Global Health Opportunities for Students

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

Research Opportunities in Wales, United Kingdom
Master’s and doctoral students can find unique research, internship, and applied practice opportunities in Wales, one of the four separate countries comprising the United Kingdom. Working under the mentorship health sciences faculty from Cardiff Metropolitan University, students can engage in studies on a wide range of public health topics, including exercise and sports health, occupational health , environmental health, community clinic health care, and health promotion with community partners.

Contact: Dr. Carleen Stoskopf, [email protected]

Aztecs Abroad Public Health Opportunities

• Worldwide
• Oaxaca City, Mexico

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]

Public Health Research in Peru (Availability TBD)
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]

Global Health Courses and Trips for Students

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!

Historic and Current Public Health in Wales and England, Spring Break 2027

This fascinating study tour explores historic and current public health themes while traveling through southern England and rustic Wales.

• See the Broad Street Pump in central London, the birthplace to epidemiology. Enjoy local brew at the Dr. John Snow pub and take in a lecture about the British National Health Service.
• View Stonehenge, marvel at the engineering feats of the ancient residents, and ponder the religious significance of this Wonder of the Ancient World.
• Spend an afternoon in Bath, site of Roman baths and aqueducts. Debate the pros and cons of the lead-lined pipes used 2000 years ago and the health effects of spas.
• Explore Cardiff, a medieval town with current vibrancy. See the castle and art museum; consider the significance of the location on the convergence of river, ocean, and rugged coast; try to speak the Welsh language of the locals; dine with public health students from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
• Descend 300 feet into the earth into an old tin mine, wander around a mining village, and be amazed at the myriad public health challenges and practices prevalent in the 19th century.
• Wonder at the majestic Tintern Abbey, get lost in the many bookstores in Hay-on-Rye, explore St. Fagans National Museum of History, and indulge in shepherd’s pie at Sunday roast.

All visits consider the academic perspectives of What are the public health challenges represented? What was the contemporary response? What would we do now?
Contact: Dr. Carleen Stoskopf, [email protected]

Public Health in Vietnam: 2028
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.

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.

• See the webpage with all Global Education programs.

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.