A study abroad experience can inspire students to explore health related subjects they might never have known existed.
Through experiential learning, students will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, a new language, and maybe a different way of thinking. Given the three-week duration of a typical study abroad course, students will have time to experience and learn other ways of life, beliefs, and traditions.
The entire study abroad experience helps students to be more adaptable in a new environment, promotes better communication and problem solving skills, and fosters maturity and a deeper appreciation of the world.
Employers also love the perspective and connections students gain from studying abroad.
What is your favorite South African food?
Durban is situated on the east coast of South Africa, on the Natal Bay of the Indian Ocean. I’m looking forward to trying a Durban specialty – a “bunny chow”. This specialty is not made with bunnies but consists of a hollowed out portion of a loaf of bread filled with a curry. I’m looking forward to getting one with a local fish curry. After that I want to try a Bobotie, another curry dish of minced meat with condiments topped with egg custard. It is considered a national dish.
Why is the Durban such a good place to study this topic?
A study abroad course needs to find a balance of unique opportunities and facilities to support the instruction. In Durban we have the opportunity to observe malnutrition, infectious diseases, and treatment options. Durban has facilities to support our classes and accommodations to host our students and faculty.
Although South Africa is currently seeing an increase of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and HIV/AIDS just like in the United States, malnutrition and infectious diseases are still present, mainly due to income inequality and the inability for many to access to the health care system.
We will also observe the health effects of other factors including societal and culture pressures on the people of South African.
Students will also have a chance to learn about traditional medicine.
What aspect of the program are you looking forward to the most?
I am looking forward to visiting local families, shopping in markets, and learning the processes of making and administering traditional medicine.
Anything else you’d like to share with students?
A few scholarships are available for study abroad experiences. Students can apply for the Buffs Abroad Scholarships here! An IPHY student who applies for the Buffs Abroad Scholarship and applies for one of the IPHY Global Seminar courses will automatically be considered for an IPHY scholarship. Additionally, our global seminar course titled “Global Health and Disease” has been selected to receive the Summer 2025 Global Seminar Access Scholarship for students.