International Opportunities

Global Health Elective Information

Use the sections below to find out more about the module, service-learning opportunities and how to express an interest.

What will I study?

The Global Health Elective explores major global health issues from a sustainable development perspective.

Topics may include:

• health inequalities and the social determinants of health;
• culture and communication with diverse populations;
• global health governance and the Sustainable Development Goals;
• maternal and population health;
• humanitarian emergencies;
• migration and health;
• climate change, food security and sustainability;
• gender and health; and
• mental health as a global health issue.

The module encourages students to consider how health is shaped by wider social, cultural, environmental and international influences and how these issues relate to contemporary healthcare practice.

How is the elective structured?

The theoretical component of the Global Health Elective is delivered over approximately six weeks, normally between January and February.

Students undertake approximately 26 hours of theoretical learning, including lectures, discussion and class-based activities examining contemporary global health issues.

Students may also complement their academic learning through a service-learning experience in Ireland or internationally.

The Global Health Elective can also be completed without undertaking a service-learning placement.

International service learning

International service learning gives students an opportunity to engage with a community or non-governmental organisation and experience global health issues within a different social and cultural context.

Depending on availability in a particular academic year, opportunities may be available with NGO partners in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

International service-learning experiences are normally approximately one month in duration.

Places are limited and destinations may vary from year to year. Where the number of interested students exceeds the places available, selection may include consideration of a student's statement of purpose and an interview.

Students considering an international experience should also be prepared for the financial, travel, health and fundraising requirements associated with participation.

Service learning in Galway

Students may alternatively undertake service learning with an Ireland-based organisation working in an area relevant to global or community health.

The local service-learning option normally involves at least 50 hours of engagement with an appropriate organisation.

This provides students with an opportunity to explore global health issues closer to home and consider how issues such as migration, inequality, community development, cultural diversity and social circumstances influence health within an Irish context.

Students may identify an appropriate organisation themselves or consider opportunities recommended through the University.

How do I express an interest?

Students interested in an international service-learning opportunity are normally invited to submit an Expression of Interest during Year 2.

The indicative timeline is:

International places are limited. Where required, the selection process may include consideration of a student's statement of purpose and an interview.

Destinations, dates and the number of available places may change between academic years. Students should therefore refer to communications from the School for the arrangements applying to their cohort.

Costs and practical considerations

Students undertaking an international service-learning experience should expect to contribute towards the costs associated with participation.

Depending on the destination and academic year, these may include:

• flights;
• visa costs;
• vaccinations and travel-related health requirements;
• accommodation and food; and
• other travel and preparation expenses.

Students participating in some international service-learning opportunities may also be required to undertake fundraising in support of the partner organisation.

Costs and travel requirements can change. Students should therefore review the current Global Health International Experience flyer and information provided by the School before making financial or travel arrangements.