In the rapidly-changing world of healthcare, a comparative understanding of another country’s healthcare system can be a valuable asset for any healthcare professional. Our January-term 2019 course will help you explore the Affordable Health Care Act, the facts and myths, and then travel to the United Kingdom to learn firsthand about the British National Health Service, one of the oldest and largest publicly-funded healthcare systems.

This 14-day trip will include several days in the city of Canterbury, where you will meet nursing students and faculty at Canterbury Christ Church University as well as healthcare professionals working in local hospitals and clinics. With two major universities, Canterbury has coffee shops, student unions, and inexpensive restaurants and shops perfect for you to explore. You will also see its major sights such as:

• A tour of the beautiful Canterbury Cathedral, whose history dates back to 597 CE and which attracts pilgrims from around the world;
• A ghost tour will help acquaint you with Canterbury’s spooky history.

After visiting Canterbury, you will travel by bus to the bustling capital city of London, one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Visits to museums such as the Florence Nightingale museum will allow you to delve deeper into the UK’s medical history, but you will also have some fun opportunities to explore London, including:
• A half-day private bus tour with your experienced London guide to explore some of the city’s major tourist attractions. Watch out for sights such as The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.
• A visit to the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept, led by one of the famous “Beefeater” guards;
• A walking tour of Westminster with an experienced local guide that will offer you some great photo opportunities at some of London’s most famous sights: Big Ben and Parliament, 10 Downing Street, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace;
• Theater tickets to a London show.
This 3 credit course can satisfy the Global Awareness Domain or be an elective.

Class Meetings: The class will have a mandatory pre-departure meeting in November, and you will also meet as a class in January before and after traveling.

All Traditional and Accelerated students with an interest in healthcare are welcome to participate. Students must submit an online application to the program and make an initial non-refundable deposit of $250. Program costs must be paid PRIOR to travel date.

Program costs are considered a mandatory course fee and financial aid can be applied to these costs.

Traditional students studying full-time at MMU during fall and spring semesters are not charged for January term tuition; but other students must pay tuition for the course.


Faculty leaders:
Audrey Sheller, asheller@mtmercy.edu
Julie McIntosh, jmcintosh@mtmercy.edu