Global Health Opportunities for Students
Our SPH students study and travel all over the world.
College of Health & Human Services Undergraduate International Experience
The College of Health & Human Services incorporates an international component in all its undergraduate curricula, including its BS in Health Science. Students participate in residence for two or more weeks.
Specific details about the requirement and upcoming travel opportunities can be found on the CHHS Undergraduate International Experience web site.
For more information on SPH Undergraduate Study Abroad Opportunities, Click Here.
Global Health Research and Practice Opportunities for Students
Public Health Research in Peru (Currently Unavailable)
Opportunity for motivated graduate students to participate in unpaid research opportunities for 8-15 weeks conducting infectious disease work in Peru. Spanish language is recommended.
Contact: Eyal Oren, [email protected]
Aztecs Abroad Public Health Opportunities
Research Opportunities in Uganda, Nigeria, Brazil, or South Africa
Opportunities for research (thesis, dissertation, independent projects)
Contact: Susan Kiene, [email protected]
Field Placement/Study Abroad in Uganda and Nigeria
In this tri-University collaboration SDSU graduate (master’s, PhD) students work with public health students from Makerere University in Uganda and University of Ibadan in Nigeria to plan and conduct field research and service projects. Students from the three universities jointly plan their projects in the Spring semester. The study abroad takes place in the summer where students spend 6 weeks in either Uganda or Nigeria (site alternates by year) to complete their projects in collaboration with their Ugandan and Nigerian counterparts.
Contact: Susan Kiene, [email protected]
Global Health Courses and Trips for Students
Public Health in Vietnam: Winter 2025
How have history and culture affected the development of the public health system and healthcare delivery in Vietnam? In this Winter Break course, we’ll explore this theme by visiting influential historical sites, through interactions with faculty and students on two Vietnamese campuses, and experiences throughout the country. We’ll cover each of our concentrations during our 10 day experience: Environment Health, Epidemiology, Health Management and Policy, and Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. Be on the lookout for info sessions in the Fall or contact Professor Rotto for more information: [email protected].
- See the Public Health in Vietnam program details on the Aztecs Abroad site.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Spring Break 2026 in Santiago, Chile!
Embark on an exciting journey with PH 550 Global Environmental Health and explore the vibrant city of Santiago, Chile, during Spring Break 2026. This unique course offers undergraduates and graduates a hands-on experience in tackling global environmental health challenges. In this course we will cover a variety of topics including:
- Learn about the intricacies of water quality management and the measures taken to ensure safe drinking water for communities around the world.
- Gain an understanding of air pollution, its sources, and its impact on health, while experiencing Santiago’s air quality monitoring programs in person.
- Explore the world of toxic chemical exposures and the steps taken to mitigate these risks in urban and rural settings.
- First hand experience with on-the-ground environmental health monitoring programs and witness the innovative solutions being implemented in Chile.
This immersive experience will not only broaden your understanding of environmental health issues but also provide invaluable insights into global health practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your academic journey and make lasting memories in Santiago, Chile!
Hands-on Exploration of Culture, Health, Sustainability, and Environment in India: Date TBD
This study abroad course will expose students to exotic Indian culture while exploring the challenges and successes India is facing with various issues of interest in public health, sustainability, and environmental health. While in India, students will experience three locations with unique challenges: a megacity (one megacity selected from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai that we rotate by year), a fast-growing planned city of Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha, and some locations of importance in rural India. Field trips to various places and institutions within the state of Odisha and the selected megacity will immerse students to Indian life and culture while giving them an understanding of the current challenges that Asian metropolises face as they develop. Students will also meet social workers affiliated with Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) and tour locations of ecological, cultural, natural, and spiritual interest to understand the social, cultural, and environmental determinants of health in a developing country like India. To enhance understanding, students will be grouped to conduct a small air and noise pollution sampling field study using portable pollution monitors, analyze the collected data, and present the findings to peers.
This course is not being offered currently, but we may offer it in the future. For more up to date information about this course, see Hands-on Exploration of Culture, Health, Sustainability, and Environment in India
Introductory and promotional videos of the program can be found at:
SDSU Global Campus
SDSU Global Campus offers a wide variety of study abroad programs to both SDSU students and community members. The majority of the offered programs occur during the regular semester, summer or winter breaks.
While many programs are offered in English, there are also a number of language immersion programs available. Students are able to use financial aid on these programs. The cost of this program is dependent on the number of units in the chosen program and other program costs, including accommodation.
- See the SDSU Global Campus Study Abroad page.
Contact Us
SDSU School of Public Health
San Diego, CA 92182-4162