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Health and the City in New York

Why you should go

Have you always wanted to live in New York, not just visit? Do you feel you would only skim the surface of the city if you went alone? Tourists often limit themselves to the usual top destinations and wander around not knowing what they are seeing, but this global seminar aims to get you fully acquainted with the five boroughs. Whether you are interested in the arts, theater, dance, jazz, or architecture, in urban planning and neighborhood design, in municipal politics and governance, or in climate change and urban exposure to health risks, New York City is one of the most important sites to experience and research questions that impact cities around the world. This global seminar will combine a research component in public health topics with a broader introduction to the history of race vis-à-vis environment and urbanization. In addition to some of the usual tourist destinations, you will also learn how to work in NYC archives and research sites.

Courses

Faculty Leader

Nancy Kwak
nhkwak@ucsd.edu

Nancy KwakNancy Kwak is an urban historian interested in the intersections of urban design and health. She earned her PhD at Columbia University and has taught, written, and researched in New York for many years. She has many publications about the various histories of housing policy in New York, London, Singapore, Manila, and other world cities. She is currently working on a book on the history of urban food systems. Above all, she loves working with students who bring their own experiences to bear on course content, and she understands the practical concerns of students who are preparing for future advanced degrees and careers. She is an Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award recipient. Learn more about Prof. Kwak at nancykwak.net.

Who should go

This Global Seminar has no prerequisites! Everyone should consider joining. Seminar content fits well with students interested in Public Health, Urban Studies and Planning, History, Visual Arts, Communication, and many other departments. Courses meet the American History and Institutions requirement, the DEI requirement, and may meet the Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement. Students interested in learning how to research urban topics may find this seminar particularly helpful, and outside internships are encouraged.

Information Sessions

  • Thursday, Nov. 19, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
  • Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.

See the Info Session Calendar


Dates

Departure from U.S.: Sat., June 26, 2027
Arrival: Sun., June 27, 2027
Mandatory Orientation: Mon., June 28, 2027
First Day of Class: Mon., June 28, 2027
Last Day of Class: Fri., July 30, 2027
Departure for the U.S.
(or personal travel):		 Sat., July 31, 2027

Flight Information

  • You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
  • Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed . All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.

Global Seminar Fees

All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.

  UCSD Other UC Non-UC
Program Cost:
(includes $500 administrative fee)		 TBD TBD TBD
Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees:
 		 $2,623.24 $2,673.24 $3,675.24
Total:
(not including airfare or personal expenses)		 TBD TBD TBD

Budget Calculator

  • Coming soon!

Funding Options

See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.

Local

Other Activities

  • At least two arts performances - TBD

Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.

Housing

  • Air conditioned double occupancy room in student residence
  • Shared bathroom
  • Communal kitchen
  • Laundry in building
  • Wireless Internet included
  • Air-conditioning 
Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.

Included Meals

  • Welcome dinner upon arrival
  • Farewell dinner at end of program

Classroom and Computer Access

  • Classroom space TBA
  • Wireless Internet in the classroom
  • There is no computer lab available - plan to bring a laptop
Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.

Transportation

  • Transportation from La Guardia or JFK Airport to the student housing is included in the program for students arriving within specified hours on the official program start date
  • OMNY travel card provided for duration of program

Phones

  • Because this program is in the United States, no special arrangements are needed for cell phone connectivity.
  • Students will be responsible to purchase their own calling time/minutes.

Insurance, Health, and Safety

  • An in-depth orientation will be given on the morning after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
  • Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours.
  • All students should make sure that their health insurance continues through the summer.