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International Healthcare Policies, United Kingdom

Unlike America, free healthcare is offered to all residents in the UK via its publicly funded National Health Service (NHS). How did such a system originate, and how does it function on a daily basis for those who rely on it as employees or patients? Join this study abroad program and go behind the scenes of the UK healthcare industry as you spend one week in London participating in site visits, engaging in critical discussions, and working on a reflective project. 

Apply now! Interested in participating in the Spring Break 2026 program? Click here to apply by October 13, 2025 through the College of Nursing application. 

 

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Location

London, United Kingdom

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Term

Spring Break

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Housing

Hotel

Program Highlights

Experience the healthcare differences between the United States and the United Kingdom in an interactive format via behind-the-scenes tours to:

  • Cleveland Clinic London;

  • Mayo Clinic London;

  • St. Mungo Charity group;

  • Florence Nightingale Museum.

You will also take part in engaging discussions and observations of the NHS, and explore how health disparities are visible through the frames of geography, race, gender, social class, economics, political divide, and education. Additionally, you will explore the historical establishment of the nursing profession in England, along with the cultural and social status of the profession in the UK.
 

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Program Contact Information

Desiree Dube

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: ddube1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7989

Important Dates & Billing

Program Travel Dates: March 7 - 14, 2026

College of Nursing Application Deadline: October 13, 2025. Complete your application here: https://forms.gle/RALWcqRBJeoqEneZ9

Office of Global Education Application Deadline: November 1, 2025. Apply with the "Apply Now" button on this page.

Withdrawal/Commitment Deadline: January 15, 2026

Deposit Deadline: December 1, 2025, $1,000

You can pay your deposit online here: https://payonline.kent.edu/.

  • Under "Categories" select "Student Travel Deposit: College of Nursing".
  • Under "Items" select "International Healthcare Policies, United Kingdom".
  • From there, you can add the item to your cart and complete the payment.

Program Fee Deadline: The remainder of the program fee will be billed to your Kent State student account. The program fee deadline will be in accordance with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center's Spring 2026 payment due dates. You should refer to the first Spring 2026 due date.

Application Process

You will need to complete a Kent State Education Abroad application. These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a Kent State education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to Kent State University as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a Kent State University student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

You can also refer to the FAQs for Guest Students if you need further help.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your study abroad program application, it will be reviewed by the faculty leader. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within one month.

4. Commit to the Program

If you are accepted, you need to log back into your application by going to educationabroad.kent.edu and clicking LOGIN. Once you see the name of your program, you need to click on it and commit (i.e., accept your offer of admission). 

Academics

Course Information

Course Name and CRN: NURS 40089 International Health Care Policies

Number of Credit Hours: 3

KSU Sponsoring College: College of Nursing

Course Description: This course looks at the organizational and societal context in which healthcare is delivered in specific countries worldwide. A historical perspective is developed early in the semester. Building on this, the course explores existing healthcare policies in a specific population or country. This course further examines existing health networks, forms of care delivery, consumer needs and economics, and funding for an identified population.

Pre-Requisites: You must be admitted to sophomore level (or higher) of the College of Nursing degree program.

Program Language of Instruction: English.

Maximum Capacity: 22 students.

Faculty Contact Information

Professor's Name: Taryn Burhanna

Title: Lecturer/Clinical Instructor

Email: tburhann@kent.edu

Phone: 330-672-8774

Eligibility

  • You must be admitted to sophomore level (or higher) of the College of Nursing degree program.
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA.
Tentative Itinerary

This program is designed to take place over Spring Break.

Below is a tentative itinerary; however, the exact sequence, sites, and departure city are subject to changes in availability and cost.

