Service Abroad & Immersion Programs
Expand your vision. Do service abroad. Immerse yourself in an array of health care systems and gain a global perspective that will enhance your professional practice.
If you have any questions about our immersion programs, please contact Professor Alexa Curtis at accurtis@usfca.edu.
Past Immersion Projects
Project Learn Belize
Undergraduate and Graduate students joined School of Nursing and Health Professions faculty in a two week service program. Participants in the program served students of Sacred Heart Primary School in Dangriga, Belize, by teaching concepts of healthy nutrition, first aid care, and hygiene in the classroom. Dangriga is located on the Caribbean coast where it is the largest town (9,096 residents) in Southern Belize. Dangriga is also known as the cultural capital of Belize, as it is bustling with local artisans, museums and monuments, and traditions that intersect Central American, Amerindian, and West African cultures.
Colombia Immersion Program
SONHP students participated in a two week long immersion trip to Colombia to participate in a medical and cultural immersion program at Pontifica Universidad Javeriana Cali, a fellow Jesuit University in Spain. The university has one of the most admired architectural designs in the region and is location in the rural area in south of the city, surrounded by a rich diversity of flora and fauna, typical of the Andean mountain range of Western Colombia.
Cuba Immersion Program
Despite economic disparities, Cuba's health care system has achieved an impressively high ranking on major health indicators. Health care in Cuba is viewed as a human right, which is reflected in a health policy that emphasizes prevention, primary care, community services, and active participation of citizens. This immersion trip will included general and medical spanish, visits to providers, and cultural activities.
Vietnam Nurse Project
This project focused on improving the health and well-being of the people of Vietnam by improving the education, training, and practice of the nurses who serve them. The project’s goals included working closely with nurse leaders and the Vietnam Nurses’ Association to develop leaders who will partner with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam to develop more effective nursing education and practice.
Project Puebla — Exploring Spanish Language, Culture, and Mexican Health Care System
A two week language, cultural, service learning immersion program at Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, a fellow Jesuit University. Students experienced the language, culture, and health care system of Mexico. Students worked with urban dwelling and rural indigenous populations as they explore both modern and traditional health care practices.