For the first time, San Diego State’s College of Health and Human Services is offering a semester-long course that will allow students the opportunity to travel abroad during Spring Break.
General Studies 350: Applied International Health and Human Services is a newly created course that will be offered in the spring. It will focus on the international concerns of health and globalization. The three-unit course meets the upper division “Explorations” requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. The course is made up of two parts: a classroom component and a study abroad component, where students will be able to travel to Mexico for a service learning experience.
The trip to Mexico is made possible by a partnership with the non-profit organization Esperanza International. The group promotes the development of low-income and rural communities.
While in Mexico, students will be working in a small community called La Gloria, interacting with locals and helping out in numerous community service activities.
“Activities will include visits to a local children’s hospital, an orphanage, a health center, a migrant camp, as well as participation in cultural activities,” said Jennifer Smith, the CHHS International Programs coordinator.
Rebecca McLeod, a journalism and political science junior, is a student who wants to study abroad before graduating.
“I think studying abroad is a huge benefit to the college experience,” McLeod said. “It allows you to experience learning in a way that cannot be done inside the classroom and exposes you to the world that is larger than just California or the United States.”
She added that the timing of the course also benefits students with limited resources.
“A Spring Break study abroad trip is also a good alternative for those who want to have a study abroad experience, but may not have the money or want to devote the time for a semester or yearlong trip,” she said.
General Studies 350 is an upper division course, and only students who have achieved 60 units or more are eligible to take the class.
The trip will cost $749, which includes transportation, room and board and meals.
Students who are interested but concerned about finances can apply for the $500 Associated Students Study Abroad Scholarship. The deadline to apply is Monday.
Those who want to participate in this study abroad opportunity can contact Claire Norberg at cnorberg@mail.sdsu.edu, or can visit the course Web site at http://chhs.sdsu.edu/international/gens350.php.
Abroad credit
Published: Thursday, October 16, 2008
Updated: Thursday, October 16, 2008
 "Photo: Courtesy of Fundacion Esperanza de Mexico, AC")
Courtesy of Fundacion Esperanza de Mexico, AC
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