GENERAL INFORMATION

The Cross Cultural Health Program (CCHP) at University Health Services provides confidential services to international students and their spouses. Student volunteers from all over the world, guided by UHS professional health educators, help students adjust to Penn State and advise them about health care resources available to them. The program also enhances the overall cultural sensitivity of health care delivery at Penn State.

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SERVICES TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND THEIR SPOUSES

Peer assistants provide a variety of helpful health services, including:

individual confidential assistance for meeting your health care needs translation of health information regarding Tuberculosis and its treatment presentations about Tuberculosis tours of University Health Services (UHS) and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) answers to questions about where to go for medical help and prevention informative programs for small or large groups of students and/or their spouses confidential cultural and language assistance during medical emergencies liaison between students and UHS or the Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Office of International Students (OIS) for student concerns about health care or health insurance

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CROSS CULTURAL AND BILINGUAL HEALTH LIBRARY

Another service provided by CCHP is the Hazen Library in Room 19 Ritenour Building, which offers culturally specific information about health care. You are invited to take advantage of bilingual health materials in many languages. Resources include books, brochures, audiotapes, and videos. You may find materials to help you communicate your health care concerns.

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HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS

CCHP initiates programs that address cultural aspects of health care delivery. In addition, associations or organizations planning such programs may receive assistance from the CCHP.

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PEER ASSISTANTS: WHO ARE THEY?

CCHP Peer Assistants are volunteer students from all over the world and the US who are interested in helping Penn State international students and their spouses remain healthy. As peer assistants, they bring from their respective cultures a variety of strategies for maintaining good health and for preventing health problems.

Peer assistants are also trained through the CCHP to help you effectively use the medical and psychological health services at Penn State. They can provide information on the prevention and treatment of stress and illness that could assist in your overall adjustment to and well being at Penn State. Your timely attention to illness or stress can help you reduce time lost from academics and improve the quality of your experiences while at the University.

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WANT TO BECOME A PEER ASSISTANT?

If you are interested in helping others and think the CCHP program might be right for you, click here for our on-line application!

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CONTACT THE CULTURAL HEALTH PROGRAM

For more information or to volunteer, contact the CCHP office in 237 Ritenour Building or call (814) 863-0461. You may also contact them by e-mail.