biomedical laboratory science
in India

August 19 – 29, 2008

 Mandatory Pre-Departure On-Campus Meetings:
July 9, 23 and August 6, 2008

CANCELED - We hope to offer this program again in 2009

This study abroad program is coordinated by the Northern Illinois University Study Abroad Office (SAO), in cooperation with the NIU College of Health and Human Sciences and the School of Allied and Health Professions and Communicative Disorders.    

PROGRAM DATES:  The program will officially begin on July 9, 2008 at NIU with introductory sessions preparing the participants for travel to India and familiarizing them with cultural issues, the health care system, biomedical laboratory practice in India and the format of IFBLS International Congresses including the student forum. The overseas component of the program will officially begin with departure from USA on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 and will end on Friday, August 29, 2008.   

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Jeanne Isabel, Program Director and Associate Professor of Clinical Laboratory Science in the School of Allied Health Professions of NIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences will serve as the course instructor.  Professor Isabel has taught courses in Clinical Laboratory Sciences for the past 17 years and has lived and traveled in Africa, the Far East, Turkey and, most recently, Bangladesh. She was a member of the IFBLS Council for 6 years.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW/OBJECTIVES:

This program, offered by the School of Allied Health Professions, is in response to the growing importance of international health and is open to anyone with an interest in this area.  Students will have an opportunity to learn firsthand about the health care system in India and health issues faced by the Indian people as well as health care delivery issues for clinical laboratory scientists and other professionals.  The goals of this course include; 1) an examination of the health care system in India and the impact of the World Health Organization, 2) an examination of clinical laboratory sciences in India, 3) attendance and participation in an International Congress for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists including student forum networking opportunities.

The objectives of the program are:

• Students will be able to describe the structure of the health care system in India and compare it to the health care system in the United States.

• Students will be able to compare the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in India to those in the United States.

• Students will be able to describe traditional health care in India.

• Students will become familiar with biomedical laboratory services in India

• Students will attend scientific sessions presented by world renown experts in Laboratory topics

• Students will be able to discuss and share their knowledge with other students from around the world.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS: The program will consist of two components. The on-campus component will consist of three mandatory meetings to be held on July 9, 23 and August 6, 2008. The meetings will include a series of lectures and assignments designed to prepare students for the program in India and will conclude August 29, 2008 following the overseas component of the program.  A group presentation will be given following the overseas component and will be arranged. 

The overseas component will begin with departure from the USA on August 19, 2008 and will consist of a cultural tour, tours of facilities within the Delhi area representing the continuum of clinical laboratory services and attendance and participation in the 28^th World Congress of IFBLS. 

TRAVEL SITE: The ancient diamond-shaped country of India, the largest part of the Indian Subcontinent, extends from the Himalayan Mountains in the north, south into the tropical reaches of the Indian Ocean.  It's the second most populous country on the planet, and certainly one of the most intriguing.

This diverse and fertile country, which once included the lands we now call Bangladesh and Pakistan, was plundered over eons of time.

It was subsequently colonized and controlled by Britain during much of the 19th and 20th centuries. Then, in 1947, India declared independence and formed its own country.

It is home to some of the most significant natural and man-made wonders on the planet, and thus, a powerful exotic tourism magnet. The modern open-door policies of India have put the tourist industry here on the fast-track, as luxury hotels and beach resorts are constantly under construction.


With numerous major languages (hundreds of dialects), dozens and dozens of large cities and over 700,000 villages - somehow India works, both in the classic, traditional methods of its many cultures, and in the fast-moving world of the 21st century.  

PROGRAM AUDIENCE: Space is limited and qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. NIU students can be pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies.  NIU CLS alumni or CLS students attending other universities may enroll as a student-at-large for this program.

INSTRUCTION METHOD: Professor Jeanne Isabel will serve as instructor for the course. The course will include two writing assignments, an essay and a group presentation. A student may submit an abstract for a case presentation at the Congress to obtain additional funding. Students will be expected to attend all of the preparatory sessions at NIU and will participate in all activities during the overseas program. 

Pre-travel assignments: Reading assignments will serve as preparation for the overseas component. Some of the written assignments will be completed during the preparatory sessions at NIU and others during the overseas portion. 

Required text:  To be announced.

Written assignments. The student will:

1. Compare India’s health care system with the US health care system in terms of a selected disease condition.
2. Identify preparations needed to travel to India.
3. Identify IFBLS scientific program sessions to attend
4. Keep a journal during the overseas component.

Post-travel assignment:  A group presentation will be given after returning from India.   

Undergraduate Course Requirements:

1. Complete a daily journal of their travel experiences while in India.

2. Complete an essay on the travel experience and how it relates to the selected health care topic they wrote on prior to the trip.

