College of Health and Human Services

Student in Berlin study abroad

Health and Human Services Study Abroad Programs


The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) offers transformative study abroad opportunities that immerse students in global perspectives on health, wellness, and social care. These programs allow participants to explore innovative models of care, engage with diverse communities, and gain hands-on experience that enriches both their academic and professional development. By connecting classroom learning with real-world practice in international settings, CHHS study abroad fosters cultural competence and prepares students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
 
Application deadlines and requirements differ by program. For detailed information, please consult the program advisor and visit the WMU Study Abroad website.

College of Health and Human Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5243 USA
(269) 387-7367

Short-term programs

March 6 to March 15, 2026 (Spring Break)

Overview
This 3-credit hour IPE course offers students the chance to explore health and healthcare in Costa Rica. 

Time, lectures, and excursions will be divided between classes at WMU and Costa Rica.  Students will interpret the impact of various factors on the delivery and experience of healthcare in the United States and Costa Rica. The class will focus on the differences and similarities of various healthcare professional roles in Costa Rica, taking into account dynamic social, cultural, legal, political, and economic factors.   All lectures and excursions will be conducted in English. Students will have the chance to improve their Spanish during home-stays with Costa Rican families and during a Spanish for healthcare class.   Excursions will include a trip to an herb farm, animal rescue center, and zipline in the rain forest.  Participants will also complete service learning and cultural activities, such as a dance and cooking class

Credits
Three WMU credit will be awarded for courses successfully completed on this program. Students are urged to work closely with their WMU Academic advisor(s) and Study Abroad staff to plan a course of study allowing for steady progress toward their degree.

Western Essential Studies
IPE 3050 fulfills a WES Level II (Exploration & Discovery) World Language and Culture (WLC) requirement as well as the Diversity & Inclusion (DI) requirement

Application Deadline
Applications have closed for this opportunity

May 3 to May 13, 2026 (Summer I)

Overview
Explore the vibrant culture and history of Mérida, Mexico, while examining critical issues of social justice, citizenship, and healthcare. This immersive study abroad program combines academic learning with hands-on experiences, including visits to Maya communities, cultural workshops, and guided tours of iconic sites like Chichen-Itza. Students will engage with local professionals, explore alternative medicine practices, and volunteer with NGOs to deepen your understanding of global health disparities. Join us for a transformative journey that blends intercultural learning with meaningful exploration of social and healthcare challenges.

Credits
Three WMU credit will be awarded for courses successfully completed on this program. Students are urged to work closely with their WMU Academic advisor(s) and Study Abroad staff to plan a course of study allowing for steady progress toward their degree.

Western Essential Studies
IPE 3050 fulfills a WES Level II (Exploration & Discovery) World Language and Culture (WLC) requirement as well as the Diversity & Inclusion (DI) requirement

Application Deadline
January 31, 2026

Apply

June 29 to July 6, 2026 (Summer II)

Overview
This hybrid study abroad program partners with one of WMU's strongest international partner universities, HU Utrecht in the Netherlands. Students register in two courses; a WMU course and one of the Health-related courses offered by the HU Utrecht Summer program. Students examine, compare and contrast the health care professionals role in the Netherlands and the United States. 

Credits
Three WMU credit will be awarded for courses successfully completed on this program. Students are urged to work closely with their WMU Academic advisor(s) and Study Abroad staff to plan a course of study allowing for steady progress toward their degree.

Western Essential Studies
IPE 3050 fulfills a WES Level II (Exploration & Discovery) World Language and Culture (WLC) requirement as well as the Diversity & Inclusion (DI) requirement

Application Deadline
Applications have closed for this opportunity

Summer II

Overview
Embark on a transformative study abroad experience in Quito, Ecuador, where you'll engage in service learning while building cultural humility and professional reasoning skills in pediatric and adult outpatient rehabilitation. This program offers clinical observation and hands-on experience at a local foundation dedicated to providing comprehensive rehabilitative care to individuals with neurological dysfunction. Outside the clinic, you'll explore Quito's rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural landscapes, from the vibrant city streets to the awe-inspiring Andes. Join us to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful difference in a stunning and diverse environment.

Students will gain skills in cultural humility, clinical experience, intra and interprofessional collaboration, professional and personal growth, public health insight, and Spanish language development by participating in service learning at a local foundation and engaging in cultural, historical and nature-based. 

Credits
Three WMU credit will be awarded for courses successfully completed on this program. Students are urged to work closely with their WMU Academic advisor(s) and Study Abroad staff to plan a course of study allowing for steady progress toward their degree.

Western Essential Studies
IPE 3050 fulfills a WES Level II (Exploration & Discovery) World Language and Culture (WLC) requirement as well as the Diversity & Inclusion (DI) requirement

Application Deadline
Applications have closed for this opportunity

Advising

Interested in study abroad, but don't know where to start? Schedule an appointment with Anastassia Kaml, study abroad specialist, at anastassia.v.kaml@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5890. She can help you find study abroad opportunities that fit your program of study, and connect you to other resources related to study abroad.

Scholarship Fund

Students who study abroad do better in school, and you can help. Your financial gift can support the personal growth and global engagement of CHHS students by supporting study abroad opportunities in the College of Health and Human Services.

DONATE TODAY

Financial Aid

If you are eligible for federal or state financial aid, you may use your award for studying abroad. Once you have been accepted to a program,  you will complete required paperwork with WMU Financial Aid to apply your aid to your study abroad program.  It is your responsibility to complete the paperwork before departure and to maintain compliance with financial aid regulations while studying abroad (i.e., remain enrolled full-time). Non-WMU students must apply for financial aid through their home university.

Please note: Disbursement of financial aid may not coincide with the start date of the program abroad. Some out-of-pocket costs may occur prior to financial aid disbursement for the semester, such as the commitment fee, passport, airfare, immunizations, visa or residence permit fees (if applicable). These costs vary by program and WMU study abroad specialists are available to answer questions about the program budget.

Scholarships

You may be eligible for the Haenicke Institute for Global Education Study Abroad Scholarship.

Support Study Abroad

You can help enrich a student's worldview by supporting the CHHS Study Abroad Scholarship fund. Your donation will allow CHHS students to become more globally engaged.

DONATE TODAY