Study Abroad Opportunities
Table of Contents
The School of Health Professions Study Abroad program (both the MPH Study Abroad program and the MHA Study Abroad program) counts as an internship for both the Master of Public Health and Master of Healthcare Administration Majors. Students participating in the School of Health Professions Study Abroad program will be enrolled in the appropriate credit granting course for their program. MPH students will enroll in COH 550, and MHA students will be enrolled in COH 500.
COH 500 Global Health Experience (4.50)
Exploration of the healthcare system and public health issues facing global communities. Tour location and experience the healthcare, economic, political, legal, and cultural environment of a host country. Development of thorough knowledge of global public health through combination of pre-departure study, on-site lectures and presentations by host country experts and healthcare leaders, post-tour analysis and reflection.
COH 550 Global Health Experience (3.00)
Duration: 4
Demonstrate attainment of public health foundational competencies and specialization competencies through applied practice experience in a global setting. Faculty-led short-term study abroad program. Exploration of the healthcare system and public health issues facing global communities. Tour location and experience the healthcare, economic, political, legal, and cultural environment of a host country. Development of thorough knowledge of global public health through combination of pre-departure study, service learning, on-site lectures and presentations by host country experts and healthcare leaders, post-tour analysis and reflection.
Study Abroad in Osnabrück, Germany — Summer 2026
In July 2026, Professor Catherine Moseley accompanied students to Osnabrück, Germany, as part of the International Summer University study abroad experience. During the three-week program, National University students joined more than 50 students from universities around the world, creating a diverse and collaborative learning environment focused on global health, intercultural understanding, and international perspectives. Rather than relying exclusively on traditional classroom instruction, students used cities including Osnabrück, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris as extensions of the classroom, exploring how culture, healthcare systems, and society influence health outcomes across different countries.
The program included courses on intercultural competencies, visits to healthcare and senior care facilities, and opportunities to engage directly with local communities. Students also developed valuable life skills as they navigated international travel, public transportation systems, cultural differences, and daily life abroad.
Professor Moseley noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience was witnessing students grow in confidence and independence throughout the program. Many participants stepped outside their comfort zones, formed lasting international connections, and gained a broader understanding of global cultures and healthcare practices.
Reflecting on the experience, Professor Moseley described study abroad as a transformative opportunity that extends far beyond academics, helping students develop resilience, global awareness, and perspectives that will continue to influence their personal and professional lives long after returning home.
A National University Adjunct Professor’s reflection on the 2026 International Study Abroad program in Osnabrueck, Germany
By-Professor Catherine Moseley
Global Health Program
[email protected]
Reflecting on our recent three-week summer program in Osnabrueck, Germany, I am struck by how tremendously a short-term study abroad experience can reshape a student’s worldview. Bringing together a dynamic mix of undergraduate and graduate level students from National University alongside 50+ peers from other institutions, countries, cultures, and values created a rich micro-community that mirrored the very cross-cultural learning we were after in Germany and interesting international cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris.
Our curriculum centered on Global Health and rather than relying solely on traditional classroom lectures, we used Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, and Osnabrueck as our classrooms.
The program was restarted following the pandemic by Dr. Lockford Jones, who has been the liaison between National University and the summer program for eight years. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was the lucky person chosen to fill in for Dr. Jones this summer.
One of the most rewarding aspects of directing this cohort was observing the synergy among the students. Combining National University students, many of whom bring nontraditional backgrounds, full time work experience, raising children with family priorities and unique military or career insights, with other cultures and nationalities, created an exceptionally collaborative environment. To put it as one student said, “I will take a piece of this program with me throughout my life” or another, “There is no way to learn about cultures, beliefs, values, food and German beer by sitting in a classroom”.
Older, non-traditional students naturally stepped into informal mentorship roles while younger peers brought high energy and a sense of adventure to the group.
The program included “Intercultural Competencies” classes, a site visit to the Schuchtermann-Klinik, hosted by the Chairman of the Management Board, a tour of the Hermann-Bonnus Haus and Specht, both Senior Residency facilities.
Our trip was not without its hurdles. Navigating regional train disruptions, bus schedules in a language different from our own, and adapting to non airconditioned accommodations during July heat spells required resilience and thankfully a trip to the Osnabrueck Water Park.
By week two, the students began trying the local foods such as Currywurst and Schnitzel while engaging in conversations with local shop keepers. We learned that other countries have amazing transit train systems that could have us from the university campus to Paris in a few hours.
As an educator, seeing the students transform from cautious travelers into self-reliant, globally minded scholars is the ultimate reward. Several students have started talking about continuing advanced studies in Germany. Study abroad is far more than an academic detour; it is a transformative shift in perspective that redefines how students view the world and their place within it. Long after the suitcases are unpacked, the confidence, global connections, and resilience continue to shape a lifetime.
This was my second experience with the International Summer University, and I am already letting my students know that the program begins taking applications in the fall.
Schonen Sommer! Or as we say in the U.S., have a great summer!
MHA Study Abroad Program
Courtney Sheppard
Osnabruck, Germany, July 2023
“Study abroad was one of the best experiences of my life. I was afraid to go, because I thought there was no way I would make any friends in such a short time, but I met amazing people who I still talk to. The course offered was great, but the learning you do outside of the classroom is just as meaningful. Because there are students from all over the world, you get hands on experience at how to work with different cultures and belief systems, and how to integrate those into the work you do. I will cherish my time in Germany for the rest of my life”
NU Alumni, MHA Study Abroad Program
Osnabruck, Germany, July 2023
Check out Master of Health (MHA) students’ experience in Germany this summer as part of International Summer University (ISU), NU’s exchange program with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.
MPH Study Abroad Program
Maricar Pajarit
Uzbekistan, July 2024
“This experience was amazing!! I encourage any healthcare student to take this course and travel to a different country to experience the various healthcare systems, cultures, scenery, and food. I haven’t left the United States since my discharge from the military 15 years ago. I hesitated to go at first, but I am glad I did. It gave me the courage to travel again internationally. If an opportunity arises to take a trip like this as an Alumni at NU, I will definitely take it, especially with Dr. Piane.”
NU Alumni, MPH Study Abroad Program
In May 2026, Professor Gina Marie Piane and Mercedes Guilliaum joined a team of students from the USA and Canada to provide primary health care to older adults and children in Can Tho, Vietnam. During the two-week period, they served over 300 adults and 250 school children. Dr. Piane also gave a lecture “Addressing Mental Health where there is a Stigma” to the medical students and faculty of the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy on May 15, 2026.
In 2024, Dr. Piane took 15 – 25 students from the Department of Healthcare Leadership (MPH, BSPH, BSHA, and MHA programs) to Uzbekistan for a two-week program, in partnership with VAW. Students participated in staffing and managing public health clinics alongside local medical providers, attended lectures and seminars with VAW, provided Public Health Education during wait times in the clinic, provided public health education tailored to local students, and attended special cultural educational experiences.
Program fees total approximately $2,000 per student to planned destinations, plus National University tuition, travel cost (airfare, train, bus), passport (visa for non-US passport holders), and meal expenses. (Please refer to the NU Catalog for more information on the MPH internship, and please email School of Health Professions for more information on the Study Abroad program).
DNAP Study Abroad Program
This partnership with the SOHP DNAP program and the Saving Lives Initiative in Sierra Leone took place October 18 – November 1, 2023. The goal of the mission is to train national nurse anesthetists in advanced techniques by providing seminars and hands on training in government hospitals.
