Do you want to challenge yourself by conducting an interdisciplinary research project in a low/middle income country?    

The aim of this minor is to provide students with better understanding of the health care system in low/ middle income countries and elaborate in local initiatives to enhance health care (systems).   

Students form a research team in two’s or threes and will travel abroad to a low/ middle income country to perform research and be involved in the development of innovations in the field of public health.    

This minor starts in semester 1 with a preparatory period during the months September 2024 till February 2025 in which your team will take care of project choice, traveling, visa and insurances. In semester 2 a four week intensive training program will get you started to execute an innovative (research) project. After approval of your proposal, and if it is feasible to make travel plans taking into account the possible restrictions due to local circumstances, you will travel to the intended country to execute this plan. In this period you will do a research project in the field of public health.    

In the 1st semester a total of 6 evening classes must be attended (possibly via MSTeams for students who don't yet live in the proximity of Leiden). 

In the 2nd semester during four intensive preparation weeks, you will be involved in classes for approximately four hours a day, four days a week. The rest of the time you will be preparing for your project. The subjects of the minor are among others: Intercultural awareness, inclusive development, nutrition, health care systems, primary health care and community based rehabilitation.   

Following on this program you depart for the country of your choice. The amount of time spent on the overseas project is approximately 32 hours a week for approximately three months.    

After returning, you have to incorporate the last remarks in your final paper, prepare and do an oral presentation and finish your reflection on action (process report). This will all take place in one week.   

The expertise of the international professional ‘IHD’   

After the minor you are able to plan, execute and evaluate (part of) a (research) project aiding to improve the quality of health care. Besides you are able to investigate and use different cultural and socio-economic factors that contribute to the (non)inclusion of disabled people in low/middle income countries. This knowledge and skills contribute to a better understanding of and practise in a multicultural setting, both in low/ middle income countries and western healthcare.  

Objectives  

1. The student is able to perform an innovation or research project in a low/middle income country in an interdisciplinary research team   

1. The student is aware of cultural differences and knows how to incorporate this awareness in communication and teamwork.  

1. The student can, at a local community level, successfully provide a recommendation or develop a product for an existing health care project.  

3rd or 4th year full time Physiotherapy students who conducted a senior internship   

4th year full time Arts Therapy students   

4th year full time Nursing students with PLP3 marked as sufficient   

Based on motivation, study results and references students will get access to this minor programme.   

Undergraduate level   

Admission: Submit your motivation letter to the minor coordinator (see e-mail address below) plus two references (tutors)   

Application deadline: 1 April 2025 

Skolnik R, Global Health 101, 4th edition, Jones & Barlett Learning, 2020. 

Schedules hours:  

Term 1: 6 hours in total 

Term 2: 6 hours in total 

Term 3: approximately 12-16 hours a week during the basic programme of 4 weeks 

Term 4: 4 hours in total 

With this minor a total of 30 ECs can be obtained; divided as follows:   

• Project document (16 EC)  

• Reflection report (10 EC);  

• Presentation (2 EC);  

• Active participation (2 EC).  

All grades must exceed 5,5.