Skip to main content
Forum 2025 Annual Conference Main banner
Back
Session Evaluation Session Recording ViewAttendees 16

Knowledge to Action Session

Ethics, Collaboration, and Transparency

Colonialism & Health Education Abroad: Connecting Ethics, Values, & Action

Thursday, February 27, 2025
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM US EST
Study abroad in global health is increasing in the wake of the pandemic and increased visibility of health disparities. Often occurring in resource deprived settings under the auspices of service-learning/volunteering, these are often fraught with colonial dynamics. While often well intended, these dynamics are harmful and inauthentic. This session will explore how colonialism manifests, approaches to counteracting these dynamics, and the interlacing of ethical and programatic elements.

Learning Objectives:

  • Articulate the manifestations of colonialism in health-related internships, service-learning, volunteering and study abroad.
  • Compare and contrast asset versus deficit orientation for learners/faculty/partnerships and how these narratives reinforce or dispel colonialism.
  • Outline ethical imperatives for health-related study abroad and experiential education including practical applications of ethical principles through programmatic frameworks.
  • Debate and discuss the challenges within institutions and host communities to ensuring ethical, safe, de-colonized approaches to health-related international experiences.