Summer in Malta:
Health and Human Services

Summer 2010: May 12 to June 8

Program Location

The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the center of the Mediterranean Sea, with Malta 150 miles south of Sicily and 450 miles north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 18 miles.

Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterized by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited. With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. The capital city of Valletta was one of the earliest sites inscribed by UNESCO on the World Heritage list.

Academic Program

Malta provides an exciting opportunity for health sciences studies to study with esteemed health care professionals educated in Malta and the UK. Last year, Malta was ranked number 5 in the World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems. The purpose of this course is to examine health care issues in an international context. Students work in self-directed teams on projects of interest to the host institution. These projects allow students the opportunity to apply their integrated HHS training to problems that typify many global conditions. This course, in conjunction with the experience of living abroad, provides the unique educational benefits and meets the following course objectives:

• access to a national health system picture small enough in scale to see many components working together;
• experience and knowledge associated with living and working in an international setting;
• applied, interdisciplinary project experience that provides real-world problem-solving opportunities.
• research focus in team projects and lifestyle studies.

Instructional methods include lectures, guided tours, field work and journal assignment and/or papers. A research project is included as part of the experience.

Tentative course offerings:
HHS 440: Interdisciplinary Studies in Malta, (4)
ISAT 280: Cultural Experiences in Malta, (1)

Accommodations

Students will be housed in residence halls and hotels in Malta. Some group meals will be included.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should submit a faculty recommendation and a personal statement about their academic goals. Applicants in the HHS program with junior standing are preferred.

For More Information

Please visit the program web site for additional information about the HHS in Malta program and contact the Program Director:

Judith Rocchiccioli
Professor
Department of Nursing
HHS 2113
Tel: 540-568-3784
Email: rocchijt@jmu.edu

Karen Jagiello
Instructor
Department of Nursing
Tel: 540-568-2287
Email: jagiello@jmu.edu