Dr. Monika Sawhney, public health program director in the Marshall College of Health Professions, said she will take a group of students to Tanzania this summer for a unique study abroad opportunity.
“This is the only study abroad program related to public health care and nursing,” Sawhney said. “We will offer students an opportunity to explore aspects of our world that they may never have a chance to do so otherwise.”
Sawhney said students can receive undergraduate or graduate credit for coursework in public and global health, nursing and Swahili.
“The sky is the limit here at Marshall to have a well-guided study abroad trip with faculty from different disciplines who are able to provide an enriched experience,” Sawhney said. “Internships and service-learning opportunities are also available through this program.”
Kayla Boggs, a 21-year-old senior cell and molecular biology major from Big Bend, W.Va., traveled to Tanzania last summer and said she expects her experiences from the public health course to benefit her future career in health care.
“A study abroad experience is worthwhile no matter where one chooses to study,” Boggs said. “For me, it was all about gaining a greater understanding of the hardships Tanzanians face every day, finding a greater respect for myself in overcoming the stereotypes many have about Africa and making a difference in the lives of the people I met.”
While in Tanzania for five weeks, Boggs said she snorkeled in the Indian Ocean and explored the native wildlife through her adventures on a safari.
“I loved every minute of the safari and snorkeling in the Indian Ocean, but my favorite thing would have to have been meeting and forming relationships with so many unique and wonderful individuals,” Boggs said. “The Tanzanians I had the pleasure of meeting were incredibly welcoming and I still keep in touch with a few of them on Facebook.”
The Tanzania study abroad trip will take place June 12 – July 16, 2014. Cost of the trip is $3,975 plus airfare and the $250 application fee. Individuals interested in signing up before Jan. 20 can save $100. The final application deadline for the trip is Feb. 15. To learn more, please contact Dr. Monika Sawhney by phone at 304-696-2602 or by e-mail at sawhney@marshall.edu.
Cutline:
Marshall student Kayla Boggs, 21, of Big Bend, W.Va., stands with a group of native Tanzanians last summer during her study abroad trip to Africa. While in Tanzania, Boggs said she was in an ideal setting to gain valuable academic and cultural experiences which helped her achieve a broad understanding of our world.
