For more than 25 years, the UM School of Social Work has been a pioneer in global education, offering students a unique opportunity to explore health care practices and mental health in the state of Kerala, India, in partnership with Rajagiri College of Social Sciences. The program began in 1997 and has continued to evolve, making a lasting impact on students and faculty alike.

“The University of Maryland School of Social Work’s global course to Kerala, India, is a transformative education experience that transcends traditional classroom learning,” said Joan Pittman, PhD, MSW, LCSW-C, SSW clinical professor who leads the India course. “This initiative fosters a deep understanding of global health care practices and mental health and expands students’ cultural humility and interprofessional knowledge.”

The global course — Interprofessional Exploration of Health and Mental Health in Kerala, India — is a three-credit immersive experience that takes place every other year in January. The course unfolds in two stages. It starts with three fall classes, where students from social work, nursing, and other disciplines engage in in-depth discussions and collaborative projects, setting the stage for their travels to India.

The course will be offered again in January 2025, with applications opening this August.

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