Psychology Study Abroad
PSYC 3770: A 3 credit course that counts toward electives in a Psychology major or as upper division credits for any major.
This course investigates health issues from a cultural perspective and how they are situated in countries around the world. Students will be engaging in health-related activities and connecting these activities to readings completed before and during the study abroad program. A multidisciplinary approach using theories and research from fields such as Global Health, Medicine, Psychology, Medical Anthropology, and Medical Sociology are used to consider how culture impacts health behaviors.
Some major questions we address will be:
What is health? What is global health?
What are major health issues in the country we visit?
How is culture defined? How does culture impact our concepts of health?
How is health conceptualized in this country and what are common health practices?
How does psychology and other social sciences inform global health issues?
Dr. McLaughlin partnered with Therapy Abroad to help create an amazing set of learning experiences for you!
Upcoming Summer Course Offering
BULGARIA & TURKEY
Join us in Bulgaria and Turkey in Summer 2026!
Bulgaria & Turkey: Psychology, Medicine & Mental Health Program
Dates: June 18 - July 2
Course Credit Option
Course credit is an option (though not required) through Extended Education Summer Session. You will register for PSYC 3770 FLP: Culture and Health: Study abroad in Bulgaria & Turkey
These credits count toward a Psychology major or minor.
PAST TRIPS
DOMINICA
In Summer 2025 CSUB students experienced a service-oriented trip to the Caribbean island country of Dominica!
Student Experiences
See the write up of this course in the ‘Runner!
Study Abroad Course Instructor
Phone: 661-654-2375Email: hmclaughlin1@csub.eduOffice: DDH D123Heidi McLaughlin's WebsiteMore About Heidi McLaughlinDr. Heidi McLaughlin leads the summer abroad courses. She participated in study abroad twice as an undergrad to St. Petersburg, Russia and did graduate research in Uganda and Tanzania. Her research primarily focuses on how children around the world, in varying contexts, come to understand health-related concepts (especially germs) and contamination. She has wide experience traveling and living around the world and is excited to share that with students!
Feel free to email her for any questions about this course.
More Information:
This course is open to any major. As an upper division course it is best suited for students after their Sophomore year, but students in their first or second year are welcome to join.
There is not a specific course as a prerequisite. Students who have completed a course that covers any of the following are best suited for this class:
- Intro course in: Psychology, Public Health, Kinesiology, or Sociology
- Any health-focused course
If you have not completed any course like those above, or have some general eligibility questions, reach out to Dr. McLaughlin (hmclaughin1@csub.edu) to talk about your interest in the class.
The cost for the study abroad courses generally cover:
- accommodations
- all meals
- transportation while in the country
- local translators, as needed
- local guides
- excursions
Students will generally need to cover thier own airfare to the country. Expenses on site will be for anyting extra you want, such as sovenirs.
You can check security levels for the country of destination at the US travel advisory. CSUB approves courses that visit countries with a Level 1 or 2.
Students will need an updated passport that is valid for 6 months after the date of the trip. Dr. McLaughlin will step you through the process of getting the necessary Visa for the visit, if needed.
We typically travel together as a class to the destination.
Sources of additional funding
Photos (click on thumbnail to enlarge):
