This intensive learning experience is designed to explore health care systems of the United States, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands in the context of their historical development. Selected experts will present an organized series of seminars on the history, sociology and philosophy of health care in each country. These will be supplemented by tours of :
- Academic hospital
- Health care planning office
- Nursing home or geriatric care center
- Outpatient clinic
- Psychiatric hospital
- Rehabilitation center
- Urban tertiary care hospital
Students spend the first nine weeks of spring term on campus, followed by one week in Canada, two weeks in Denmark and five days in the Netherlands. Students are considered as "full-time" and living on campus, even though their time on campus will be truncated.
Course of Study (4 Course Credits)
National Health Services (Policy) (TAB 323)
Health Delivery and Prioritization in Northern Europe (PSC 345T)
Comparative Health Care Systems (SOC 372)
Field Study: Health Care Facilities (TAB 325)
Service Learning Internship P/F (IDM 008)
Note: Leadership in Medicine students should also enroll in Bioethics (PHL 574);
Excursions
During this program, students conduct site visits of U.S. health care facilities. In addition, 15 hours per week will be spent learning at a local health care agency (i.e., hospital, clinic, hospice, or HMO/insurance organization). During the 10th week, students travel to Canada for additional coursework and clinical studies. Students then enroll in the Denmark Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen to take a European health care course that includes a five-day study tour in the Netherlands.
Accommodations
Students will live in a combination of their on-campus housing, dormitory and hotel during this term abroad.
Calendar
(For specific dates, contact the International Programs Office, Old Chapel, Third Floor.)
- October: Application extension until Monday, October 31.
- November: $200 non-refundable deposit due at the Cashier's Office in McKean House, and receipt brought to the International Programs Office
- Winter term: Orientation meetings
- Late March: Program begins
- Early July: Program ends
For More Information
Contact Professor Rhona Beaton, Assistant Director of Health Professions Program.

