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This program was offered in the past. This program might be offered again, but to be certain contact the organizing institution of this program. For current programs view all programs, or see the current offer by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The Beautiful Mind: Global Perceptions of Mental Health

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

How young is too young to diagnose a child with bipolar disorder? What is the solution to alcohol addiction in South Korea? What is normal – and does “normal” even exist? To explore such questions, this course invites you “down the rabbit hole” of mental health as a global issue. Offering the broadest possible perspective on the topic, we discuss the most prevalent and impactful disorders in different regions and so reveal the complexity of the psychiatric aspects of public health worldwide.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?
Students and professionals with a background in public health, mental health or a similar field, plus professionals looking to expand their understanding of these issues at the global level. If you have doubts about your eligibility for the course, please let us know. Our courses are multi-disciplinary and therefore are open to students with a wide variety of backgrounds.

COURSE CONTENT
We begin with a general introduction to mental health, following this up with in-depth lectures and workshops on current diagnostic methods in the field. You then use this newly acquired knowledge to discuss treatment options at both individual and community level. You also dive into the realm of policy-making and regulation, on a national as well as an international scale. Particular attention is paid to developing your critical thinking ability in this area by discussing the ambiguity of mental health. Further lectures and workshops focus upon related issues, such as the ethics of mental health, cultural influences and stigma. Working in groups, you end the course by investigating a specific question in global mental health, analysing and reporting on this topic through medical and cross-cultural psychiatric lenses.

EXCURSIONS
To be announced

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, you:

  • Acquire basic knowledge about the mental health organization, from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
  • Understand the factors which influence mental health status and service provision, in both the national and the international arena.
  • Are able to take an interdisciplinary approach to mental health issues so that you better understand how they relate to other health-related problems.
  • Gain practical experience in designing a community-based mental health intervention.
  • Are better able to critically assess and debate the complexities and ambiguities of mental health problems.
  • Meet and work with peers from different countries and backgrounds.
Location Amsterdam, Netherlands
Period
20 Jul 2019 - 3 Aug 2019
Levels Bachelor / Undergraduate
Master / Graduate
PhD
Professional
Credits 3.0 ECTS
Program fee 1,150 EUR
Accommodation fee 500 EUR
Extra information about the fee:
There are several accommodation options, ranging in price from €500 to €550. There are discounts:
€150 discount for early birds (register before 15 March, 23.59 CET).
€250 discount for all students from partner universities.
€200 discount when you apply for 2 courses, €300 when you apply for 3 courses.
€450 discount if you are currently a student at VU Amsterdam. Visit our website to see all housing options and for a list of partner universities.
Application deadline 1 May 2019
Entry requirements:
At least enrolled in 2nd year of Bachelor studies.
Contact information:
Mail: amsterdamsummerschool@vu.nl
Skype: VU Amsterdam Summer School - by appointment, email first
Telephone: +31 20 59 86429