OSU students dive into health equity, London style!
Sixteen OSU students explored social determinants of health in London this summer through the College of Health's study abroad program. Students engaged with public health professionals and communities while earning academic credit toward degrees.
Sixteen Oregon State University students packed their bags — and their curiosity — for a two-week adventure in London this summer, joining the College of Health’s faculty-led study abroad program, Live, Learn, Work and Play: The Social Determinants of Health in London. This immersive, six-credit course turned the city into a living classroom, where students explored how education, housing, transportation, food systems and community infrastructure shape health outcomes.
From historic streets to cutting-edge community hubs, students compared public health policies and practices in the UK and United States, discovering what works, what’s different and what lessons can be applied to public health work back home.
“Public health isn’t confined to textbooks or lectures; it lives in people’s stories, in their struggles, and in their strengths. This journey transformed how I see global health, reminding me that empathy is just as essential as evidence.”
~Dr. Shoborose Tantray
MPH student: Health Promotion and Health Behavior
A living laboratory for public health
Students retraced the footsteps of public health pioneers like John Snow and Florence Nightingale, visited organizations tackling HIV, homelessness and racial inequality, and explored inclusive public spaces such as Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park. They engaged with professionals from the Royal College of Physicians, Homeless Link, Made in Hackney, and the London Legacy Development Corporation, among others. Students also participated in workshops on education policy and school health, visited the University of Cambridge, and explored exhibits at the Wellcome Collection and Science Museum.
Students investigated an exciting breadth of topics, ranging from sanitation and disability access to food justice and community development. They also engaged in daily reflections, visual storytelling through Instagram, and final presentations synthesizing their learning. Post-trip assignments included a guided tour and toolkit for identifying social determinants of health in their own communities, extending the impact of London’s lessons back to work, school and life back in Oregon.
The 2025 program was co-led by Stephanie Grutzmacher and Hailey Coll, who worked together to craft a program that not only was academically rigorous, but also professionally enriching and personally transformative. Their approach emphasized reflective practice, cultural humility and community-based learning. They created a supportive learning environment where students could build confidence, engage deeply with complex social issues, and return home with renewed purpose to pursue careers that advance health equity.
“I saw students step outside of their comfort zones, connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences, and build a strong sense of community. This program offers a meaningful blend of academic growth, cultural exploration and shared discovery. As someone who's experienced this trip both as a student and a facilitator, I can truly say it is transformational!”
~Hailey Coll, 2025 Instructor, COH MPH/BS alumni
Building careers in public health
By engaging directly with professionals, organizations and communities addressing real-world health challenges, students gained practical insights into the diverse career paths available in public health and related fields. The program emphasized critical skills such as cultural humility, systems thinking, community engagement and policy analysis — competencies that are essential for effective public health practice. For many participants, the experience clarified academic and professional goals, sparked interest in graduate study, and deepened their commitment to advancing health equity in their future careers.
“I went to London so excited for the experience and came home knowing for sure that I’d chosen the right path. Having the chance to learn from professionals in the field was amazing, but for me, the best part was being surrounded by other students just as eager to get out there and make a difference as I am. It gave me so much hope for the future.”
~Spencer Cassar
BS in Public Health, Health Promotion and Health Behavior
OSU Ecampus
In addition to building skills and a global professional network, many students also earned credit toward their H439 Public Health Internship requirement or experiential learning requirements.
Diverse cohort, shared purpose
The 2025 cohort included undergraduate and graduate students from public health, human development and family sciences, and biohealth sciences. Participants represented a wide array of backgrounds, including first-generation college students, international students, and those traveling abroad for the first time, all bringing fresh perspectives and a shared purpose in building their skills for the future.
Thanks to the John W & E Roxie Howlett Education Fund, 15 students received scholarships, making this transformative experience more accessible and equitable and supporting the development of future public health professionals committed to health equity.
Looking ahead: London 2026!
Planning is already under way for next year’s program. Undergraduate students from any major and MPH students are encouraged to apply. Keep an eye out for info sessions and applications in fall 2025.
Check out more information about study abroad opportunities in the College of Health.
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