Peru

Global Health Studies' education abroad programs in Peru are our longest-standing programs and the most popular amongst students. For over 10 years, MSU students have worked alongside expert faculty, physicians and clinic partners for one-of-a-kind observational experiences with Global Health Institute partners in Trujillo, Lima and Cusco. In addition, medical students work closely with local healthcare staff to provide essential primary care to underserved communities in and around Iquitos.

OST 687 – Global Health: Peru – Clinical Immersion (3 Credits)

The elective is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of Peru’s healthcare system, to provide students with opportunities for improving their personal/professional skills and to experience operating in a different cultural context and to actively engage in patient-based learning experiences under the supervision of licensed U.S. physicians working in tandem with local providers.

OST 687 – Global Health: Peru – Pre-Clinical Observation (3 Credits)

This pre-clinical observation course, open to Pre-Med and healthcare students, enhances students’ understanding of the Peruvian healthcare system and improving primary healthcare skills in the city of Cusco. Students will have an opportunity to visit Peruvian health and healing facilities, interact with community healthcare practitioners, and experience Peruvian culture.

Prerequisites: Students must be second-year or fourth-year medical students with instructor approval. Students must be in good academic standing to participate.

Eligibility Requirements:

Student must be in good academic standing (no failed courses on academic record) at the time of departure.
Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.
This program is open to graduate medical students (OMS I or OMS II) enrolled in a Global Health Studies program.

Pre-Departure Requirements:

Students in clinical immersion programs must also participate in pre-departure preparation activities, such as fundraising efforts for medical supplies, supply packing events and orientation sessions.

Summer 2026: August 1 - 15, 2026

Course Duration: 15 days

"I truly felt like it was a very unique experience. And the bond that you get from the patients [in Peru] and people there, as well as the bond you have with your peers... you're just getting an experience that really is very unique. I think global health initiatives like the Peru trip are really important to make sure that the community is also benefiting, and not just us as med students getting that clinical experience and clinical exposure."

- Olivia Slewa, MSUCOM Class of 2028

"It was a great experience because you were able to have one-on-one time with doctors and treat conditions that you wouldn't normally see in the United States or in Michigan."

- Javier Tobar, MSUCOM Class of 2028

"I was able to both learn and practice medicine during our clinic days which was new for me because we have not yet rotated in the hospital. I loved the autonomy we had as medical students because we were able to interview and perform physical exams on our patients before presenting their cases to our attendings. I was also able to practice and increase my competency in medical Spanish, which is a goal of mine as a future physician so that I am able to treat a diverse patient population."

- Aria Trager, MSUCOM Class of 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

Student must be in good academic standing (no failed courses on academic record) at the time of departure.
Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.
This program is open to MSU undergraduate, graduate, first-year medical and MS in Global Health students.

Winter 2027: January 2 - 13, 2027

Course Duration: 11 days

"Before studying abroad, Peru existed to me entirely through pictures and videos online. By the time I returned home, it had become a vivid blend of clinical learning, cultural immersion, and personal connection that far exceeded what I imagined my program could offer. Over two weeks in Peru, our group learned from healthcare providers, visited cultural and historical sites, and engaged closely with the local community. From observing patient care in clinics to experiencing Incan history at archaeological sites, the program offered a balanced look at medicine, culture, and daily life in the Andes, all reinforcing my passion for medicine and global health."

- Jagger Wraalstad, MSU Kinesiology Major

"During my time in Peru, I saw firsthand the healthcare system and how modern medicine intersects with traditional medicine. As a pre-med student who also works in direct care, observing how patients are taken care of in another country was very informative. In rural areas, we learned from midwives and natural healers how mountainous herbs are used to treat ailments. I also gained insight into the clinics in the city center of Cusco through shadowing nurses and doctors."

- Asha Harper, MSU Kinesiology Major

Peru

Available Programs

OST 687 – Global Health: Peru – Clinical Immersion (3 Credits)

OST 687 – Global Health: Peru – Pre-Clinical Observation (3 Credits)