Teaching Global Health & Epidemiology in Europe Through Study Abroad

This poster describes a faculty-led study abroad program focusing on global health and epidemiology through an immersive European lens. The program integrates historical milestones in public health including the evolution of sanitation systems, infectious disease control, and health system development with contemporary challenges including migration, health equity, and responses to emerging diseases. Students engage directly with public health and local individuals across multiple European settings which allows them to compare health priorities to US systems. Selected students develop a health program for a global context in their program planning course prior to the study abroad. Through site visits, case based learning, and reflective assignments, students examine how historical, political, and cultural contexts shape present-day health outcomes and compare these to our policies where we live. Emphasis is placed on cross national comparisons and critical analysis of how European approaches to prevention and population health differ from those in the United States. Preliminary outcomes suggest that experiential learning in international settings enhances student understanding of epidemiologic and program planning principles, strengthens cultural competence, and deepens awareness of global health interdependence which are skills future professionals need. This model demonstrates how study abroad can serve as a pedagogical tool for teaching public health concepts in a real-world context.

Key messages

• Faculty-led European study abroad integrates history and global health practice, enhancing skills, cultural competence, and cross national public health insight.

• Immersive Europe-based study abroad links public health history with modern challenges, helps students compare systems, builds skills, and strengthens global health awareness.