Transformative Global Experiences
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students at Case Western Reserve University (any major), the Mandel School’s short-term study abroad programs travel to four continents and offer 3-credit courses that provide the experience of a lifetime.
“This trip has inspired me to explore more possibilities in terms of my career and to always value lifelong learning and friendship, in any form they may come in.”
—Emily Corson, social work graduate student, South Africa (2018)
The courses are led by experienced faculty who have been traveling to these countries for nearly a decade. One-third of all CWRU short-term study abroad programs are offered by the Mandel School—reflecting our commitment to and enthusiasm for international study.
- Study abroad courses are multi-disciplinary and include in-depth study and immersion in countries in Europe, Central America, South America, Africa and Asia.
- Students meet with international community and neighborhood leaders, researchers, faculty, policy makers, social workers, and other practitioners and clients.
- Course credits are approved for Global or Cultural Diversity for Arts & Sciences majors, Social Science credit for Engineering majors, the Social Work minor, or elective course credit.
- Courses count for the Mandel School Global Health Certificate.
- Scholarship opportunity available for MSSA and MNO students.
For more details, contact Valerie Rambin or Dr. David B. Miller.
Learn about applying to and preparing for your international course
Course: Health, Human and Social Development in Rural and Urban Ecuador (SASS 375A/575)
When: Winter Break
Investigate the impact of social, political and economic development on community and human development in Ecuador.
Course: 21st Century Ghana: Culture, Institutions, and Development in West Africa (SASS 375H/575)
When: May abroad
See first-hand the immense potential and enduring challenges of Sub-Saharan Africa in one of the continent’s most politically and economically stable countries.
Course: Community Based Child Welfare in Guatemala (SASS 375D/575)
When: Spring break
Understand the socio-political factors that influence child welfare programs in the nongovernmental sector in Guatemala.
Course: Global Health and Social Development in India (SASS 375G/575)
When: Winter break
With a focus on southern India, discover how policy challenges are approached through preventative healthcare, nonprofits addressing poverty alleviation and non-formal education, and the IT sector in Bengalore.
Course: Mental Health Issues & Practice in the Netherlands (SASS 375B/575)
When: Spring break
Gain insight into Dutch tolerance, harm reduction and cultural attitudes toward co-occurring mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Course: The Netherlands Social Justice: Health and Violence Prevention (SASS 575)
For graduate students
When: Spring break
Compare the United States and the Netherlands social justice systems by engaging with experts on prostitution, drug use, substance abuse, child welfare, mental health, violence prevention, criminal justice, homelessness and euthanasia (physician-assisted suicide).
Course: The Netherlands Social Justice: Health and Violence Prevention (SASS 575)
For undergraduate students
When: Spring break
Join Mandel School Dean Grover “Cleve” Gilmore in Amsterdam and enhance your understanding of Dutch social policies and practices for social justice systems.
Course: Invisible Groups in a New Poland
(SASS 375C/575)
When: Spring break
Discover how Poland’s recent political and economic transformations impact its public and private social welfare system working to tackle poverty, homelessness, aging and mental health disorders.