Reasons Why You Should Study Public Health Abroad

Studying Public Health abroad is an attractive option for many students who want to explore careers in the field of public health. There are many benefits to be gained, ranging from unforgettable learning experiences, public health work experience abroad to connections with professionals in the health sector throughout the world. 

 

Not only that, studying public health abroad also offers better quality education, wider career opportunities, and openness to various perspectives on health issues. Therefore, this article will discuss in more depth the reasons why you should study public health abroad and the benefits that can be gained from this experience.

Comparison of Public Health Study Programs Abroad and Domestically

For those of you who are interested in studying Public Health, you may be confused about choosing between continuing your studies at home or abroad. Before we compare the two study programs, it’s a good idea to first understand what Public Health is. 

Public Health is a science that studies public health as a whole, including health promotion, disease prevention, disease control and public health management. The Public Health study program aims to prepare public health experts who are able to design, implement and evaluate public health programs.

One of the differences between studying Public Health abroad and in Indonesia is the curriculum offered:

• According to data taken from the official website of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Public Health study program in Indonesia has a curriculum that focuses more on the fields of medical and health sciences, while abroad it focuses more on the fields of public health and social sciences .
• Those of you who choose to study abroad will have a more diverse learning experience because you will meet students from various countries and different cultures. Apart from that, you will also get a more practical learning experience because abroad there are usually internship programs given to students.

 

In choosing between a Public Health study program at home or abroad, you also need to consider the career opportunities you will get after graduating:

• According to data from the Data and Analysis Center for Public Health Functional Positions at the Ministry of Health, graduates of the Public Health study program in Indonesia have good career opportunities, such as in the health service, the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), or international organizations such as WHO and UNICEF.
• Graduates of Public Health study abroad programs have the opportunity to work in larger international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Apart from that, many foreign health institutions recruit international health workers due to a shortage of workers, such as the British Government’s NHS (The National Health Service), which recruits many international students who are British graduates.

 

Wider Career Opportunities After Studying Public Health Abroad

 

 

You may be wondering, what are the benefits of studying abroad? One of the benefits you can get is wider career opportunities, including in the field of Public Health!

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the shortage of health workers currently stands at 18 million people worldwide, and this figure is expected to continue to increase until 2030. However, the report also shows that there is a particular shortage of health workers in developing countries. Therefore, career opportunities in the field of Public Health in developing countries are very large.

One of the advantages of studying Public Health abroad is that you will study various different health problems from different countries. You will learn about health challenges specific to a country, such as tropical diseases in African countries or public health problems in Southeast Asia. This can give you an edge in finding work in the Public Health field.

Public Health graduates from abroad also tend to have international qualifications and certifications that are recognized in many countries. For example, in the United States, graduates of the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program can take a certification exam from the National Board of Public Health Examiners, which will increase their credibility and competitiveness in the job market.

 

Apart from that, studying Public Health abroad also provides the opportunity to build a wide international network. You will meet people from various countries, even from outside the health sector. This network can help you in looking for future career opportunities, both at home and abroad.

 

In an article from Glassdoor, they ranked some of the top careers available to Public Health graduates:

• Epidemiologist

• Public Health Researcher

• Head of the Public Health Center

• Health Consultant, and many more.

 

All of these careers require graduates with a good understanding of public health, and you can get that by studying Public Health abroad.

Cost of Studying Public Health Abroad: Is It Worth It ?

When going to study abroad, one of the important considerations you have to think about is tuition fees. Is the cost of studying Public Health abroad worth the benefits you will get? Let’s look deeper.

 

First of all, let’s see how much it costs to study Public Health abroad. According to data from the College Board, the cost of studying abroad can reach more than $25,000 per year or around IDR 360 million. This does not include accommodation, transportation and daily living costs. However, tuition fees can be cheaper if you get a scholarship or financial assistance from a university or other institution.

 

Even though the cost of studying Public Health abroad can be very expensive, the benefits you will get are also very large. Public Health study programs abroad usually offer a more comprehensive and practical curriculum compared to those at home. Apart from that, you will also gain experience studying and living in a different environment, develop your English skills, and expand your international network.

 

Public Health graduates from leading universities abroad also have wider career opportunities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), demand for workers in the Public Health sector continues to increase throughout the world, especially in developing countries. So, you have a good opportunity to work in various international health organizations and institutions after graduation.

 

Of course, you need to consider whether you have enough resources and financial support to study Public Health abroad. However, if you can find a way to pay for college and gain valuable learning experiences, then it can be a very worthwhile investment in your future.

 

So, is the cost of studying Public Health abroad worth the benefits you will get? The answer is “it depends”. However, if you have sufficient financial capabilities and can obtain financial assistance from universities or other institutions, then studying Public Health abroad can be very beneficial for your future. Remember that the experience of studying and living in an international environment can open up wider career opportunities and expand your network globally.