Roukema Center for International Education
Office of International Programs

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Course Description - "Public Health in West Africa" (NURS 365)
 
Students will travel from Ramapo College – New Jersey to Ghana. They will reside and visit three main locations in Ghana: Kumasi (the main program base), Cape Coast & Accra. In each location, visits and guest lectures will allow the students to get first-hand contact and converse with members of the local and international healthcare communities, officials, as well as African students and academicians. Our academic base for the program will be at Ramapo's partner institution Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in Kumasi. The study abroad program will also include guided tours of major historical and tourist attractions. A high proportion of countries with the poorest health indices in the world are located in West Africa and continuing problems in the sub region pose considerable challenge at efforts to improve the health of people living there. (www.globalhealthframework.net/).

Studying in Ghana
 
This study abroad program is designed for students who have an interest in healthcare or social sciences. The number of students is capped, so apply early. This study trip can be used to satisfy a general education category (tbd).
 
Prior to starting the program, there will be 15-hours of online instruction and a 2 hour pre-departure orientation session (attendance is mandatory). A Ghanaian nurse will give a brief overview of the country, politics, and healthcare practices. She will discuss the recent history and its impact on the infrastructure of the country. She will also review standards of behavior expected of all students. The course faculty will share prior experiences with working in Ghana and provide protocol expectation. 
 
Upon return, students will attend a debriefing session.
 
Our course of study  
 
The objective of this study abroad program to Ghana, West Africa is to expose students to differences in healthcare environments and the cultural implications for healthcare. This program offers a comprehensive overview of community healthcare in Ghana as well as introduction to African civilization, society, and culture. 
 
By the end of the study abroad program, students will appreciate the impact that politics play on the delivery of healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. Students will also experience the impact that the work of Ramapo nursing faculty has on transforming the curriculum. 
 
On return to RCNJ after these experiential learning opportunities students will make presentations to students and faculty groups about their lived experiences.

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Students will reside in local guesthouses close to the University and Clinics. The majority of meals are included in the program fee.

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Program fee for NJ Residents: TBD
Program fee for non-NJ Residents: TBD

Program fee includes: 4-credits tuition; round-trip international airfare; comprehensive pre-departure and on-site orientation; Ghana visa; health & security insurance; on-site accommodations; most meals; all excursions and entrance fees; and in-country program transportation.
Program fee does not include: US airport transfers; personal expenses

Late Fees : A late fee of $35 will be assessed for each payment not received by the payment deadlines communicated to you by the International Programs Office.
Note : There will be a 3-day grace period before a late fee is assessed.

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Scholarships are available for eligible applicants: http://www.ramapo.edu/study-abroad/scholarships/

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Professor Kathleen Burke
kmburke@ramapo.edu