Apply your learning to current global health challenges through experiential activities that take place in classrooms, community organizations, workplaces, or abroad. These experiences help you build skills employers value, including teamwork, communication, problem solving, reflection, and critical thinking.

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Study Abroad Program Offerings

The School of Global Health offers intensive summer field courses through the Study Abroad Program. Offerings include:

HH/GH 4921 3.0 Social Determinants of Global Health: Brazil “Urban Events & Popular Economy in Rio”

Taught by Dr. Amanda De Lisio, dive into the vibrant world of Rio de Janeiro and uncover the hidden impacts of global sporting events on urban health and development. Explore how the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics transformed local communities, revealing complex intersections of health, human rights, and urban planning. Through immersive experiences, you’ll investigate how massive infrastructure projects reshape the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Gain unique insights into international urban development and its effects on community well-being. Challenge official narratives by engaging directly with local realities in this unforgettable Brazilian learning experience.

HH/GH 4922 3.0 Social Determinants of Global Health: South Africa “Health Equity & Community Storytelling”

Taught by Dr. Monica Malta, explore the Social Determinants of Health in the Global South, with a focus on gender inequalities and gender-based violence. Hosted in partnership with Stellenbosch University, this immersive program invites students to critically examine how history, politics, culture, and community shape health outcomes in South Africa. Through field visits, community engagement, and collaborative projects, students will deepen their understanding of global health challenges and solutions. Guided by local faculty, including Prof. Lynn Hendricks, students will observe grassroots health interventions addressing HIV/AIDS, STIs, and unintended pregnancies, while engaging directly with healthcare providers, community leaders, and activists.

HH/GH 4923 3.0 Social Determinants of Global Health: Ghana “African Health, Culture & Wellbeing”

Taught by Dr. Godfred Boateng, explore the Social Determinants of Health in a dynamic African context. This course combines interactive academic workshops on public health issues, indigenous culture, and traditional medicine with hands-on community engagement. Experience Ghana’s rich cultural tapestry through field trips and volunteerism. Gain invaluable insights into African health systems and socio-cultural factors influencing health outcomes. Optional excursions to breathtaking natural and historical sites enhance this transformative learning experience.

HH/GH 4924 3.0 Social Determinants of Global Health: Costa Rica "Urban Events & Popular Economy in Rio"

Taught by Dr. Brad Meisner, in this immersive fieldwork course, students will explore the determinants of health and aging in Costa Rica. Home to some of the longest-lived people on the planet, Costa Rica is an ideal place to study the factors that contribute to exceptional health and longevity. It is the only “Blue Zone” in the Global South, a label used to describe regions of the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives compared to the global average. Engage in experiential learning through discussions with local people and health-related practitioners, ethical field observations, and participation in community events. These activities will take place in diverse settings where Costa Ricans live, learn, work, play, and age. Students will gain valuable insights into the personal, relational, community, environmental, socio-cultural, and historical influences that shape health, wellness, and aging across the lifespan.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Collaborative Projects on Real-World Scenarios

In Global Health courses, you will apply your learning through hands-on projects and experiences connected to real-world scenarios and global health organizations. In past projects, students conducted air quality assessments in GH 3300, evaluated real health programs in GH 4100, and created health promotion resources for public audiences in GH 3545.

Practicum (Specialized Honours)

Gain work experience with a health organization in Canada or internationally across diverse settings.

Research

Work with faculty through independent study or as a research assistant. Explore the RAY program and GH research opportunities.

WHA Simulation

The World Health Assembly Simulation is an immersive course that models the World Health Organization’s decision making process.

Optional Co-op

Explore career paths through paid, full-time Co-op work-terms that alternate with academic study.

International Engagement

Globally Networked Learning

Collaborate with students, faculty, and non-academic researchers at partner universities around the world on a group project. Explore cross-cultural perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of complex health issues.

Global Health student on an exchange in Europe

Student Exchanges

Spend one or two semesters abroad at one of York’s international partner institutions such as King’s College in England and Fulda University in Germany to gain new global perspectives while earning credits towards your degree.

Study Abroad Programs

Spend a few weeks abroad in the summer with York faculty, earn degree credits, and explore health from a global perspective. Courses are offered in locations such as York University’s Las Nubes campus in Costa Rica.

Other Opportunities in Costa Rica

The Grounded Project combines ethnographic research with documentary film making to bring awareness to issues concerning environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, health, and human well-being in Costa Rica. Senior level students in global health can engage in the process of participatory of documentary filmmaking, amplifying community voice and creating and mobilize knowledge about complex issues revealed through Grounded Theory approach. Global health practicum and research projects are open to interested students during the winter term.

"Sharing the Grounded films with communities has given me the opportunity to feel like I am really doing something to address these challenging issues in a positive and impactful way."

— Lauren Doud, Global Health Student, 2023

York University’s Las Nubes eco-campus in Costa Rica provides opportunities for experiential learning focused on protecting the biological, ecological, and social values of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve and adjacent area in southern Costa Rica.