Welcoming MSc and PhD Global Health Students
Last week kicked off the start of the new academic year for the Global Health MSc and PhD programs.
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, we welcomed both the MSc and PhD Global Health graduate students to in-person learning where students will expand on their knowledge and develop a global health lens through the transdisciplinary experiences in the program.
Delivering the official welcome address, Director of the Global Health program, Dr. Christy Gombay, discussed the need for continued innovative collaboration and inspired the learning experience ahead for future thought leaders.
The MSc Global Health incoming students were provided with information about mobility exchange opportunities with partnership universities, the Global Health Symposium in Manipal, and the options for completing their global health practicum.
An important part of orientation is the canoe trip along the Grand River, which is a team-building exercise that introduces students to skills they will build in the program: teamwork, problem solving, and relationship-building.
“It’s an opportunity to break the ice and connect on a more personal level with the other students and staff whom students will be working with closely over the next 12 months,” explained Sonya de Laat, the Global Health program’s academic program advisor and curriculum co-ordinator. “Many of the courses jump right into group work, so this is an opportunity to build bridges and develop trust to facilitate the group process,” she says.
The MSc students also had an opportunity to join activities including an Alumni Insider Perspective Q & A session where alumni from the program provided incoming students with tips and advice on navigating the program, next steps after the program, and career pathways.
The Global Health program is committed to next-generation learning environments and throughout year students collaborate in small online learning pods with peers from partner universities in the Netherlands, Thailand, India, Sudan, and Colombia. Emphasizing the value of communication, we continue to find innovative ways to engage students and connect them with available local and global opportunities.
For more pictures of Orientation Week, see our McMaster Global Health Office Instagram.
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