About this tour
This Study Tour to Brussels and Cologne will introduce you to the differences in medical practice between a small western European country such as Belgium and the largest central European country, Germany. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare in Belgium and Germany, and the challenges faced by providers and patients in each context.
Throughout the tour, Brussels and Cologne will serve as immersive classrooms, highlighting contrasts in healthcare systems, cultural practices, and community dynamics. Engaging with the medical system and the professionals who run it will provide invaluable insights into the pros and cons of each, while interactions with locals will enhance your understanding of socio-cultural factors and their influences on health behaviors and outcomes.
you will observe differences in healthcare access and gain firsthand insight into the medical landscapes of Brussels and Cologne by meeting medical professionals and visiting hospitals and clinics. Along the way we will examine key healthcare issues such as population demographics, economic factors, health promotion, mental health, technology allocation, funding, resource management, health system organization, and patient-doctor relationships.
By the end of the tour, you will have a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges of the Belgian and German healthcare systems, enabling you to make well-informed comparisons with healthcare systems in Denmark and the United States.
Multi-destination tour note
The order in which this Study Tour travels may vary by semester. You will be informed of which location you will begin and end in as soon as possible, but it may not reflect the order listed in the title of this tour.

Learning outcomes
- Compare and contrast healthcare systems in Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the U.S. to understand challenges faced by providers
- Observe clinical practice and research with clinical relevance
- Experience medical practice in social, historical, and scientific contexts
Possible activities
- Discuss the structure of the Belgian and German healthcare systems with doctors and other providers
- Interview locals about their healthcare experiences in different regions of Belgium and Germany
- Visit local hospitals and clinics to speak with providers about their experiences