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Service Learning Abroad

OPPA offers a service learning trip in conjunction with spring break to Central America.  The trip serves as an introduction to health care in developing countries and the challenges therein, and will serve as a mechanism for students to enhance their academic pursuits with a civic dimension.

To find more opportunities please visit the Study Abroad Office. They can help you find potential scholarships. You can make an appointment with their office here.

Course and Trip Description

The class will merge students from various pre-med/pre-health studies at USC.  This interdisciplinary approach will also help instill in students the importance of working with diverse populations and in teams, promoting collaboration.  Students will be encouraged to think beyond academic disciplines and become more skilled at applying what they are learning.  The class includes a trip to Central America during Spring Break, which will facilitate the opportunity for students to learn a variety of health care specific skills followed by "real world" clinical scenarios. Students will be given a chance to apply those skills in an effort to provide health services to the rural communities of Central America.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the various roles of the members of the health care team
  • Gain a better awareness of the medical needs of those less fortunate and the challenges that exist specific to language barriers in accessing health care
  • Challenge your own values, beliefs, and cultural biases through interactions with local villagers
  • Perform basic health care screenings, such as blood pressure, blood sugar level, and heart rate
  • Perform a basic patient history  
  • Reassure yourselves about the decision to become a health care provider
  • Work effectively with a team

Recruitment for this course/trip starts in the Fall - Visit the Study Abroad Fair in September for more information!

Learn More about International Service Learning!

This Years Trip:

Dominican Republic March 4-11, 2017 (Spring Break)

  • Program is designed for upperclassmen, all may apply.

 


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