The School of Neuroscience is excited to announce our new study abroad program starting in summer 2019. The Global Perspectives in Neuroscience and Medicine study abroad program is a unique opportunity to study diseases from scientific, clinical, economic, societal, and historical perspectives. Students will gain cultural awareness by examining how lifestyle and societal perception in different cultures influences disease diagnosis, progression, and treatment. The program prepares students to be global citizens who can think critically about the impact of diseases and medical practices in different societies.

The program takes place in the 3 weeks that follow spring commencement, tentatively scheduled for May 20-June 10. It is an intensive and immersive experience that will allow students to earn 6 credits toward their degree and use the rest of the summer to participate in research, internships, or shadowing.

Program features:

  • Stay in the Steger Center, VT’s own study center housed in a 250 year-old villa, in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland
  • Steger Center includes 3 meals a day on site Monday-Friday, 2 meals a day Saturday-Sunday
  • 2-day group excursion to Florence, Italy that includes a group dinner and visits to Uffizzi Gallery and La Galleria to see the Statue of David
  • Individual 3-day research trips to a country of your choice
  • 2 day trips planned to nearby universities or medical centers in Ticino region
  • Free weekend to travel anywhere

Participants will earn credit for NEUR 4034 Diseases of the Nervous System (3 credits) and NEUR 4984 Global Perspectives in Neuroscience and Medicine (3 credits). Neuroscience majors may count NEUR 4984 as a senior seminar or it may count as a restricted elective. The pre-requisite of NEUR 3044 for NEUR 4034 will be waived for all students. Participants must also register for NEUR 4984 Study Abroad Pre-departure (1 credit) during the spring 2019 semester. This course will give students an opportunity to prepare for the trip and to get to know their classmates. Students will also plan and make travel arrangements for their research excursion during this course.

Participants must be rising juniors or above. Students must have a minimum of 2.8 GPA.  

Application will be available in early September. The application deadline is November 1, 2018 but applications will be reviewed as they are received. All complete applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of a final decision by November 15, 2018.

An informational session will  be hosted at the start of Fall semester (date to be announced). Visit the program page for details. Contact Dr. Kristin Phillips (kfphill@vt.edu) for more information.