University of Michigan-Flint students will have the opportunity to travel to Agadir, Morocco and compare and contrast our healthcare systems with theirs this summer through a study abroad course led by Dr. Michelle Sahli of the Department of Public Health and Health Sciences. The course, open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all majors, combines academic exploration with cultural immersion. Participants will visit local medical institutions, community health agencies and more, gaining firsthand insight into how history, politics, economics and culture impact health care in Morocco compared to the U.S.
“The theme is a comparison between our health system and the Moroccan health system,” Sahli said. “Although you do not have to be a health-related student to benefit from this course. The last time we did this trip, we had journalism students and an international business student who needed an international trip, and because this was the only faculty-led study abroad that year, they signed up. It actually worked out really well having different perspectives with which we could explore all things Moroccan.”
As part of the study abroad experience, students will meet with Moroccan peers and professionals during site visits to a medical school, hospital, public health department, and an orphanage. These are the planned activities but there are always opportunities to experience new and exciting things when the opportunities arise. “When those opportunities come up, it’s a good thing that we can change the itinerary a little bit,” Sahli said, recalling a previous trip in which students joined Canadian volunteers for service activities at an orphanage and were even able to take surf lessons with a Moroccan surf champion!
Beyond coursework, participants will also experience Morocco’s vibrant cultural life through activities such as exploring historic medinas, visiting bustling souks, and learning from women-run cooperatives.
“Honestly, what the students loved the most, I’d say 90% of them, was going to the souk in Agadir, the market. Talk about fresh fruits and vegetables; it goes on for miles,” Sahli said.
Former Student, Anngilyn Dombrowski, Day 1 TikTok Vlog
Students will prepare before departure, each learning about a different part of our healthcare system to present to Moroccan students in joint academic sessions. “Our students are tasked with finding out about the Moroccan healthcare system throughout the trip, and we do have activities that help them do that. We go to the public health department, go to the orphanage, the hospital, the medical school, to find out about their system.” Sahli said.
For Sahli, study abroad is more than an academic experience; it’s a chance for students to broaden their horizons and grow.
“I think everybody should do a study abroad, I really think everybody should live in another country and a study abroad is a good start.,” Sahli said. “My hope… is that our students will go on to make our healthcare better, and maybe they could take some ideas from what not to do and what to do.”
Former Student, Anngilyn Dombrowski, Day 7 TikTok Vlog
For more information, students can contact the Center for Global Engagement at UM-Flint.
