PLU students visit Oaxaca, Mexico, to learn about health care

January Term (J-Term for short), PLU’s month-long term between fall and spring semester, is when many of our students take advantage of our incredible study away options in multiple places around the world. Planned and coordinated by professors and PLU’s study away center, J-Term study away class options range from Marine Biology in the Bahamas to a Political Science course on the Presidency in Washington D.C.

In January, students explored Oaxaca, Mexico, delving into its history and culture through activities at archaeological sites, interactions with traditional healers, and collaboration with local artisans. Gaining insights into community health care access, they provided basic health screenings and education in schools, health care facilities, and orphanages. The program emphasizes a public health perspective, collecting valuable information on social determinants of health. Students from diverse backgrounds, including public health, social work, pre-health sciences, nursing, and other healthcare-related fields, participated. #JTerm #LutesAway2024 #LutesEmbraceComplexity