The Global Health Immersion Program (GHIP) is an educational program and cultural immersion opportunity developed by the Global Health Resource Center and the UW Global Health Group. GHIP students spend eight weeks living and working in a developing country in order to gain first-hand insight into the challenges of global health.
GHIP students witness the practice of medicine in a resource-limited setting, assess the health needs of the local community, and develop a health-promotion project within their host community. They also complete an online curriculum, which includes reading and responding to journal articles, submitting reflective journal entries, and creating an abstract and poster explaining their community project.
Successful completion of GHIP fulfills the Independent Investigative Inquiry, Selective 5, requirement and students earn six units of academic credit.
Students who participate in GHIP are responsible for meeting the bulk of the costs associated with the program. However, students in GHIP are eligible for financial aid through the UW Office of International Programs and Exchanges’ Independent Learning program, which allows students engaged in international study to receive financial aid without paying full tuition. In addition, the Department of Global Health will provide a stipend of up to US$1000 per student and will additionally cover a $400 administrative fee required by the host country partner institution.
Countries where students might undertake a GHIP experience include:
- Peru
- Uganda
- Nepal
- Vietnam
- Senegal