Health Science Global Experiences

HS Global offers programs which provides students with the opportunity to be immersed in a different culture whilst completing fieldwork placements in Asia.

2025 Information Sessions

Bookmark the date and explore opportunities at our upcoming info sessions:
Dates: 19, 26 Feb and 5, 12 March 2025
Time: 12.30 – 1.30pm
Venue: TBA

Applications for HS Global 2025:
Round One applications have closed
Round Two opens 17 Feb 2025 and closes on 16 Mar 2025

2025 HS Global Program Guide

Read our Program Guide for a comprehensive overview of the 2025 placements and we look forward to welcoming you on board HS Global!

2025 HS Global Program Guide

Cambodia

HS Global has been operating in Cambodia since 2012 and we are very proud of the contribution students have made to the local community.

Since 2012, HS Global students have been working with a number of host sites in Battambang and Siem Reap sites. Cambodia has very few allied health care professionals other than physiotherapists, hence this gives students unlimited opportunities to introduce ways to manage clients with wide range of disabilities and conditions. We are fortunate to have partnerships with five host sites in North West Cambodia, which include World Mate Emergency Hospital, Physical Rehabilitation Centre, Military Handicap Development Centre, Military Regional Station No.4 Hospital, Grace House Community Centre and the Balaing Clinic Community Health centre.

Students have the opportunity to interact with clients whose main presentations include problems like large bone fractures, amputations, brain injury and rehabilitation needs. Students may be involved in presenting education sessions and workshops to the community. This is a challenging placement, therefore students need to be equipped with sound clinical and theoretical knowledge whilst work together with their peers and the local staff for advice and assistance.

China

HS Global has partnerships with Hua Shan Hospital and Sunshine Rehabilitation Centre in Shanghai.

China’s healthcare system has improved significantly over the past decade, and in this time has undergone significant reorganisation in an attempt to achieve universal health-care coverage by 2020 (World Health Organisation, 2005). Some gains apparent during this time of change include an improved life expectancy, a lowered child mortality rate and reduced cases of infectious diseases. However, due to the increase in lifestyle risk factors, non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes have increased and have become the main causes of death in China (World Health Organisation, 2005). The public hospitals in China are classified under level one, two or three. Level three is considered the highest level and one of the requirements to achieve this level is to have a rehabilitation department.

We have partnership with Hua Shan Hospital and Sunshine Rehabilitation Centre in Shanghai, both of which are classed as level three.

Through our partnerships, our students have the opportunity to work in outpatient rehabilitation departments, international wards and public wards with local therapists and therapy students. There are ample opportunities to participate in inter-professional practice with diverse and complex caseload within the placement sites.

Fiji

HS Global has set up a new placement in Fiji for students in 2025.

Sigatoka Hospital is a 75 bed hospital which serves a population size of 52,000 people from 2 provinces (Nadroga and Navosa) providing secondary level care. It receives referrals from 14 other health facilities in the area and it’s referral center is Lautoka Hospital approximately 1.5 hours drive from Sigatoka.

Sigatoka Hospital does not provide specialist services and so patients needing tertiary care are stabilised and referred to Lautoka Hospital.

The major disciplines at Sigatoka Hospital are:

Emergency Department, Maternity, General Out-patients Dept, Special Outpatients Department, In-patient wards, Hospital Laboratory Dept, Medical Imaging Department, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Food Services, Dental, Pharmacy Department, IMCI, Maternal & Child Health clinics and Environmental Health Dept.

India

HS Global has partnerships with the Spastics Society, Holy Cross College, Panchayat Union Middle School and Kauvery and Gitanjali Medical Centre and hospital in Tiruchirappalli, Southern India.

The Spastics Society of Tiruchirapalli was founded in 1982 with the objective of training, educating and rehabilitating children with cerebral palsy in Tiruchirappalli District. The centre houses an inter-disciplinary team comprising professionals in various fields and uses a holistic approach to education. The organisation’s topmost objectives are to provide for the treatment, education and rehabilitation of children affected by Cerebral Palsy. Services provided include Day Care Programme, Residential Care Programme, Clinics, Mobile and Peripheral Programmes etc., for the care and welfare of children with Cerebral Palsy.

