Course Information:
Global events such as war and economic crisis have led to an unprecedented surge of migration to the Mediterranean. This unique study abroad program applied a cross-disciplinary approach and a social ecological framework to examine factors that impact the health and human rights of migrant and marginalized populations in Alghero, Sardinia. While the city of Alghero is held as a positive example for Italy and the region for migrant inclusion policies, many non-majority groups, such as refugees, asylees, and Roma, still remain on the periphery throughout Europe.
What can we learn from island communities, such as Alghero, about factors that influence the health and well-being of newly immigrated, displaced, and marginalized populations in the region?
Students participating in the month-long study abroad program explored historical, social and political factors that influence migration in Sardinia and the region. They came to better understand the complexity of the situation from multiple perspectives. They examined barriers and facilitators to health and human rights, and applied a community-based and capacity focused approach to learn from and work with partners, including young adult refugee and asylum seekers from Vel Mari and Castlesardo (migrant centers) and Roma families and activists.
This program was the first UW study abroad program to Sardinia, and the first multi-institutional, global collaboration involving the UW Comparative History of Ideas program, UW Bothell School of Nursing and Health Studies, and faculty from the University of Rome Tre and University of Sassari.
The objectives of the study abroad program are listed below:
· Describe trends relative to migration in the Mediterranean
· Analyze the historical, social, political, economic, and cultural factors that impact migration to the Mediterranean and Europe
· Explain ways in which migration impacts health and well being
· Defend how health and migration are human rights
· Critically appraise some of the current initiatives and policies developed to improve health indicators among migrant
populations in Sardinia and in the Mediterranean
· Apply Freirean/participatory methods to gain a deeper understanding of factors that serve as barriers and supports to
individuals migrating (forced and voluntary) to the region.
Courses:
CHID 471 A/BHS 400 (Health Studies): Migration, Marginalization, Health, and Resilience (5 Credits)
CHID 471 B: Collaborative Methodologies: Ethnography, Civic Art, and Planning (5 Credits)
CHID 470 A: Romani Identity and Culture (2 Credits)
Fulfills Requirements:
CHID Cultural and Historical Engagement
CHID Power & Difference
I&S Credit
VLPA
W credit (upon instructor approval)
When?:
July 9th - August 6th