USAID Offers U.S. Study Tour for Women's Health Professionals

December 7, 2009

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is offering a three week, study tour to the United States for professionals from the field of Women’s Health. Through this "Community Connections" program, Serbian professionals will stay with American families and meet with their U.S. counterparts to learn about the variety of support services for women with cancer or other medical problems, see how these services work, and how they are organized and funded.

Participants will be able to

• Examine communication between doctors and patients
• Learn how to create prevention programs, including those for the promotion of healthy lifestyles
• Experience different models of community support and activities that promote women’s participation
• Have the opportunity to share ideas on the development and implementation of effective programs in the area of reproductive health in their communities and explore roles and responsibilities of other actors (such as schools, universities, families, NGOs, youth centers, associations, etc.) in outreach to women.

All expenses in the U.S., including international airfare, insurance, professional and cultural programs and room and board are covered (passport fees and travel within Serbia are not included).

The Community Connections program is managed by USAID and implemented by World Learning in collaboration with Public Affairs Department of U.S. Embassy. The deadline for submitting applications is January 20, 2010.

In order to be eligible for the Community Connections Program, applicants must be employed as health care institutions' medical staff and other professionals (doctors, nurses, oncologists, gynecologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, health care center managers); be employed at institutions dealing with cancer and/or reproductive health e.g. Institute for Oncology and Radiology, Students Polyclinic, etc.); be an active member of an association or NGO involved in the area of women’s health; be an activist at a Youth Counseling Center active in the area of reproductive health and education; or be employed at the Serbian Ministry of Health and fulfill the general requirements of the program.

For additional information or to download an application form, please see World Learning/Community Connections website: http://www.worldlearning.org.rs/ or contact Marijana Todorovic, World Learning, at 062 8 222 424 or (011) 3612-462, 3626-092.