Zimbabwe: Population Health in Action, is an Honors study abroad where I learned about population health within Zimbabwean communities. Through this study abroad I observed the process of implementing research into the public health system of a lower-middle income country to increase the effectiveness and reach of their health care system. This study abroad also incorporated cultural observation and learning of the various Zimbabwean communities visited. Entering this program, I intended to observe and participate in activities when the opportunity was presented, as well as engage in conversation with those we encountered. Expectations of the supervisors for the study abroad include leading and bridging gaps of explanation within daily activities.
The experiential learning area I selected was international engagement as this program is immersive into the Zimbabwean health system, as well as Zimbabwean culture. Prior to this program, we took the relevant cultural, biological, and systematic preparatory courses at the University of Zimbabwe, and then traveled to Bulawayo and Chidamoyo to observe health services in action, as well as the implementation of research into the public health system.
I became aware of this study abroad program through the Honors Program, as it is an Honors study abroad. Entering this program I was hoping to major in Informatics, or a major similar, which incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to technology. Through this study abroad, I was able to explore whether public health is a disciple which I would be interested in applying such technological skill sets. I observed the methods of information collection and distribution in resource-limited areas and was able to compare these observations to my understanding of information systems in resource-rich areas. Entering this program I had also yet to explore the field of public health within my interdisciplinary education, and this program provided an informative and enlightening means to do so.
Throughout my education, I have valued interdisciplinary learning, as I find it extremely valuable in the understandings of, and approaches to, problems of any scale. Interdisciplinary education also allows one to participate in multiple conversations. Through this program, I gained an immersive understanding of public health systems in middle-income countries. Exploring public health as a potential career path was also an interest of this study abroad program, as I am still undecided; the more experiences I have, the closer I'll be to figuring out my direction!
The programs which we observed and participated while in Zimbabwe are community-based. In our time visiting, we observed for our own learning opportunity, but we also engaged in the community. The Zichire Program, for example, aims to implement community-based health programs as well as create resilient communities. Our presence may not have done much, but our engagement with the community invited community participation and engagement as a whole.
Final Presentation
Final Thoughts
When I applied for this study abroad, I was looking for an application of Informatics as well as an introduction to the discipline of public health to expand my interdisciplinary education. I applied for the Informatics major in Spring and unfortunately was not admitted. My mindset entering my time in Zimbabwe partially remained an observation through the Informatics lense but also changed to a consideration of the public health field. However, after my time with this study abroad, I am now considering a path in the medical field.
While we were visiting the Chidamoyo Mission Hospital, I was surprised at how interested in the medicine and the procedures I was, as well as how comfortable I felt in the medical setting. I’m not confident that being a nurse or doctor is the direction of medicine I want to go, however, I believe physical or occupational therapy may be the realm of medicine I would enjoy.
I am currently entering my Junior year of University, and will hopefully be admitted into a Business degree with a focus in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Informatics. My undergraduate study course hasn’t been greatly affected by my study abroad experience, but instead has primarily affected my considerations for the direction of my graduate studies. If I decide physical or occupational therapy is what I want to do, I will complete prerequisites post-graduation.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I change my mind (again) about my studies, however, I no longer feel as much pressure surrounding possible changes in my plan. Life and new experiences bring change in perspective and open opportunities for a change in direction; I’m now coming to welcome that process rather than resent it.
Besides aiding me in my career path, this study abroad was extremely interesting in seeing how public health programs are implemented in a low-middle income country with limited resources. These low resources affected more situations than I expected, namely transportation. Many medical facilities are located very far apart, and the road which connects these facilities are very low quality. Traveling these roads myself made me especially cognizant of the distances!
I have also come to recognize just how lucky I am to have been born into the opportunities my country, city, and economic status has provided. Hearing about the situations of others is one thing, but seeing those situations is another. I specifically felt this being a woman and seeing the responsibilities placed on Zimbabwean women. Many women are also in abusive situations, which programs like Sista2Sista target, cure, and prevent. The difficulty of receiving an education and continuing at home responsibilities, alone, is challenging for me to empathize with, as I have been privileged enough to have had the support for education to be my first priority.
I’m not sure if I will return to Zimbabwe, but I loved my time there and I will forever remember the kind people and beautiful country it beholds.
While we were visiting the Chidamoyo Mission Hospital, I was surprised at how interested in the medicine and the procedures I was, as well as how comfortable I felt in the medical setting. I’m not confident that being a nurse or doctor is the direction of medicine I want to go, however, I believe physical or occupational therapy may be the realm of medicine I would enjoy.
I am currently entering my Junior year of University, and will hopefully be admitted into a Business degree with a focus in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Informatics. My undergraduate study course hasn’t been greatly affected by my study abroad experience, but instead has primarily affected my considerations for the direction of my graduate studies. If I decide physical or occupational therapy is what I want to do, I will complete prerequisites post-graduation.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I change my mind (again) about my studies, however, I no longer feel as much pressure surrounding possible changes in my plan. Life and new experiences bring change in perspective and open opportunities for a change in direction; I’m now coming to welcome that process rather than resent it.
Besides aiding me in my career path, this study abroad was extremely interesting in seeing how public health programs are implemented in a low-middle income country with limited resources. These low resources affected more situations than I expected, namely transportation. Many medical facilities are located very far apart, and the road which connects these facilities are very low quality. Traveling these roads myself made me especially cognizant of the distances!
I have also come to recognize just how lucky I am to have been born into the opportunities my country, city, and economic status has provided. Hearing about the situations of others is one thing, but seeing those situations is another. I specifically felt this being a woman and seeing the responsibilities placed on Zimbabwean women. Many women are also in abusive situations, which programs like Sista2Sista target, cure, and prevent. The difficulty of receiving an education and continuing at home responsibilities, alone, is challenging for me to empathize with, as I have been privileged enough to have had the support for education to be my first priority.
I’m not sure if I will return to Zimbabwe, but I loved my time there and I will forever remember the kind people and beautiful country it beholds.