China Study Abroad Program

Explore the future directions of the Chinese healthcare system

The Fairbanks School of Public Health is sponsoring a unique opportunity to participate in a three-week program exploring the organization, social, and cultural aspects and future directions of the Chinese healthcare system.

This trip will provide you with an in-depth introduction to traditional and contemporary healthcare practices in China and an opportunity to compare and contrast the health systems in China and the U.S. 

While in China, you will have many opportunities to engage with hosts and be immersed in Chinese culture. The program includes some basic Chinese language training. In addition to classroom time in Nanjing, you will also spend substantial time out in the field, visiting health facilities such as public hospitals, community hospitals, private and specialty hospitals, including health care facilities using traditional Chinese approaches to healthcare and prevention.

Cultural activities include options for you to participate in calligraphy, Chinese painting, Tai chi, paper cutting, and Chinese cooking classes.

This study abroad experience is a 3 credit hour spring course entitled, Health Systems Around the World: Culture, Society and Public Health in China. You will be required to enroll in one of the following courses if accepted into the program:

  • PBHL-P 450 (Undergraduate)
  • PBHL-P 670 (Graduate)

Eligibility

All applicants must meet IUPUI’s minimum standard eligibility requirements. Additional requirements for this program include:

  • This program is designed for junior or senior undergraduate students who are interested in health and healthcare at an international level.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required.
  • Graduate students may be permitted to attend with permission of the instructor (supplemental coursework would be assigned).
  • Preference will be given to applicants from IUPUI, but students from other IU campuses are welcomed.
  • Students must also attend two pre-program course sessions at IUPUI. Participants from outside Indianapolis will have the option to join these sessions remotely.

Selection is based on maturity, seriousness of purpose, and appropriateness of match between program and applicant.

Costs

The program fee is $2,600, which covers:

  • Housing
  • Most meals
  • Transportation to scheduled learning activities
  • Some excursions
  • Some tours and entrance fees

We estimate that students may spend an additional $1,500 for airfare, food, and personal expenses.

Pre-trip planning sessions

There will be a series of pre-travel meetings on campus at IUPUI that will meet two times leading up to the trip date. More information on the meeting details will be sent to students accepted into the program.

Housing and meals

Students will be housed in Grand City Inn # 185 Hanzhong Road at a location that allows a reasonable commute to our classroom at Nanjing University. The accommodations are safe, clean and comfortable.

Students will be sharing rooms and we cannot guarantee that single room requests can be accommodated. No male students will be permitted to share rooms with female students unless they are traveling as a legally married couple. Accommodations will be arranged for students.

Included in the cost of the trip are most meals. Students will be responsible for all other meals during the program. Students should be prepared for any meals not provided by our hosts or for any supplemental foods they may prefer.

How to apply

Applications are not currently being accepted for this program. For future reference, preference will be given to public health undergraduate students; however, public health graduate students and undergraduate students of other majors are welcome to apply.

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Questions about the application process?

We're here to help! Email Leah Jansen at lwissel@iu.edu for more information.

Please note: All information is subject to change. This site is neither a contract nor an offer to make a contract. The Fairbanks School of Public Health reserves the right to change a program as new opportunities arise.