Global Health: Service-Learning in Ghana
Qualified students in Westminster University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) program are invited to participate in a service-learning program in Ghana during the spring of their 3rd year. In collaboration with Ghana Make a Difference, students have hands-on clinical experience, patient interaction, and opportunities to learn more about Ghanaian culture and global health issues. Students will help people in need who may not otherwise have access to medical care.
Trip Information
- Trip location: Ghana
- Travel dates: April 11–21, 2025. Students will depart the U.S. for Accra, Ghana, on Friday, April 11, and return to the U.S. on Sunday, April 21. Students should not book any non-refundable airfare until you receive specific instructions from the faculty leaders.
- Faculty leaders: Dan Bunker, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, DNP-NA Program Director
- Travel expense fee: $1,875. This fee includes ground transportation in Ghana, lodging at the volunteer house, most meals, service-learning placement, international health insurance, local excursions, and entrance fees.
- What's not included: International airfare, passport fees, visa, immunizations, medications, snacks, or other personal expenses.
- Pre-requisites or eligibility requirements: This opportunity is available to students enrolled in the Westminster DNP-NA program. Applicants must submit the trip application, complete clinical requirements, and have a SEE score of 450 or greater on their first attempt.
- What to expect: Students can expect to be involved in some preparation before surgeries starting on Monday, then 4.5 long workdays serving the local community with their medical needs. The program will finish with 2 days of relaxing tourist activities.
- Lodging: Students will live closely with their peers as a traveling community of medical professionals, with everyone actively contributing to the community. You will stay together in volunteer housing with tiled floors, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Meals will be prepared for the group by local cooks.
- Accessibility: At Westminster, we acknowledge that not all parts of all trips are accessible to all people. Given the unique circumstances and conditions beyond Westminster's control in Ghana, we cannot commit to accommodating a participant's special needs (dietary, medical, or otherwise) at this location. Participants must accept the risks of living in Ghana based on their unique physical conditions. If additional details would help you understand the accessibility of this trip, please reach out by email to global@westminsteru.edu with questions.
How to Apply
Eligible students in the DNP-NA program should apply directly with the faculty leader. Selected applicants will need to pay a $300 non-refundable deposit no later than December 6, 2024. The balance of the trip expenses is be due in full by December 13, 2024.
Payment Schedule
- December 6, 2024: A $300 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is due. The $300 deposit goes towards the travel expenses.
- December 13, 2024: The balance of the trip expenses ($1,575) is due in full.
- International airfare is purchased separately upon receiving instructions from the faculty leader.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
To withdraw from a study experience, a student must notify the faculty leader in writing of the intention to withdraw.
- A $300 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable unless Westminster University cancels the study experience due to insufficient enrollment before December 6, 2024.
- If a student withdraws from the study experience between December 7, 2024 and February 28, 2025 they're responsible for the $300 deposit and half of the remaining travel expenses.
- If a student withdraws from the study experience on March 1, 2025 or later, they're responsible for the $300 deposit and 100% of travel expenses.
- Westminster University reserves the right to cancel a study experience or make modifications to the itinerary or academic program due to factors that are beyond Westminster's control.
