Nursing Field School: Nepal 2014

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Program Information

Financial Information and Application

General

Program Overview

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Vancouver Island University nursing field school will work with the Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN). This organization envisions a world where all men, women and children have access to sexual and reproductive health information and services in which SRH choices are fully respected, stigma and discrimination have no place, and all people have better quality of life. The organization is committed to improving the quality of lives of individuals through the dissemination of SRH information and services especially for poor, marginalized and vulnerable populations.

VIU's project will provide health education with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health issues. FPAN has indicated that abortion is an issue regarding which they are looking to boost community awareness and understanding, so they are hoping that the health education seminars will cover this and related issues in considerable detail.

The group will also help to prepare a study of the health status of patients at a number of community clinics run by FPAN. FPAN is hoping that the group will be able to compile a formal report at the end of their project based on the observations made at the clinics.

On arrival in Nepal, the group will participate in a two-day orientation. The goal of this orientation is to provide you with the tools that you will need in order to be effective on your project and comfortable getting around in your new surroundings.

Dates

April – early June 2014 (35 days in Nepal + travel days to/from Nepal)

Academic Course

Nursing 375 (CPE III) 8 credits

Praxis Sessions

Students who are accepted into the Nepal field school will be in a designated ‘international/Nepal’ practice group for Nursing 314: Nursing Practice VI:  Promoting Health of Communities & Society, timetabled for spring 2014, and Nursing 404:  Nursing Practice VII:  Engaging in Leadership, timetabled for fall 2014. 

Praxis seminars for Nursing 314 in spring 2014 will include topics such as: 

  • Intercultural communication/cultural humility
  • Nepal history, politics, social issues, geography, customs, religion, belief systems
  • Common health concerns in Nepal
  • Preparing for travelling to a developing country
  • Acting as an ambassador for VIU and Canada
  • Other topics of interest, student concerns

Praxis sessions within Nepal:

  • These will evolve as the experience unfolds
  • Debriefing of activities/experiences
  • Reflection and journaling of experiences
  • Integration of program meta-concepts
  • Re-entry strategies as students prepare to return to Canada

Cost

The fees payable to VIU for the Nepal field school, based on a minimum group size of 8 students, will be around $2300 and will cover:

  • Program administrative costs;
  • BaseCamp International program, 36 days - airport reception & transfers; safety briefing; dormitory accommodation; local meal plan; transport to/from worksite; project materials; pre-departure support; 24-7 emergency support.

The remaining costs, expected to be between $1900 and $2600, will be paid by students to cover the following:

  • Return travel to and from Nepal (estimated to be around $1800 - $2200);
  • Out-of-country medical insurance (no extra cost for students covered by VIU extended medical and approx. $70 for others);
  • Flight cancellation/interruption insurance (highly recommended and must be purchased at the time you purchase your flight);
  • Passport ($100 if you need a new one);
  • Immunizations (visit the travel health clinic or your doctor to determine what you need);
  • Visa ($100 due on arrival in Nepal);
  • Personal or free time expenses

Application Procedure

Letter of Intent Deadline:  September 20, 2013 (form to be submitted to Leslie Sundby)

 

Application packages are available from International Mobility International Education and are due by September 30, 2013 to the International Mobility office (Building 255). The application package includes:

  • International Mobility application and self-assessment forms;
  • Responsibility and Liability Waiver;
  • Refund Policy;
  • $500 non-refundable deposit;
  • IE Stipend application form ($350), if interested in applying.

Payments and Refund Policy

Payment TypeCostDescription
Deposit$500October 31. The deposit may be made with: cash, personal cheque, money order or debit card.
Airplane TicketTBADecember - February, date TBA
Final Payment$1800TBA. The final payment may be made with: cash or debit card.
  • Make cheques and money orders payable to "Vancouver Island University".

Financial Assistance

  • International Education Award - The International Education Department at VIU encourages International Mobility by providing eligible VIU Students with an International Education Award of $350. Conditions apply. 

Travel Information

  • Is it safe? We advise everyone to read the full travel report before making a decision: Country Travel Report for Nepal,
  • Immunizations? Check the recommended immunizations on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and make an appointment with the Travel Clinic (Nanaimo: 250-740-6940).
  • Passport? You must have a valid passport good for six months after your return. Apply for a Canadian passport or pick up an application at any Canada Post office. Don't delay in applying for or renewing your passport once your participate in the field school has been confirmed. If you are not be travelling on a Canadian passport, please talk with Jennifer Sills in the International Mobility office.
  • Read the Cancellation and Refund Policy attached to your application package.