Internationale Zusammenarbeit und globale Gesundheit (IZGG)

International cooperation and global health students talking to each other

In our globalised world, many professionals work in multicultural contexts. For health professionals in Switzerland and Europe, dealing with these global contexts is not only stimulating, but increasingly fundamental to their daily work. Professionals working internationally in the health sector, or preparing to work abroad, often face complex and multifaceted challenges. Living and working in an environment of extreme resource scarcity requires a deep understanding of local conditions and an adapted approach.

Enter the Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Cooperation and Global Health. Over 8 weeks (approximately 230 contact hours) you will gain the knowledge and skills to understand health in multicultural and global contexts. The course is designed for professionals from all sectors of the health care system and interested individuals from other fields who work with intercultural communication, migration and health in a global context, or who are preparing to work abroad. Upon successful completion of all modules, you will be awarded a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) accredited by the University of Basel.

The course consists of two modules (Internationale Zusammenarbeit and Globale Gesundheit, 4 weeks each), which can be taken independently. It is also possible to take the modules in 2-week block courses (Vernetzte Welt, Internationaler Kontext, Geographische Medizin and Gesundheitsinterventionen). In order to be well prepared for an international placement, it is recommended that you complete both modules. You can take individual modules or sub-modules if you do not wish to obtain the CAS IZGG certificate.

At a Glance

The CAS IZGG is a good foundation for working on migration and health issues in Switzerland and Europe, and an ideal preparation for international assignments with national or international organisations. The first module (4 weeks), Internationale Zusammenarbeit, covers the basics of socio-cultural, cultural-geographical and ecological relationships in a global context. The second module, Globale Gesundheit, is an in-depth study of a wide range of diseases and interventions to improve the health of individuals and populations in different regions and in different health and social system contexts.

The teaching language of the course is German, although some content (e.g. texts or videos) might be in English. English language skills are an advantage but not a prerequisite.
 

Module A: Internationale Zusammenarbeit

Module B: Globale Gesundheit

Submodule A1: Vernetzte Welt Submodule B1: Geographische Medizin
  • Culture-Religion-Society
  • Intercultural communication
  • Concepts and strategies of development co-operation
  • Migration in a global context
  • Aspects of economic and political geography
  • Working in international cooperation
  • Diseases in different endemic areas
  • Tropical medical parasitology with laboratory demonstrations
  • Environmental pollution and health hazards
  • Mental health
  • Migrant health
  • Travel medicine
Submodule A2: Internationaler Kontext Submodule B2: Gesundheitsinterventionen
  • Geography of the tropics and subtropics
  • Agriculture, livestock and nutrition in the Global South
  • Water supply, sanitation and food security in countries with limited resources
  • Renewable energy and appropriate technologies
  • Intercultural skills in international cooperation
  • Travel preparation and preventive measures during a stay abroad                                           
  • Interventions to improve the health of individuals and populations in different endemic areas
  • Child health in resource-limited countries
  • Vector control and drug development
  • Health systems and integrated approaches to health
  • Sociology of health and disease
  • Health Impact Assessment

“My interest in other cultures, my constant curiosity and the desire to work on a project abroad were the driving force behind my search for a suitable postgraduate programme. Looking back, I have to say that I couldn't have made a better choice than attending the IZGG. The range of topics covered in the lessons is very broad and provides a good overview of the context.”

Xandaira Straub

Registered Nurse, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital

“The CAS IZGG enabled me to deepen my understanding of socio-cultural contexts. In my daily work, I increasingly care for people from different countries of origin who have different ways of living and dealing with illness. The content I have learnt has enabled me to understand some of their behaviour better. If I understand the context, I can achieve more in the field of health. I highly recommend the CAS to everyone.”

Rosaria Mazzillo

Registered Nurse, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education, Spital Limmattal

The course is aimed at health professionals from all sectors (nursing, medicine, health promotion, prevention, etc.) and interested people from other professions who are faced with intercultural communication, migration and health in a global context or who are preparing to work abroad.
 

The CAS in International Cooperation and Global Health certificate is awarded to participants who have completed the entire course and passed all four submodule exams.

Participants who attend only individual modules or who do not pass the exam will receive a certificate of attendance from Swiss TPH.

To ensure good preparation for an assignment in international cooperation, attendance of all modules is recommended. All modules of the CAS IZGG can be attended individually and independently of each other.
 

Admission to the course requires a university degree or completed vocational training and two years' professional experience.

Applications are considered in the order they are received. Once you have registered, you will receive confirmation and an invoice for the course fees.
 

Full course (8 weeks): CHF 5,200

Enrolment in one module (A or B, 4 weeks): CHF 2,650

Enrolment in a single module (A1, A2, B1 or B2, 2 weeks): CHF 1,400

Course fees must be paid at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. Cancellations received less than 4 weeks before the start of the course are subject to a fee of CHF 500.

Insurance is the responsibility of the participants. In the event of an insufficient number of participants, the course may be cancelled up to 4 weeks prior to the start of the course. Swiss TPH cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred, such as travel or accommodation.