Global experiences, global health professionals: Expanding international educational opportunities to encourage global health careers

Many students seek international travel and study opportunities as undergraduates to experience other cultures and countries. Increasingly, students also want to incorporate international experiences in their professional training and career opportunities, viewing themselves as global citizens and seeking to participate in society as such accordingly. One area with both student desire and an overwhelming need for trained professionals is global health, as both those trained in concepts of public health and health promotion, as well as those with clinical skills, are needed and sought after in locations throughout the world. By integrating international travel and study opportunities into academic programs focused on global health and wellness, students gain new perspectives about the healthcare systems of other countries, as well as the challenges unique to a given country and its population. Whether such challenges involve cultural perceptions, available resources, or healthcare administration, students are able to see real-world healthcare settings outside of the U.S., and develop their own ideas about new responses to the challenges. Upon graduation, students who have traveled abroad overwhelmingly report interest in international travel and service as part of their professional goals and plans. The existing infrastructure of universities provides great potential for collaborations within university schools and departments and partnerships with foreign institutions to create mutually beneficial academic experiences for students. The trend toward expanding international educational training is only going to continue, and public health is one area where this expansion truly meets the need of populations across the globe.