Interested in global health, nursing, midwifery, and medical practice? Learn how the history in these areas have influenced the development of nursing functions and examine how ethics, sociology, religion, law, economics, and philosophy have affected clinical practice and the impact these have had on the role of nurses and other medical practicioners.
This short-term, accelerated summer program on the Comparative Healthcare Systems and Global Perspectives on Nursing History is a unique opportunity to compare the healthcare systems of the US and the UK and explore questions of universal healthcare, including issues of inequality in accessing it.
Field visits include:
- Florence Nightingale Museum
- The Old Operating Theatre Museum
- Gordon Museum of Pathology
- Worshipful Society of Apothecaries
As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity:
- to compare differences and similarities in healthcare systems in the US, UK and Europe
- to learn how social elements impact and influence practicies of nursing and midwifery
- to visit healthcare facilities and hear from the medical professionals
If your first thoughts of London are the Royal Family and Downton Abbey, prepare to be blown away. English history and culture are juxtaposed against streets lined with Indian restaurants and Chinese New Year celebrations. The birthplace of the English language is now home to speakers of more than 30 other languages – and that is not counting the variety of English accents you will hear. Skyscrapers tower over 17th-century buildings while Big Ben overlooks the River Thames. Study abroad in London and you find yourself constantly surprised by what you discover in one of the world’s most diverse and global cities.
Part of the experience is to live like a Londoner. The overwhelming majority of students choose to live in shared apartments – the English call them flats – spread across the city. While apartments are as varied as the city itself and no two flats are alike, all of them are located in safe neighborhoods and secure buildings. Regardless of where you live, you can expect a 45- to 60-minute commute to the CAPA Center. We’ve got your commute covered with an unlimited pass for Zones 1 and 2 on the London Underground.
You can expect the following:
- Shared bedrooms (2 or 3 students/bedroom, single bed or bunk bed)
- Bedding, but need to bring your own towels
- Shared bathroom
- Shared kitchen
- Internet access (for general browsing, but not meant for heavy downloading or streaming)
- Coin operated laundry
- It is not typical for UK residences to have air conditioning or dryers
Please note that meals are not included in the program fee.
You will receive your address, roommate information, and neighborhood description about 2 weeks before your departure for London. We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change. Contact your program manager with any questions.
You can earn 6-9 credits on this program. This program is open to all students interested in comparative health systems analysis. For summer 2023, you can choose one of the following three options to pursue - all options are the same cost (see Costs tab).
OPTION 1: 2 courses, 6.0 credits
- ANTH 1737 Comparative Healthcare in London (see description & syllabus below)
- NUR 1061 Global Perspective on Nursing & Midwifery (see description & syllabus below)
OPTION 2: 3 courses, 9.0 credits
- ANTH 1737 Comparative Healthcare in London (see description & syllabus below)
- NUR 1061 Global Perspectives on Nursing & Midwifery (see description & syllabus below)
- Any 3.0 credit course of your choosing from the regular Pitt in London list of offerings
OPTION 3: 1 course + internship, 6.0 credits
- ANTH 1737 Comparative Healthcare in London (see description & syllabus below) OR NUR 1061 Global Perspectives on Nursing & Midwifery (see description & syllabus below)
- a 6 week, 3.0 credit internship placement in a healthcare-related field
HEALTHCARE COURSES:
This course will introduce the UK healthcare system and the context within which it operates. Students will explore the evolution of the National Health Service (NHS) from its inception in 1948 to present day; analyze case studies to compare the UK model of healthcare with other healthcare systems such as in the United States, France, Sweden, and lower income countries; develop an understanding of concepts and themes in comparative healthcare; and critically examine the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations in healthcare.
This course will explore the development of nursing practice from the perspectives of medical, nursing, and midwifery history. Students will explore the impacts of social change, evolving attitudes to care, and the role of the Enlightenment, French Revolution, and American Independence, as well as the transition from Agrarian to Industrial Society in shaping nursing care; consider contributions made by Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, and Mrs Bedford-Fenwick to nursing practice; examine the effect of religion, philosophy, ethics, law, sociology, and economics on clinical practice and the professional role and practice of nurses and midwives; and reflect on related historical changes.
Pitt runs this program in partnership with CAPA: The Global Education Network. For more than 45 years CAPA: The Global Education Network has worked with institutions of higher education to build programs that meet students goals for learning abroad.
The CAPA London Center is housed in 2 connected Victorian townhouses in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and their staff will be there to assist with any questions or challenges through out the program.
Kelsey Sobecki

Hello! I’m Kelsey, Program Manager for Arts & Sciences students. I am a native Pittsburgher and studied abroad in Rome, Italy as an undergraduate at Duquesne University, and received my Master’s degree at University College Dublin in Ireland. I have been in the field of International Education for 10 years, which includes time spent living and working on-site with study abroad students in both Rome and Dublin. I am so excited to support Pitt students in their study abroad journey! Please feel free to reach out to me at kls299@pitt.edu or make an appointment to start planning your global experience!
Items Billed by Pitt |
||
---|---|---|
In-State | Out-of-State | |
Tuition Fees | $7,407.00 | $7,607.00 |
Program Cost | $2,492.00 | $2,492.00 |
Study Abroad Fee | $300 | $300 |
Total Billed by Pitt | $10,199.00 | $10,399.00 |
Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs |
||
---|---|---|
Airfare | $1,000 - $1,400 | |
Personal Expenses and Meals | $1,000 - $2,000 | |
Local Cell phone | $100 | |
Visa Fees (Interns & non-US citizens | $500 | |
Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad. Visit our Budgeting page for more information.
As a part of your Healthcare in a British Context program fee, the follow are included:
- Tuition for 6-9 credits
- Housing
- Orientation in London
- Cultural Events and Activities
- An Unlimited Tube Pass for Zones 1 and 2
- Health Insurance
- Membership to the Student Central facilities
To mitigate the potential risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, our provider is asking for proof of vaccination to participate in the program.