The Holy Cross College, established in 1983, is one of the pioneering institutes in teaching and training professionals in the field of Rehabilitation of the Disabled. Aims of the centre are to provide quality education and prepare skilled professionals in the field of Rehabilitation and Special Education for the disabled

Panchayat Union Middle School is a Government integrated school that provides education for children from the surrounding villages. These children are the first generation to receive formal education, as their parents are illiterate and did not have the opportunity to learn English. There are special-need children in each class and they get to learn alongside other children in the same class. The school welcomes international volunteers and are very appreciative of any health education we are able to provide.

Kauvery Medical Centre is a multi-specialty 250 bed hospital providing quality affordable healthcare to the people of Trichy and surrounding areas. The hospital has a wide variety of specialities including cardiology, paediatrics, dental, pharmacy, emergency, general surgery, neuro medicine, orthopaedics, oncology, radiology, psychiatry, obstetrics and more. They have a trauma centre and in-patient and out-patient wards as well as speciality clinics.

The Gitanjali Medical Centre and Hospital is a General Hospital located centrally in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. The hospital provides the following services: general medical, general surgical, gynaecology and obstetrics, ICU, Neurology, gastrology and orthopaedics and Ayurvedic treatment for gynaecology. It has a pharmacy, physiotherapy and outpatients department.

Nepal

HS Global offers a Nepal’s placement opportunity and we sent the first group of students to Pokhara, Nepal in November – December 2019. The placement sites are Saatthi Sansar, Green Pasture hospital and Manipal hospital.

The Saathi Sansar is an NGO family Day Centre for children with cerebral palsy from the region and the children are aged from 3 – 15 years. There are three centres – one is in a rural area which has 20 children and the other two centres are in central Pokhara and with approximately 8 children in each centre. The teachers and carers are trained onsite and there are no qualified allied health professionals providing care and therapy for the children.

The Green Pastures Hospital is a 70 bed Christian NGO Hospital 15 minutes from Lakeside Pokhara. The speciality areas include: Spinal disorders and surgery, orthopaedics, stroke, cerebral palsy, amputations, leprosy/dermatology, plastic surgery, palliative care, general medicine and ear surgery.

Manipal Hospital was established in 1994, it is a teaching hospital for medical and nursing students. Manipal Hospital is a 700-bed private hospital with 7 operating theatres, a medical and surgical ICU, Neurosurgical ICU, Cardiac Care Unit, Paediatric ICU and Neonatal ICU.

Thailand

HS Global has partnered with Challenges Abroad to offer student who are interested the opportunity for a Thailand community health study tour in Dec 2024. Challenges Abroad is a social enterprise committed to providing learning abroad experiences with along-term sustainable impact, beneficial to both students and the local communities. Our Allied Health Program offers a unique insight into community healthcare and education. Students will have the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge acquired throughout their degree on a range of health promotion activities. Students will engage with and observe local health professionals to gain an understanding of the health disparities and developmental challenges in the region, gaining unique insight into current health systems. They will have the opportunity to impact access to healthcare by assisting a local hospital with basic community health screenings and vital sign checks. Students will also work together to identify opportunities for health interventions. They will be challenged to think outside the box as they work with our local partner schools to design and deliver basic first aid and health promotion workshops.

The Mae Sariang community face a number of unique challenges, including access to quality education and health care. We partner with local schools, temples and health centres to deliver a variety of programs that improve education quality, community health and income generation opportunities.

The Hill Tribes are ethnic minority groups that have migrated from China and other parts of Southeast Asia. Each community has their own distinct traditions, culture and language. Due to their remote location in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand, the Hill Tribe communities lack access to various services, including quality health care. By working with these communities, we aim to improve overall community health through health-education programs with a focus on first aid, social and emotional well-being, hygiene and water sanitation, disease prevention and more.

