Last summer, Nichole Lasich had the opportunity of a lifetime — an immersive four-week experience in Mozambique, Africa.
Lasich, a clinical associate professor in the School of Public and Population Health, joined five other Boise State faculty members and six Idaho K-12 educators to participate in the Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad. The program titled: “Forging a Future for Africa Through Sustainability: Lesson from Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park,” was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s International And Foreign Language Education program.
Lasich and the participants traveled to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, Villa Gorongosa and Gorongosa National Park, where they engaged in Portuguese language instruction and lectures on current Mozambican topics, experiential learning opportunities, and individual exploration and reflection.
For Lasich, who teaches the school’s Introduction to Global Health course, this experience was an opportunity to expand her global health background and build connections with those also looking to “think globally.”
“It was an amazing opportunity to work with faculty from disciplines across campus — being part of an interdisciplinary team brought a critical lens to global health,” Lasich said. “And working with K-12 educators brought such a different perspective on education for young students.”
Lasich and the participants took part in Portuguese language classes to help reduce the language barrier with locals while in Mozambique and engaged in lectures from local university professors.
“These lectures opened my eyes to the history, culture, geopolitics, and health stories of the people in Mozambique,” Lasich said.
Sustainability was a large focus for the trip — especially as it related to the Gorongosa National Park. Outside of the project, Lasich aims to bring the theme of sustainability to her global health class, by helping students better understand how to meet the health needs of everyone now, while ensuring health resources for future generations.
“Sustainability asks that we aim to be conscientious and global citizens, responsible not only for the health of the environment and human health now, but for future generations to come” Lasich said.
Lasich’s passion to travel, learn and experience new things helped connect her with this experience — and she hopes students and faculty alike will seek out global experiences.
“Be brave and be curious,” Lasich said. “Seek opportunities to learn about the health stories of those here in Idaho and abroad.”