Geneva, Switzerland Study Abroad

Compare and contrast systems in Switzerland and the U.S.

This course provides an in‐depth introduction to a global model for health services delivery and provides you with the opportunity to compare and contrast systems in Switzerland and the United States. This course will feature a special focus on the World Health Organization (WHO), which is based in Geneva, Switzerland. 

You will spend substantial time out in the field meeting health experts and leaders from the World Health Organization, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Medecins Sans Frontieres, the Global Health Institute at the University of Geneva, the World Economic Forum, Lilly Corporation, and the Global Fund.

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

  1. PBHL-P 450 (Undergraduate)
  2. PBHL-H 670 (Graduate)

Trip dates and application deadline

Program dates: March 16-21, 2025

Application deadline: October 15, 2024

Apply now

Eligibility

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

  • Must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, with priority given to students with a GPA of 3.0 and higher.
  • This program is designed for junior or senior undergraduate students interested in health and healthcare at an international level, but students of all majors are welcome to apply.
  • Although designed for students with a special interest in health-related professions, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students of all majors and IU campuses are welcome to apply.
  • Students will be required to attend four mandatory pre-trip sessions.

Additional expenses will include:

  • Airfare
  • Spending money for meals, excursions, theater tickets, and other incidentals (recommend $300 to $500).
  • Study abroad fees of $92 for the international study fee and $32 for insurance.
  • 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 IU Indianapolis cost estimator to determine how the three additional credits will impact your bursar bill.

Please note that travel inside Switzerland is exceptionally expensive. Housing and food costs are among the highest in Europe. We try our very best to keep costs as low as possible while maintaining acceptable standards and good value.

How to apply

Preference will be given to public health undergraduate students. However, 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

Pre-trip planning sessions

There will be a series of pre-travel meetings taking place virtually. Additional information regarding the meeting details will be sent to students accepted into the program.

Housing

Students will be housed in double-occupancy rooms, allowing for a reasonable commute to our classroom meeting space. The accommodations are safe, clean, and comfortable. 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.

Questions?

Do you have a question? 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.