International Health Studies (IHS) Minor | HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Welcome to HU

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Students sitting on the grass at HU Campus

This intensive programme gives you a solid theoretical basis on the latest insights into intercultural health care provision, which you will apply in a ten-week internship/project of your choice. You will have lectures, tutorials and assignments, and work on a portfolio, a personal development plan and a final report. You also give presentations to your fellow students, anchoring your learning experience.

Useful to know

Start	February, September
Number of ECTS	30 Dutch Education System
Programme level	Minor
Programme code	GKO-IHS-15
Language of instruction	English
Year of study	Year 3 or 4
Practical Matters	Housing and Immigration
Location	Utrecht Science Park

What do you need to enter this programme? And what can you expect when you apply? In this section you'll find all you need to know!

The exchange programme International Health Studies (IHS) is a 20-week programme aimed at improving your intercultural awareness and intercultural communication skills, making you a more rounded health care professional. An intensive internship/project is part of the programme.

The programme looks at intercultural (health care) models, interacting effectively with people of a variety of backgrounds and understanding culture-specific concepts of perception, thinking, feeling, and acting. In collaboration with the IHS team, you are required to secure your own internship, which has to be in place and approved at the start of the minor programme.

Our exchange programme IHS is open to all Faculty of Health Care students. Students studying a Health Care related topic at other universities of applied sciences (national and international) are also welcome to join, but please contact the coordinator before applying and check the information below.

Please note that a motivational letter is part of the application process.

Would you like to know more about this programme or do you have a specific question? Please contact the programme coordinator, Edwin Hagenbeek.

The programme takes place during one semester (two blocks) and consists of the following courses:

Course code	Title	Subject	ECTS
GKO-IHS1	Aware and Prepare	Healthcare Systems and Culture	5
		Theory and Plan of Approach	5
		Personal Elements and Reflection	5
GKO-IHS2	Home Sweet Home	Services and Products	5
		Theoretical and Professional Comparison	5
		Logbook and Reflections	5

The programme starts with a theoretical part, lasting six weeks. Afterwards, you will leave for your project or traineeship/work experience, for ten weeks or a minimum of 40 days. The programme finishes with a four-week theoretical part. All classes are on weekdays.

In our Course Guide you can find all relevant information about the programme in one practical document. Download it here for your convenience.

International Health Studies

You must have the propaedeutic diploma.
This programme is open for undergraduate students of
- Nursing
- BMH
- MiZ
- Physiotherapy*
- Cesar Therapy
- Skin Therapy
- Dental Hygiene
- Optometry
- Orthoptics
- Speech Therapy
- Applied Pharmacology

* The numbers are fixed and connected to availability of internship places

English CEFR level B2.

Please note: If your English language ability proves to be insufficient to participate actively in (parts of) the courses you have chosen, we cannot be bound to the Learning Agreement, neither can we guarantee to offer you the required amount of study load (EC’s). Teachers might request you to take a diagnostic test at the start of the course to check if your English language ability is sufficient to successfully participate in that specific course. In all cases it is up to the programme manager to decide if your English language ability is sufficient to be eligible for the programme/course.

When you move to a different country to study, there are lots of things to arrange. For instance, where will you live, how much are the costs? Visit our practical information page to help you prepare your stay. It is also important to start arranging a living space as soon as possible. Our housing pages will help you on your way. A student living in the Netherlands needs about € 800 - 1000 a month to cover living expenses, such as housing, food and transportation. This includes insurances – health insurance is mandatory.

Find out how to apply

Ready for an international adventure?

Become an all-round international health care professional

Completion of our minor programme International Health Services provides you with a solid theoretical and practical foundation to be the health care professional of the future. You will feel confident working in a diverse environment, at home or abroad.
Inspiring international setting

HU supports your ambitions. During your time in Utrecht, you will meet students from all over the world and make connections to last a lifetime.
Benefits of the Utrecht Science Park Campus

On Utrecht Science Park (USP) you'll find the universities' buildings, student housing, cafés, a sports centre, and much more. With excellent transport links to Utrecht city centre and beyond.
- Read more about Utrecht Science Park
Vibrant university city Utrecht

Beautiful Utrecht has lots of young people and excellent facilities for student life. It has a mediaeval city centre which is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle.
- Read more about Utrecht