A small class still means a big impact. But impact on whom? Well, the answer is everyone.


This past spring, during Concordia’s spring break period, five students enrolled in a Global Health course embarked on a journey to learn about ‘health’ in a truly ‘global’ context. Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences Jessica Loppnow, who led the trip, writes about the experience.

The power of connection

During regular classes, we focused on child and maternal health, social determinants of health, healthcare systems, and the burden of infectious diseases such as malaria. Students investigated health disparities and challenges in both the US and globally, sparking discussions on the progress of health and the unique difficulties many areas of the world still face. Through heart-wrenching stories, powerful videos, and guest speakers that have been embedded in the field, together the students learned, laughed, and grew. 

And that was before we boarded the plane!

Our travel to Jamaica over spring break was exhilarating, educational, and sometimes exhausting. 

Was there beach time? Yes. 

Were there waterfalls? Definitely yes. 

Did we ride horses through the ocean, zipline, snorkel, eat jerk chicken, ride ATVs, and hike? Uh-huh.

Curricularly speaking, we also visited hospitals and pharmacies, heard from Ministry of Health officials, and learned about bush medicine and healthcare systems.

However, far greater than the tourist adventures and academic experiences, the connections to the people of Jamaica is what made the biggest impression on each student. Whether the informative drivers, the rural tea farmers, or the academic speakers, we were impressed by the kindness, hospitality, and Jamaican pride of the people. 

Riverton joy runs deep

One area where connections ran deepest was in an impoverished community called Riverton. The people in this shanty town struggle to survive using what they scavenge from the city landfill. While there, we visited with locals, learning things like how they make a living, go to school, access healthcare, and travel in ways so extremely different than our own. For the students, it was a way of seeing real life in a real way. 

What these wonderful people made abundantly clear though (despite their reality), is that their love, faith, and hope is a testament as to where joy truly comes from.

For two days we served in the Riverton elementary school, playing with children and helping teachers (mostly wrangling kids). Children craved hugs and attention, and we gladly and joyfully provided. We also brought donations (18 checked luggage bags!) that included clothing, soccer balls and pumps, school supplies, art supplies, books, toothbrushes, and diapers to give to the most grateful and deserving teachers and kiddos.

We also had the honor of delivering a charcoal portrait of our host in Riverton, Miss Claudette, a preacher and servant leader who cooks and delivers food for those even less fortunate than herself.

Charcoal drawing by Joshua Loppnow

Lastly, through a CUW School of Pharmacy medical supply drive, we were able to stock the shelves of the school clinic with OTC medications, ointments, and band-aids. These were the most emotional and impactful days, and our debriefs were insightful and powerful.

Student impact

  • “Everywhere I went and in everyone I met, I saw Jesus. The beautiful landscape of the country, the kindness and faithfulness of the people, the teaching of Jesus in school, crosses displayed throughout the country, etc. He could not be missed; it was amazing.” – Emily
  • “It is one thing to sit in a classroom and learn about global health disparities, hunger, and poverty. But it’s completely different to play with a malnourished child or meet families who live in shacks built from landfill scraps. It motivates you to speak up and advocate for systemic change.” – Sophie
  • “Growing in empathy, compassion and understanding for different cultures is important for all students to do. I would urge anyone going to work in healthcare to take this class because it will ultimately make you a better provider by broadening your understanding of the world.” – Sarah
  • “Traveling to Jamaica allowed me to not only apply what I learned in class but see the interworking of healthcare and Christ in real world settings. Having this experience changed how I see healthcare and drives me to want to make a difference in other countries.” – Faith
  • “This course and trip showed me firsthand that every country has struggled with how they provide healthcare. It also showed me how different healthcare can look from country to country” – Kaylee

Want in?

Global Health is offered again in the spring of 2025. It is open to students of any major. There is also a science/healthcare version of the class available which fulfills both the society and culture core requirements. The study abroad locations may change from year to year, but the mission, experiences and service learning for students will continue to be transformational.

University alternative spring break programs are rapidly growing in popularity across the country, but this Concordia study abroad program offers more: curricular-based experiences in global health, exposure to medical and mission work abroad, community service learning, and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else. We are proud to be living out the mission of Concordia – serving Christ in the church and the world.

Talk to your advisor if you are interested in incorporating Global Health into your schedule. A small class still means a big impact. But impact on whom? Well, the answer is everyone.

Learn more

Concordia students interested in studying abroad can choose from among more than 500 study abroad programs in 48 different countries! The deadline for spring semester study abroad is Oct. 1, 2024. Expand your horizons. Grow your perspectives of the world. Gain professional benefits from exposure to new cultures.


—This story is written by Jessica Loppnow, an assistant professor in the Department of Natural Sciences.