All Nursing majors eligible to enroll in NUR 416/417 can fulfill the community health portion of the 6-credit clinical nursing IV course (NUR 417) in the winter semester experience in an international setting in community health centers in and around Cape Coast, Ghana.

Nursing Study Abroad Programs

Academic Advice

Internships

Scholarships

Department Contact

Resources for Advisors

Programs will explore the role of nursing in the health care system of countries abroad; major health issues and health care systems in modern day and traditional culture; organization of the health care system; access to the payment for care; role, image and status of nurses and health care providers. Programs will offers an intercultural nursing experience and a unique way to compare and contrast different community-based health care systems.

Students interested in combining their study abroad experience with an internship, or those looking to focus solely on an internship, have many options. Customized internships are available in a few locations through programs such as ELAP and World Endeavors. Check out Internships HERE

Academic Advice

• Students should NOT expect to get required NUR credit for international course work.  However, you’re encouraged to take prerequisites for the nursing program abroad.
• Students who aren’t accepted into a nursing program can take the opportunity to studying abroad. The ideal time to study abroad is during the Fall semester of your sophomore year.
• Nursing students may NOT take NUR Courses abroad (with the exception of NUR 417).
• Students do not need to speak a foreign language in order to study in a country where English is not the official language. We also recommend exploring several study abroad programs in English-speaking countries such as Ghana, Australia, and Ireland.
• Students who have a Spanish minor may complete course requirements abroad. We recommend the check out the Medical Spanish Opportunities Abroad
• The earliest you can go abroad is the summer of your first year.
• Students may fulfill General Education Foundation and Issues requirements abroad
• Students taking at least 3 credits abroad will fulfill their Global Perspectives requirement
• Students should be working with their faculty mentor to plan and make appropriate course selections for study abroad.

To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please visit our Course Approval page. 

Once you have selected a program, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your plans.

Susan Strouse

[email protected]
616-331-5671