Jill Kouri of Clarkston is planning her first overseas trip this summer.
Among her choices were England, Italy and the Bahamas. She selected the African nation of Ghana.
‘I wanted to see something very different,? said Kouri, a nursing student at Michigan State University.
‘I thought it would be more life-changing than someplace I’d choose for a vacation.?
She is enrolled in Michigan State’s Study Abroad, a six-week program to expand students? experiences and perceptions.
The 16 students on the trip will earn college credits with classroom and field work, learning about traditional and rural forms of health care. They will visit historic sites of the slave trade and ancient empires, and spend three days in a rural village.
‘I wanted to look at a different type of health care,? Kouri said.
Many of the people in the villages she will visit hold to traditional ideas toward health care? instead of doctors and medicine, they believe in shamans and magic.
‘That will be so interesting,? she said. ‘It’s the basis of all medicine.?
A 2005 graduate of Clarkston High School, she developed an interest in science during her chemistry and anatomy classes, and in helping people at her church, Clarkston United Methodist.
Kouri, the daughter of John and Paula Kouri of Clarkston, developed an interest in medicine from watching her father.
‘My dad works at the Troy Beaumont hospital,? she said. ‘I would go to work with him on bring-your-daughter-to-work days ? I love the atmosphere of a hospital.?
Nursing is a good fit, she said.
‘Nursing is the most trusted profession ? I’d love to be one,? she said.
She chose MSU because of its highly regarded nursing program and overseas study program, she said.
‘It’s one of the reasons I went there,? she said.
The trip is set for May 12-June 23.
‘I think it’s a great opportunity for her,? said Don Powell, Kouri’s supervisor with the Independence Township Parks and Recreation Department.
‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go learn, and see something she’s never seen before,? Powell said. ‘It won’t be a vacation ? she’ll be studying.?
To prepare, the students are meeting with prior program participants to learn from their experiences.
‘They explain how the experience changed their life,? Kouri said.
Kouri is asking for help to help defray the program’s cost of about $3,000. Anyone who would like to help can make a donation ? contact Assistant Branch Manager Theresa Rigato, Clarkston State Bank. Checks should be made out to Jill Kouri.
For more information, e-mail Kourijil@msu.edu.