UCLA Travel Study
Medicine and Global Health: East-West Medicine in Shanghai
*Program not offered for Summer 2023*
There is growing global interest in developing integrative medicine for improving both individual and population health. Integrative medicine, in its myriad forms, support a person-centered care model which emphasizes individuality, while imparting a holistic approach and empowering patients to take charge of their own health and healing using self-care techniques. Despite the benefits of integrative medicine, many health professionals are inadequately educated to counsel patients on the use of these approaches. In partnership with the UCLA Global Health Minor Program, the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine is offering this 8-unit program in Shanghai, one of China’s largest and most modernized cities. Through this program, students will learn the basic concepts and become exposed to the various techniques of traditional Chinese medicine, witness China’s rapidly changing landscape, and analyze integrative medicine strategies being implemented to address personal and community health issues. Moreover, this program will provide a unique platform for future healthcare professionals to gain a global perspective of integrative medicine and experience the unique integration of traditional medicine in a modern healthcare system.
This program is designed with pre-health, medical, nursing, and public health students from the UC system and beyond in mind. The program will be hosted in Shanghai through partnership with top universities, including Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) and Fudan University School of Public Health.
Curriculum
Program Courses
All students will enroll in two required courses while attending the program. Students may choose to receive Medicine or Global Health minor credit:
- MED 180A or GLB HLT 110A (4 units)
- MED 180B or GLB HLT 110B (4 units)
Course Descriptions
MED 180A or GLB HLT 110A: Chinese Medicine – Its Origins, Roles in Culture, and the Impact of Modernization (4 units)
Prerequisites: Â None
This course focuses on the concepts and philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine within the framework of Chinese culture. Students will gain an understanding of Chinese medicine’s scientific value and observe the practices of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and herbal medicine through visits to research labs, hospitals, clinics, and herbal gardens. Through lectures and activities, students will also gain an understanding of cultural, social, and environmental impacts on public health.
MED 180B or GLB HLT 110B:Â Integrative Medicine Practice in the Chinese Healthcare Delivery System (4 units)
Prerequisites:Â None
Building upon MED 180A/GLB HLT 110A, this course focuses on the integration of Chinese and Western medicine. Students will learn key principles of Integrative Medicine (IM), incorporating conventional and complementary healthcare approaches. Lectures and discussions will be enhanced by observation of IM practices in local hospitals and community health centers in addition to mind-body practices such as Tai chi. Through examination of the Chinese healthcare system, students will gain an understanding of health issues and practices in a global context.
Syllabus/Schedule
TBA. Â Syllabus and schedule are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
Grading
Travel Study courses must be taken for a letter grade. Grades will be based on class attendance and participation, assignments, and final presentation/paper. Grading criteria is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
Textbooks
TBA
Budget and Financial Aid
| Budget Estimate | UC Undergrads | UC Grad Students | Visiting Student |
| Program Fee | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Textbooks (estimate) |  $150 |  $150 |  $150 |
| Tourist Visa | $140 | $140 | $140 |
| Airfare (estimate) |  $1900 |  $1900 |  $1900 |
| Meals (estimate) | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Spending Money (estimate) | $800 | $800 | $800 |
Program fee includes registration and course fees, accommodations, program excursions, some meals, and health insurance.
Airfare, tourist visa, textbooks, optional courses, other meals, optional excursions, and any COVID-19 testing required for travel are additional.
Fees are subject to change by action of the UC Regents. View full fee disclaimer.
Document Fee
Non-UCLA students will be charged a $50 Document Fee. This is a one-time document fee which covers fees for first-class mailing of official transcripts, diploma and much more. Please visit the Registrar’s Office Website for more information. Matriculated UCLA Students: Please visit the Registrar’s Office Website for document fee information.
IEI Fee
All undergraduate students will be charged a $61 IEI fee per summer. The IEI (Instructional Enhancement Initiative) fee is a course materials fee that is charged in order to support the use of technology in undergraduate education at UCLA.
Budgeting
We recommend that you budget accordingly to cover optional sightseeing, laundry, Internet cafes, emergencies, etc. Â How much to budget depends on your travel, entertainment, and souvenir choices. It is always best to overestimate your spending. Take the time to research the cost of living in your destination and the activities you want to participate in while abroad.
Purchasing Airfare
Please do not purchase airfare until instructed to do so by your Travel Study Program Coordinator.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for Summer Sessions Travel Study programs is available to qualified UCLA students. All other students should inquire about financial aid at their home institution. For details about the financial aid application process, please visit the financial aid section of this web site.
Scholarship
Students who have already confirmed enrollment for the course through deposit payment are eligible to apply for the Shirley Hui East-West Medicine scholarship. Download the application form with instructions here.
On Location
Accommodations
Participants will reside in a conveniently located hotel or student residence hall. Rooms are double occupancy.
UCLA Travel Study reserves the right to change housing location. Should this be necessary, we will arrange comparable accommodations elsewhere.
Meals
Please let us know when you apply for this program if you have special dietary needs as well as any physical or medical conditions. We will advise you accordingly.
Excursions
This program includes several excursions as part of its curriculum.
Limited free time is built into this program for independent sightseeing. If you plan on traveling extensively, we recommend that you budget additional spending money.
Student Stories
Jazzlyne Hudson
Travel Study Ambassador, 2019
Second year student at UCLA
Psychobiology major, Gender Studies minor
Cydney Vicentina
Program Correspondent, 2018
Communication Studies major
