What is experiential learning in global and public health?

A unique opportunity to practice knowledge and skills in a global/public health setting. Students utilize their classroom learning to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of global and public heath issues. Students engage with communities, professors, peers, and more to apply tools and skills to real world health issues. 

Experiential learning is an academic requirement of the Global and Public Health Sciences (GPHS) major and the Global Health minor. There are a broad range of opportunities that fulfill this requirement in domestic and international settings.

  1. Identify a public health issue, through engagement in practice, policy, or research, which you intend to analyze in great depth in NS 4600. 
  2. Examine and explain the key characteristics and interests of host organization, hospital, institution, or research project, and how they relate to a specific public health issue. 
  3. Analyze a public health issue integrating academic knowledge and experiential learning. 
  4. Document and explain how the applied experience advanced academic, professional, and personal learning goals. 

Learn more about these experiential learning opportunities

chalkboard sketch of world map

My engagement in curriculum during class time, complemented by experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus, have transformed the way I approach learning. Transformational experiences in this program have led me to crave a deeper understanding of myself and my communities - an understanding that I now recognize can only be accomplished by community-engaged learning. The mentors I have gained, including students, faculty and staff, have guided my professional goals as well as my personal growth while introducing me to a new way of thinking- one where academia and community engagement with active leadership stand side by side.

Talia Bailes '20
GPHS Major