3. Participate in preparation of presentation to be given at a designated time. 

Graduate Course Requirements:

1. Complete a daily journal of their travel experiences while in India.

2. Expand on their pre-travel paper on a selected health care topic by including both their experiences from the travel as well as additional resources.  Students will describe the various ways in which a particular health care issue is being addressed and comment on the effectiveness of current attention to this issue as well as its role in the overall health of the Indian people.

3. The graduate students will act as leaders for the creation of a comprehensive multimedia presentation on selected health care in India to be held in a public forum.

All Program Requirements Must Be Completed by October 31, 2008.

PROGRAM ACADEMIC CREDIT: For satisfactory participation in the program, participants will receive 3 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate credit.  Students will be enrolled during the summer 2008 semester. Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU undergraduate or graduate level admission and course requirements.

Undergraduate and Graduate Credit

AHLS 470N – Special Topics in Clinical Laboratory Sciences:                          Biomedial Laboratory Science in India                       3 semester hours

Description:  The examination of health care issues, especially clinical laboratory science in a worldwide setting.  May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours. Pre-requisite:  Acceptance into the clinical laboratory sciences major.  For non-NIU students, applications will be reviewed by the Department Chair.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES: The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students who meet the NIU general admission requirements, and who are interested in International Health studies.  Applicants must meet College of Health and Human Sciences GPA requirements.  Graduate level students must also meet NIU Graduate School admission and GPA requirements.  Graduate students who are not currently enrolled in the NIU Graduate School will be admitted as student-at-large. 

Students must be in good academic standing at the time of application.  Students who are on academic probation are not eligible to participate in study abroad programs.  Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU undergraduate or graduate admission and course requirements.   

Students cannot have any encumbrances against their NIU records.  Any encumbrances placed on a student’s records by NIU (i.e., the Graduate School, Undergraduate Admissions, Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Registration and Records, Health Services, Parking Services, etc.) must be cleared before a student is granted admission to a study abroad program. 

For undergraduate students to be admitted to the program, an applicant’s official transcript must be on file in the NIU Study Abroad Office.  Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript; the Study Abroad Office will make this request on behalf of the applicant.  Students who want to participate in the program and earn academic credit from NIU who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not currently enrolled at NIU, should ask the Registrar at their institution to forward an official transcript as soon as possible to the Study Abroad Office.  (Student-issued transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.)  Questions relating to the admission requirements or transcripts should be directed to the Study Abroad Office.   

Students who desire to obtain graduate credit must either be admitted to a graduate program within the NIU Graduate School, or be admitted to the status of a "student-at-large" (SAL) within NIU's Graduate School.  For students to be admitted to the program for graduate credit, the applicant's official transcript must be on file in the NIU Study Abroad Office.  Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript.  However, students who will participate in the program in order to earn academic credit as an SAL (students who have not currently enrolled, nor are previously enrolled at NIU) must provide a transcript from the baccalaureate institution and from any institution at which graduate credit has been earned.  This document must be provided to the Study Abroad Office before a student can be admitted as an SAL to the program.  (Student issued transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.) 

APPLICATION FORMS AND DEPOSIT: Applicants must submit the following at the time of application:

1. Application for NIU Administered Study Abroad Programs 

2. Student Application Agreement

3. Course Preference Form

4. $200 deposit

5. THREE (3) passport size photos for visa and International Student ID Card.

6. A clear and readable copy of the first page of passport.

 contact the Study Abroad office for  1- 3 items.

$200 DEPOSIT: Each application must be accompanied by a $200 check or money order made payable to NIU.  The $200 will be applied to the program cost.  Applications not accompanied by the $200 deposit will be returned to the sender.  (This $200 is also required of individuals who will be applying for financial aid.)   

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  February 1, 2008.  Applications submitted to the Study Abroad Office after February 1, 2008 must be accompanied by a check or money order for the full program cost in order to be considered for acceptance in this program.  The Study Abroad Office cannot accept applications not accompanied by the full program costs. 

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS:  Participants will reside in hotels in twin bedded rooms and will be provided breakfast and dinner daily throughout the period of residency.   

AIR TRANSPORTATION:   Airfare is not included in the program cost.  Information regarding flight numbers, dates and times will be provided by Professor Isabel so that students can book their ticket on the same flight if they so choose.  Travel insurance is STRONGLY recommended. 

LAND TRANSPORTATION:  Program-related travel will be provided as part of the NIU program cost. 

PASSPORT:  IMPORTANT!  All participants are required to possess a valid passport by February 1, 2008.  Important Note:  U.S. passports must be valid SIX months beyond the intended stay overseas.  Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program.  Information on acquiring a U.S. passport is available at the U.S. State Department’s website:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.  Foreign passport holders may need special visas for travel and are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas. 