DAY 1:

  • Depart from Cleveland to London

DAY 2:

  • Arrive in London
  • Half-day sightseeing tour
  • Welcome dinner

DAY 3:

  • Classroom time in the morning and lunch
  • Free afternoon

DAY 4:

  • NHS talk and classroom time 
  • Medical simulation workshop at Great Ormond Street Hospital

DAY 5:

  • Morning classroom time
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • London theatre experience

DAY 6:

  • Florence Nightingale Museum
  • Victorian Surgery Brought to Life (workshop and talk at the oldest operating theatre)

DAY 7:

  • Group lunch
  • St. Thomas Hospital Tour

DAY 8:

  • Social Determinants of Health Comparison presentations
  • Free afternoon

Day 9:

  • Transfer to airport via coach and fly back to the US
Location

London, United Kingdom

The United Kingdom consists of the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (which together make up Great Britain). The Republic of Ireland is a separate country and is part of the European Union.

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Each of the countries within the UK has a distinct culture and a fierce sense of national pride. Although the English pound is the most common currency in circulation, banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland also issue currency in the same denominations, which look similar and mainly circulate within their respective countries. English, Scottish and Northern Irish pound notes are equal in value. Keep in mind that if you plan to travel to the Republic of Ireland, the Euro is their official currency.

Across the U.K., everyday conversations will likely cover topics such as sports (particularly European football, rugby, and cricket), politics, social issues, movies/arts or the weather. British humor carries a strong element of satire that is aimed at the absurdity of everyday life. Sarcasm, tongue-in-cheek comments, banter, and a dry, sharp wit are all commonplace.

As the U.K.’s capital, London is where history meets modernity, with traditions from thousands of years ago to dynamic startups and global firms. As far as sights and activities go, you can spend years living there and still never see it all. On your study abroad trip to London, try to pack in as much as you can – museums, galleries, theater, iconic landmarks, street markets, pubs, trendy cafes – your only limitation is hours in the day! 

Transportation

Airports

Flight will arrive at Heathrow International Airport, leaving from Cleveland Hopkins.

Local Transit

Students will see London by foot and the London Underground. Flights and local travel for the program are included in the Estimated Costs webpage.

Housing & Meals

Accommodations

Students will be housed in a hotel for the duration of the program.

Meals

Continental breakfast is offered daily by the hotel, (2) group dinners will also be offered. The Estimated Costs webpage includes an approximate amount for planning purposes.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Whether your disability is visible or invisible, Education Abroad is committed to making educational experiences abroad possible for you. Early disclosure of personal needs and an open mind to different programs, locations, and services can help you identify the best opportunities abroad.  

Things to Consider

  • What types of physical, academic, and mental health resources and accommodations are available in my host country?
  • What types of activities does this program involve? Will there be strenuous hiking? Will we be walking long distances? Will we be carrying significant weight?
  • What is the housing like on this program? Will I be sharing a room or bathroom? Is there AC/heat?
  • What types of foods are available to me on this program? Will I be able to find meals that meet my dietary needs?
  • What types of transportation does this program use? Will I be navigating public transportation? Is public transportation accessible?
  • What is the climate like in my host country? Will there be extreme heat or cold?
  • Are my medications controlled or banned abroad? Are there regulations on traveling with my medications, service animal, etc.?
  • Are there prescriptions that I need to fill before I leave? What medications are available abroad? Is there a refrigerator to store my medication if needed?
  • How does my host country view my disability?
  • How do accessibility regulations in my host country differ from the US? (Ex.) Are ramps, elevators, tactile markings, etc. required/available?
  • Can I use my US medical devices in my host country? Is the voltage different? Will my equipment fit through a standard door (height/width) in my host country?
  • If there are overnight field trips outside of my typical housing for the program, is it possible to maintain the same housing accommodations I may require?

Resources

Student Accessibility Services

Diversity Abroad

Mobility International USA

ISEP's Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Abroad page 

The U.S. State Department's Traveling with Disabilities page

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

  • international travel procedures;
  • in-country resources;
  • health and safety resources and information;
  • culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the U.S. Department of State website.

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for information about any vaccinations you may need or health and safety tips for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

Costs and Funding

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Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

Get Cost Estimate

 

Front of Westminster Abbey in London
Alexis Beal
Nursing

“The entire opportunity to study abroad during Spring Break was amazing. It was the perfect amount of time away, considering I am a grad student working full time. I am thankful this program was offered to the grad students to have this global experience. It is not only a great opportunity academically but also professionally; it has enhanced my job!”

Read More Student Testimonials

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