the Health Sciences track)

IES: London, Health Practice and Policy (Fall or Spring Semester / 15 Credits)
Requirements: Second Semester Standing and a 3.0 Minimum GPA

The IES: Health Practice & Policy program was created to meet the academic needs of students in pre-professional medical studies and public health majors and minors, as well as Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. The program allows students to immerse themselves in public health issues in various locations such as London and Kingston, Jamaica through theories and practice. Some of the courses offered for Penn State students include health studies taught by IES Abroad in London, one elective course from the Study London Program, and an intensive service learning and practicum in London and Kingston at the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Mona. In the last two weeks of the semester, students participate in an extended field study trip to Kingston at the University Of West Indies School Of Nursing, Mona where they learn through lectures, discussions, and a practicum at community health clinics.

The Department of Health Policy and Administration offers several embedded study abroad experiences. These programs include activities such as observation at in-country health facilities, lectures by in-country experts, and participation in fieldwork.

HPA students have the option of taking a short-term embedded trip as they rotate to various locations in different semesters. Current programs are being led or planned for Sweden as well as The Netherlands.

To find out which current programs are being offered visit the Penn State Schedule of Courses (look for HPA 499) or visit Global Programs Education Abroad Regional Program Brochures.

The Global Health Minor (GLBHL), offered by the Department of Biobehavioral Health, is designed to give students exposure to issues affecting the health of various populations in the world. Emphasis is placed on encouraging students to more fully recognize the global interconnectedness of current population health problems and to think critically about how particular global health challenges might best be solved.

The GLBHL minor supports the goals of those who are planning careers in research and teaching or in health services, be it in universities, government agencies, international agencies, non-governmental organizations, or private industry. The minor also provides those who plan advanced specialist health training—in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, allied health (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy), or other areas—with a broad appreciation of the most critical global health topics, which will enhance their later education and practice. It is anticipated that completion of the GLBHL minor will prepare students for positions of global leadership and greatly enhance their competence and competitiveness when applying for health-related post-baccalaureate training and careers.

As part of the minor, students complete a field work experience that is designed to give students an opportunity to translate knowledge obtained in the classroom in a practical setting and further nurture their cultural awareness and sensitivity.