VISA:  A valid passport is required in order to obtain a visa to enter India.   The Indian Consulate requires that each student submit a visa application and two passport-size photos. Visa forms for India will be included in the acceptance materials. These visa forms and photos must be submitted with the program application materials.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS/VACCINATIONS: Contact the NIU University Health Service at least eight weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect. The NIU University Health Service can advise students on what immunizations are required and can administer most immunizations.  Most immunizations require a fee.  Consult the Travel Clinic several months before you travel.  Some vaccines need to be given over a period of months, so participants in this program must START EARLY! 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT I.D. CARD:  The ISIC card is provided as part of the program cost. The I.D. card can provide discount on international airfare and other travel. Students will receive an application and instructions for obtaining this card when accepted into the program.  

The International Student Identity Card also includes a limited health and accident insurance policy which is only valid outside the U.S.  Students will have to pay bills at the time of treatment and will be reimbursed later.  Students should, however, have a more comprehensive insurance plan to supplement the ID insurance.

NIU PROGRAM COST:  The cost of the program is payable in full to NIU by March 1, 2008.  The program cost pays for the following cost related services:  Hotel accommodations and some meals while the group is in India. Program-related land transportation in India. Admission fees to cultural and historical sites visited as part of the daily schedule. Fee for acquiring the visa to enter India. International Student ID. NIU tuition for undergraduate or graduate credit. NIU major medical insurance PROGRAM  COST:  $3,420

All prices quoted are subject to change.  The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented.  Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.    

Non-NIU students should consult with their home institutions regarding additional costs that may apply to study abroad.  Non-NIU students are responsible for any study abroad charges imposed by their home institution. 

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS: Several costs are not included in the program cost that is cited above.  Other expenses that will be incurred by the participants include:

• Registration for the IFBLS Congress, $100.
• Round-trip airfare
• Cost of acquiring a passport (approximately $115, including passport photos)
• $30 Undergraduate application application fee (Non-NIU undergraduate students only)
• Lunch and meals during free time pursuits
• Entrance fees for free-time pursuits
• Purchases of a personal nature

The amount of spending money recommended by past participants ranges from $50-$150 per day, depending on an individual’s spending habits. 

FINANCIAL AID: As a participant in a study abroad program through NIU, applicants may be eligible for:  Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, MAP Award or privately awarded scholarship with consent of awarding organization. Tuition waivers do not apply.  Please contact the International Programs Business Office at Williston Hall 407, (815) 753-9530 for more information. 

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM:  Applicants withdrawing from the program after February 15, 2008 will not be refunded the $200 program deposit. 

Applicants withdrawing from the program after this date will also be held accountable for any funds obligated on their behalf.  This provision is in effect even if the applicant has not submitted the $200 deposit or additional payments, and if the applicant is applying for financial aid. 

If the applicant must withdraw after February 15, 2008 for medical reasons, the $200 deposit will be refunded only if the request is submitted to the Study Abroad Office in writing and accompanied by a signed statement from a physician on the physician’s letterhead.  After this deadline, all funds obligated on your behalf can only be refunded if those monies are refunded to NIU by overseas agents and vendors.  

CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM: The Study Abroad Office reserves the right to cancel this program if the minimum required enrollment is not attained.  If, prior to the commencement of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for India, all applicants will be notified promptly of the warning and the possibility of cancellation of the program.  In the event that NIU’s International Programs Division cancels the program, students shall receive a full refund of all monies.  If, during the course of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for India, students will be promptly notified of the warning and the advisability of canceling the program.

 

Tentative Daily Schedule

August 19 - 29, 2008

 

Pre-Departure meeting times and location
July 9-10:00 am DuSable 167	Information about the program and description of requirements
July 23 10:00am DuSable 167	Orientation to study abroad program, discussion of assignments, expectations of the travel experience, description of visits to facilities in India.
Aug 6 10:00am DuSable 167	Pre-travel assignments due. Checklist of pre-travel arrangements discussed. Overview of Healthcare in India.
Overseas Program
Tuesday, Aug 19	Depart Chicago (ORD)
Wednesday, Aug 20	Arrive in Dehli in the PM Check into hotel. Meet to go over travel logistics.
Thursday, Aug 21	Visit US Embassy lab and blood centers
Friday, Aug 22	Visit area laboratories, TB Institute, Infectious Diseases
Saturday, Aug 23	Bus or van to  Taj Mahal in Agra (4 hour bus ride)
Sunday , Aug 24	Registration at IFBLS Congress, Award Ceremony, Plenary session, Welcome Dinner
Monday, Aug 25	Sessions, Exhibit, Cultural Program
Tuesday, Aug 26	WHO lecture, Sessions, Gala Dinner
Wednesday , Aug 27	Lab visits, sessions
Thursday, Aug 28	General Assembly of Delegates, closing Ceremony
Friday , Aug 29	Depart Delhi for Chicago. Arrive same day
Post Travel Session
September 2008, time TBA	Preparation of group presentation

 NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER
OR CANCEL THIS PROGRAM AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY!

 

The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented.  Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.     

Return to NIU Study Abroad website

 April 2008