Michigan State University (MSU) has a long history of international engagement and has led the nation in study abroad participation among public universities. MSU's Office for Education Abroad administers over 300 programs taking place in more than 60 countries around the world on all seven continents. Each year, close to 3,000 students are transformed by their educational experiences outside of the United States and can be found in classrooms, research labs, field stations, and internships sites throughout the world.
This is made possible due to the hard work of a large number of dedicated faculty who invest an incredible amount of their energy to share their international education passion with our students. MSU's international partners are also key to our students' success. The Office for Education Abroad's experienced staff is available to support, assist and guide MSU faculty, staff, students, and advisors, as well as our colleagues from across the globe, in developing programs and services that maximize a student's learning experience abroad. As MSU expands its international reach, the Office for Education Abroad stands committed to help our institution become a "world-grant" university by offering study abroad programs that focus on quality, diversity, and accessibility.
This three-week program, led by Connie Currier, DrPH, MPH, combines classroom lectures and field practice with an exploration of quantitative and qualitative research methods for assessing community health in Ghana. Students enroll in either PH 847 Public Health in Ghana: A One Health Perspective for five credits, or, for those using the Public Health in Ghana experience as their practicum, PH 892: Public Health Applied Practice Experience for five credits. While Public Health in Ghana is targeted to graduate public health students, it is open to undergraduate students from ALL majors following a selective application process.
Public Health in Ghana offers lectures about Ghana's historical, social, political, economic and cultural environment to provide a context for understanding the interaction of human health, animal health and the environment in Ghana. Students will go to Cape Coast for a field trip during the first week and then move to Hohoe, Volta Region, for the community engagement experience. Evaluation of students' work will include journaling, individual reflections, community presentations, and a final report/poster presentation.
Students will spend the first week attending lectures in Hohoe, Volta Region at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. We will remain in Hohoe for the community engagement experience. Evaluation of students' work will include journaling, individual reflections, participation in focus groups, one-on-one interviews and participant observation, and a final community and poster presentation.
Field trips include visits to Elmina Castle, Cape Coast, Kakum National Forest, Wli Falls, schools, traditional dancing performances, and other cultural institutions. The Puiblic Health in Ghana program provides a unique opportunity to experience local African art, music, and rural living.
There is a three-week required online orientation class (non-credit bearing) to prepare students for fieldwork for the Ghana program during March/April of the previous semester. Students should plan their course schedules accordingly.
Read more about the Public Health in Ghana experience in this Faculty Voice by Connie Currier.
Learn more about the student perspective from MPH student Andrew Davis: Making Long-Lasting Memories in Ghana.
Public Health in Ghana 2025 at a Glance:
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Summer 2025 | 5/10/25 - 5/30/25
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5 credits
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Courses: PH 847, PH 892, OST 847
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Minimum GPA 3.00
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Graduates and undergraduates
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Estimted cost: $3,850 (not including tuition)
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Program application due: February 15, 2025
Public Health in Ghana as an Applied Practice Experience (Public Health Practicum)
MPH students may utilize the Public Health in Ghana program as their Applied Practice Experience (Public Health Practicum) with approval by the PH 892 course instructor. An MPH student should contact their academic advisor for more information.
MPH students who are using the Public Health in Ghana experience as their practicum are eligible to apply for the MPH Practicum Travel Fellowship to help support the cost of the trip.
Helpful Links
MPH Practicum Travel Fellowship Instructions
MPH Practicum Travel Fellowship Application
MPH Practicum Travel Fellowship Budget Template
MSU Office for Education Abroad Scholarships and Fundraising
Visit the Office for Education Abroad website for a program description, application requirements, cost analysis, and to apply.
Program Contact:
Connie Currier
(517) 256-2131
currier3@msu.edu