Vietnam

HS Global is partnered with the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS) who run an internship for young adults, providing training on leadership, critical thinking, personal development, volunteer management and social entrepreneurship.

The Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS) has far reaching involvement in development and empowerment of poor, disabled and remote rural communities through education and engagement. We have been sending students to The Hoa Binh Centre of Social Protection since July 2016. This placement expose students to a wide range of conditions that make this a challenging but rewarding experience. As the concept of allied health has just only emerging in Vietnam, we provide innovative services and opportunities for residents to improve their access to healthcare.

Thuy An Rehabilitation Centre for people with disabilities is 13kms away from the small town of Son Tay and 70kms from down town of Hanoi. Founded in 1976, the Centre was originally opened for disabled children whose parents are the veterans infected with the Agent Orange, a toxic chemical used in the American war. Over time, the Centre has started to render its services to all disabled children. Thuy An Centre is a ‘campus’ housing up to 150 children and 50 staff. Many children from the surrounding community also receive outpatient treatment at the Centre and there is a dedicated Autism Unit that educates and provides therapy to the community.

Dates and indicative costs

HS Global offers international placement blocks throughout the year as per the dates listed below. This placement is open to most undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in the health science disciplines.

Placement dates and indicative costs (4-weeks)

Destination	Fee	Jun/Jul	Nov/Dec
Cambodia	$5,900	14 Jun – 12 Jul	15 Nov – 13 Dec
China	$6,500	14 Jun – 12 Jul
Fiji	$6,500		15 Nov – 13 Dec
India	$5,500	14 Jun – 12 Jul	15 Nov – 13 Dec
Nepal	$6,500	14 Jun – 12 Jul	15 Nov – 13 Dec
Thailand	$5,900	14 Jun – 12 Jul	15 Nov – 13 Dec

Deposit and placement payment

Financial assistance

There are a number of options available to eligible students to assist with the HS Global placement fees.

Scholarships

Various scholarships might be available to students participating in the HS Global program. Visit the Curtin Scholarships website and type ‘HS Global’ in the keyword box for more information.

HS Global staff funded scholarships

HS Global staff funded scholarship are available to assist students who demonstrate high academic merit to participate in the HS Global. The scholarship is funded by generous staff through Give to Change Curtin’s staff giving program.

Applications open: 15 January 2025
Applications close: 5 March 2025

New Colombo Plan

HS Global is a recipient of the Australian government’s New Colombo Plan grants valued at $4,000 per student. Students applying must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be an Australian Citizen
Students cannot receive a Student Grant to undertake a mobility project in a Host Location in which they have dual citizenship or residency rights or they have previously been a citizen of permanent resident
Be enrolled in an on-shore campus throughout the duration of the Mobility Project
Be undertaking Bachelors of Honours Degree.

Find out more

OS Help Loan

The 2025 – OS-HELP Loan is now open for applications.

The application process for students is as follows:

The student is to complete the OS-HELP application form online and attach the following pieces of documentation

1. Proof of citizenship (passport/birth certificate)
2. Completed Mobility Coordinator Approval Form*

Fundraising

HS Global provides students with a set of Fundraising Guidelines upon booking. In the past many students have managed to gather a large part of their placement fees through fundraising and most have said that the time and effort was definitely worthwhile.

Please do not hesitate to contact the HS Global to gain some useful tips on how to raise the money to fund your incredible journey ahead and raise funds for your HS Global project.

HS Global Alumni and donations

The HS Global Alumni chapter was established to develop a network of post-graduate professionals who have previously participated in the HS Global Program and provide significant opportunities for continuing involvement in the program.

The aim of the chapter is to meet the overarching theme of “Changing Worlds, Changing Lives” and it is with this in mind, that the committee aims to raise the profile of the HS Global within Curtin University and across the wider community, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the outcomes and possibilities of the placements undertaken at international partner host sites.

The HS Global Alumni chapter encourages all graduates, students and staff interested in HS Global experiences to support this exciting initiative.

