Tanzania – Global Field Experience
Elias Snyder, PhD, FNP-C, ACHPN, Director of the Office of Global Health and Program Director of Global Health Certificate, UM School of Nursing
Charlotte Nwogwugwu, DrPH, BSN, RN, HIV PCP, CPH-BC, Assistant Professor of Partnerships, Professional Education, and Practice, UM School of Nursing
In June 2023, seven students from UM School of Nursing went on a 2-week Global Field Experience with the school's Office of Global Health. Drs. Elias Snyder & Charlotte Nwogwugwu led the trip along with Juma Mwenda, MSW who joined as a facilitator and local guide. The trip was funded by a PGIF grant and the Waltz/Strickland endowment for global health travel at UMSON.
During the two weeks, entry-level RN students and Doctorate of Nursing Practice students learned about the Tanzanian healthcare system and care delivery models, met with partners from the government and non-profit sectors, engaged in cultural experiences, and participated in activities focused on inner bias, cultural humility, and cross-cultural communication.
Highlights included:
- School health screenings at the Black Rhino Academy
- Clinic observations and a needs assessment for a longitudinal malnutrition project at the Rift Valley Children’s Village
- Meeting with community leaders and planting trees in Engaruka, where a new hospital is being built
- Visiting Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College University, School of Nursing and engaging with Tanzanian nursing students
- A traditional Swahili cooking class and visits to local markets
- Visiting Ngorongoro Crater for a safari