BHSc Field and Research Opportunity
The Cumming School of Medicine has for many years worked together with our University partners from around the globe on initiatives to promote Global Health promotion and equity. The field schools and research opportunities offer University of Calgary students experiential learning about Global Health promotion, capacity building, and equity through a mix of classroom and field/research work in a Low and Middle Income Country (LMIC) setting. These international experiences usually run over the summer months. Students are required to complete a final written project relating the social determinants of health as they relate to their experience in the LMIC
Field school partners past and present include: Mbarara University of Science and Technology Uganda, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences Bugando Tanzania, Gondar University Ethiopia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Managua Nicaragua, Clínica Lecheria Dominican Republic, and Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences.
The BHSc Field and Research Opportunities may consist of the following:
- Assist in developing and executing/completing research projects relevant to the community.
- Assist in developing and deploying training programs for community member institutions. Students will work in teams for all fieldwork and training sessions.
All field experiences are done in close collaboration with our partners and their communities. UCalgary students work together with our partners’ staff, students and local health authorities to engage with community members in project and program planning. Examples of activities:
1) Projects for health promotion learning with either the urban or rural health facilities to engage community and increase public awareness of health issues
2) Projects for building research educational capacity in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology and Bioinformatic.
Our team is working to organize a field school-like opportunity in Uganda between April 21 and My 21, 2023. More details to follow.
Deadline to apply for the University of Calgary International Study Travel Grant is winter 2023.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kathleen Jack, Global Health Coordinator at inhealth@ucalgary.ca
Eligibility
Currently, the field school is open to students of all streams of the Bachelor of Health Sciences, and the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation (CRDS). Other students in the fields of Nursing, and Social Work will be considered on a case by case basis.
Selection criteria for applicants:
- A team player
- Good communication skills
- Excellent health and ability to face challenging situations
- Previous global experiences are an asset but not essential
Course fees
Involvement in this program requires enrolment in and completion of the MDSC507 course.
Funding opportunities
Once registered in the MDSC507 course, full time students are also eligible to apply for the International Study Travel Grant (deadline to apply is October 28, 2022) and the Cumming School of Medicine Medical Trainee Fund.
Students are also encouraged to apply to other internal or external grant opportunities.
Application process
Interested applicants should provide a 500-word essay on how you think you could make a positive contribution to this program, what your motivations are for joining this program and how you meet the desired criteria listed under the Eligibility section above.
Please also include a copy of your curriculum vitae, University of Calgary transcripts and two references (including their contact information and how you know each individual). You do not need letters of reference. Further application details available here.
Application deadline is TBD.
Questions about the application process can be directed to Kathleen Jack, Global Health Coordinator at inhealth@ucalgary.ca.