Make a donation

ACICIS Public Health Study Tour Indonesia

The ACICIS Public Health Study Tour (PHST) is a two-week intensive program for students in health-related degrees to gain experience in the public health sector in Indonesia. No background in Indonesian required! Students from various disciplines are welcome to apply, including Public Health, Epidemiology, Occupational Health and Safety, Psychology, Biomed, Nursing and more.

How to Apply

Application Deadline:	11 August 2024
Dates:	11 – 25 January 2025
Total Cost:	$4,822
NCP Grants Available:	$3,000
Program Description:	Spend two weeks in Indonesia! Learn about Indonesia’s complex public health systems by industry experts. This tour includes seminars, field trips and Indonesian language classes.
Program Partner:	University of Indonesia

Promotional Material & Course Outlines

View the 2025 Public Health Study Tour Course Outline [.pdf 2MB].

Chiangmai University Public Health Study Tour in Thailand

The School of Public Health has partnered with the Go Global office to offer students enrolled in the BSc Health Science and BSc Health Promotion single degree course the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different cultural context in a supported learning environment. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain an insight into Thailand’s public health management and policy.

Dates and itinerary TBC.

ZHAW School of Health Professions International Winter School: Winterthur, Switzerland

The ZHAW International Winter School offers a unique opportunity for Swiss and other international students to learn about interprofessional cooperation within the health and social sectors! Students will learn during role plays, study visits and interactive lectures about working together in interprofessional teams, about different health and social systems and about how to sensibly act with clients from different cultures. All of this with the magnificence of the Swiss Winter Mountains as your backdrop!

Learn more

University Scholars Leadership Symposium: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Government of Malaysia and Humanitarian Affairs Asia is looking for Outstanding Student Leaders from Curtin University to attend the University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Join 1,500 like-minded Young Leaders from more than 100 countries. The electrifying atmosphere at the USLS will ignite your passion for humanity, drive you to step out of your comfort zone, and set your heart on greater causes. It will challenge you to live a life as a servant leader with passion, persistence, patience and purpose. More importantly, it will kindle the flame of humanity deep within you.

International Nursing Student Summer Camp: Chengdu, Sichuan, China

The International Nursing Student Summer Camp runs for two weeks in July. The camp aims at strengthening international exchanges in nursing education, bridging connections of Nursing students from different countries, providing an enriching summer experience, and broadening international perspectives of Nursing students. Sichuan University will cover economy airfare of China domestic flights, two week accommodation and other fees related to the camp.

CISaustralia

CISaustralia is dedicated to providing university students with innovative, high quality, short-term overseas study, intern and volunteer experiences, while promoting global awareness, inspiring personal growth, and developing engaged world citizens. Experience different healthcare systems while learning from experts in your field of study that gives you a competitive edge!

Find out more

Challenges Abroad

Challenges Abroad Australia provides volunteer experiences and opportunities in worthy communities throughout the world. Sending people to seven countries on projects as varied as our participants, there should be something for everybody with them. Although quite new to Australia, we have been working in the UK for a number of years, meaning they have sent thousands of students and professionals all over the world on exciting volunteering opportunities. What makes Challenges Abroad special is that their trips are designed to bring meaning to travelling and give an experience beyond a traditional tourist excursion to make a real difference in the communities abroad who need it.

Find out more

Contact us

Health Science Global Experiences

Curtin University

For further inquiries or to secure an appointment please email us HSglobal@curtin.edu.au.

Scholarships and funding

There are a range of scholarships and Government funding available for Curtin students applying for HS Global international placements.

See what scholarships are available

Health Science Global Experiences

2025 Information Sessions

2025 HS Global Program Guide

Destinations and placements

HS Global Cambodia student

How to apply

Deposit

How to pay

Scholarships

HS Global staff funded scholarships

New Colombo Plan

OS Help Loan

Fundraising

Hear from our students

Study Tours

Short Term Programs

Approved Third Party Provider Programs

Contact us

Scholarships and funding