Inequality and Health Care in Trinidad and Tobago: Medical Anthropology and Service Learning

This course is closed for the Winter 2013 term.

UMAIE Course Number:  T3912
SAU Course Equivalency:  +SOC 210 Cultural Anthropology (three credit hours) and SVLN 201 Service Learning (one credit hour). Students will receive a total of four credits.
Instructors:  Rev. Dr. M. Jean Heriot, Associate Professor of Religion and Sociology and Dr. John Bohmfalk, Professor of Biology, Hastings College, Nebraska
Prerequisites:  None
Tentative Dates:  January 3-25, 2013. SAU Spring semester begins January 16.
Location:  Port of Spain, Trinidad and Scarborough, Tobago (and surrounding areas)
Price:  $3,880-$4,180* (tentative)

Program description

This service learning course focuses on the medical delivery system in a developing country with "universal" health care: Trinidad and Tobago (TT). We will use the framework of medical anthropology to examine questions of illness, disease, and alternative healing practices using Paul Farmer's perspectives and interdisciplinary focus (Partner to the Poor) coupled with first hand learning through service. We will spend a significant amount of time (eight half days) serving children in two orphanages, one of which houses orphans with AIDS/HIV related illnesses and the other which houses orphan girls. While students will not be able to do medical procedures, they will be able to interact with the children, learn about their needs, and observe health care practices in context.

Students will also learn about the culture, medical delivery system, and alternative healing practices from guest lecturers on the faculty at University of the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad. We will visit hospitals, clinics, and religious services (the island has a significant Hindu population-40 percent, as well as Christian and Afro-Caribbean religious traditions). The urban environment of Port of Spain, Trinidad, contrasts greatly with the much smaller island of Tobago where we will spend the last part of our course examining rural health care issues. On both islands we will visit community centers, beaches, bird sanctuaries, mangrove swamps, and forest reserves to understand the cultural geography and how this affects health care.

What is included

• Round-trip airfare from Moline, Chicago or Minneapolis
• Airport transfers
• Visas (if applicable)
• Transportation to most course activities while abroad
• Lodging
• Continental breakfast daily (exceptions may apply)
• Other meals (as indicated on course syllabus)
• Entrance fees for required course activities
• Planned excursions
• Administrative costs
• International health insurance
• When rail passes or entrance fees are included, they are based on the utilization of youth rates (25 years or younger) and a valid university ID will be required to be shown at the entrance. Any additional amount incurred will be the participant's responsibility

What is not included

• Passport fees
• Transportation to/from airport
• Fees for textbooks and materials
• Meals (when not included in course fees)
• Personal baggage fees

How to apply

Priority Deadline: April 13, 2012
Complete the online study abroad application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education (300 Ambrose Hall).

Applications will be accepted until October 1.
Students that apply after the April 13 Priority Deadline may find that their desired program is full.

• Follow the application instructions carefully.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received.
• Make checks payable to Seminars International.
• The $500 application deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
• If you are not accepted into the program, or if the program is cancelled, the application deposit is refundable.
• If you are accepted, the application deposit is non-refundable after September 17.

Payment deadlines

• November 5, 2012:  remaining balance due

Payment details

• Failure to meet payment deadlines may jeopardize your place in the program.
• Please submit your final payment to Student Account Services by November 5.
• The final payment is non-refundable after November 5.