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home > student opportunities > the gambia > about the program |
About the Gambia ProgramProgram Objectives
Student Learning EnvironmentUniversity of Iowa students work closely with senior staff in the Ministry of Health, peer mentors, and recent graduates from the Gambia College-School of Public Health. During the program, Iowa Program students will be placed in one or more of the following units under the Department of State for Health, according to student preferences and program needs:
In addition to the above units, which are all located in the capital Banjul, students can also be placed with the following government health facilities in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) as well as in the provinces:
Additional internship sites include the Environmental Information System (EIS) Laboratory at The National Environmental Agency for experience in using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in public health, as well as a variety of NGOs focusing on women’s health, reproductive health, and FGM. Other program activities and requirements
Cost and Application ProcessProgram fees for summer 2004 will be approximately $2300. The program fee includes all in-country travel, ferry, and airport transfers; lodging with two meals per day; tuition and academic credit (0-6 hrs), cultural activities and sponsored field trips. Program costs do not include passport and visa fees ($45), recommended immunizations, or the domestic and international airfare from Baltimore-Washington International Airport to The Gambia (approx. $900). For additional food and personal, incidental expenses, it is recommended that students bring about $300 for the six-week period. EligibilityApplicants must be full-time undergraduate, graduate, or professional students from US and Canadian colleges and universities with a serious interest in international health, international studies, tropical medicine, or environmental studies, as demonstrated through degree program, prior course selection, application essay, or other academic or non-academic activities. Recent graduates and students who are planning to enroll in graduate degree programs in the Fall 2004 are also eligible to apply. ApplicationsCompleted applications must reach the CIREH office no later than March 14, 2004 for the summer 2004 program. Early application is encouraged for students requiring assistance with funding and scholarships. Interested students are encouraged to schedule an informational interview with the program director (either in-person or via telephone) prior to the application deadline. Download Application forms (PDF) General Terms and ConditionsThis document contains important, general information about the African Institute, admission, acceptance, financial aid, deposits, cancellation and refunds, passports and visas, safety, insurance, responsiblity and liability waiver, etc. Download “General Terms and Conditions” information (PDF)
Pre-departure and On-site OrientationStudents participating in the program will meet with Dr. Shannon Márquez, Program Director, for an orientation session at the University of Iowa campus prior to the departure date. Special arrangements will be made for students who are not able to attend the orientation session (including non-UI students). Download Orientation and Travel Guide (PDF) Travel and Living AccommodationsAccommodationsStudents will reside in a youth hostel that accommodates students and visitors from around the world and will provide students with double rooms with a private bath, and two meals a day, seven days a week. This will enable UI students to meet other students, and to participate group activities. Medical InsuranceParticipants in the program are responsible for their own health insurance while studying abroad. Coverage may be offered by the student’s current insurance, although not all companies honor claims outside the United States, and reimbursement policies vary. Students are advised to check with their insurance company and to ensure effective coverage for the duration of the program. Travel and VisasA 'group trave' reservations from the US to The Gambia will be made by CIREH. Students are encouraged to travel with the group to take advantage of the group fare discount offered by the designated travel agent. In addition, the program director will coordinate the visa application process for the entire group. Further information will be provided upon acceptance into the program. Scholarships and Funding
Program DirectorDr. Shannon P. Márquez, adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at The Univeristy of Iowa, is the Deputy Director for African Programs for the Center for International Rural and Environmental Health and director for the Gambia summer program. Her background and experience includes teaching and research in public health and international health throughout West Africa, including the Senegal, The Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. Her specific research interests include quantifying the socio-cultural and public health impacts of environmental sanitations; waterborne pollutants and vector-control for water-related diseases; sustainable development and environmental health in West Africa, and water quality and health. Working closely with the Gambia School of Public Health, she has been investigating the impact of improved sanitation and surface water drainage on urban malaria, and influencing hygiene behavior to reduce the risk of illness attributable to poor sanitation practices in rural and urban areas. Additionally, Dr. Márquez has helped the Gambia School of Public Health develop exchange opportunities with the University of Iowa to provide the lecturing staff with advanced, graduate-level training in public health and to provide UI students with research and training experience in international health and environmental studies in The Gambia. If you have questions, please contact:Robin Ungar, Associate Director Tel: (319) 335-4541 |
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Research and Training in Occupational and Environmental Health in Rural Regions of the World |