Swaziland

Swaziland Study Abroad Program

Summer 2019

This unique program provides IUPUI students with insight into the healthcare system in the Kingdom of Swaziland and the unique challenges and barriers to care experienced by its citizens. You will learn about and/or volunteer in a range of community-based organizations related to this theme and your specific discipline.

swazilandStudents will have direct experiences and interactions with Swazi students, community members, and governmental and private organizations. There will be an opportunity to hear multiple perspectives on the challenges facing this rapidly developing country and for students to have a greater understanding of the business and culture of healthcare delivery in Swaziland. To help meet this goal, we have partenered with the University of Swaziland, Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach, the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, and other organizations.

Students will visit a variety of cities and places in Swaziland. Planned activities include a tour of an outdoor cultural heritage museum to help better understand the history of the country, and a local recycled glass factory and candle factory to provide insight on economic development. The group will also travel to the Hlane Royal National Park for a safari tour and have several shorter excursions, including to see local and handmade arts and crafts. Finally, the group will tour the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg to help understand the history and politics of neighboring South Africa.

This program explores healthcare in Swaziland in its many dimensions. Students will complete readings, attend lectures at the University of Swaziland, visit governmental and non-governmental organizations, and participate in critical reflections sessions. Students will also visit key cultural sites throughout the Kingdom and in South Africa.swaziland

This study abroad experience is a 3-credit hour spring course entitled, Swaziland: Health Systems Around the World. All participants will be required to enroll in one of the following courses if accepted into the program:

PBHL-H455 (Undergraduate)

PBHL-H670 (Graduate)

Eligibility

Open to Indiana University students in good academic standing who meet these criteria:

  • Must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Although designed for students with a special interest in health, students of all majors and IU campuses are welcome to apply
  • Students from other IU campuses will have the option to join the pre-trip sessions in person or via distance technology
  • Graduate students from the Fairbanks School of Public Health may be permitted to attend with permission of the instructor (supplemental coursework will be assigned)

Costs

The program fee is $2,650, which covers:

  • Housing
  • Most meals (daily breakfast and dinner)
  • Transportation to scheduled learning activities
  • Airport pickups/drop-offs
  • Service related supplies
  • Cultural visits and some excursions

Additional expenses will include:

  • Airfare of approximately $2,000-$2,200 for roundtrip transportation to Swaziland (students will arrange their own flights).
  • Spending money for lunches and other incidentals (recommend $100-$200).
  • Vaccinations: $300
  • Study Abroad fees of $82 for the international study fee and $30 for insurance.
  • Background check: $20
  • Tuition and related fees to cover the required three-credit hour course (amount will vary based upon residency status and full/part-time status); visit the IUPUI cost estimator to determine how the three additional credits will impact your Bursar bill for Summer 2017.

How to Apply

A total of 20 students will be accepted into the program. Preference will be given to public health undergraduate students, however, public health graduate students and undergraduate students of other majors are welcome to apply. Here's what you need to do to secure your spot:

Complete your application