In June, seven students went on a two-week Global Field Experience with the Office of Global Health at the School of Nursing. Drs. Elias Snyder & Charlotte Nwogwugwu led the trip along with Juma Mwenda, MSW who joined as a facilitator and local guide.

The trip was funded by a PGIF grant awarded to Dr. Elias Snyder to promote equity in global health travel for students at UMB and the Waltz/Strickland endowment for global health travel at UMSON.

During the experience, entry-level RN students and Doctorate of Nursing Practice students learned about the Tanzanian healthcare system and care delivery models, met with partners from the government and nonprofit sectors, engaged in cultural experiences, and participated in activities focused on inner bias, cultural humility, and cross-cultural communication.

Highlights included:

• School health screenings at the Black Rhino Academy
• Clinic observations and a needs assessment for a longitudinal malnutrition project at the Rift Valley Children’s Village
• Meeting with community leaders and planting trees in Engaruka, where a new hospital is being built
• Visiting Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College University, School of Nursing and engaging with Tanzanian nursing students
• A traditional Swahili cooking class and visits to local markets
• Visiting Ngorongoro Crater for a safari

Students at UMSON can participate in global field experiences and take both undergraduate and graduate-level courses in global health. The Office of Global Health offers an interprofessional global health certificate open to all students at UMB, which includes a required global field experience. All UMB students with a bachelor's degree are welcome to apply!

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