Two Messiah University faculty will lead this course: Wanda Thuma-McDermond (Nursing) and Larry Mylin (Biological Sciences, retired).

We will learn about Zambia (history, geography politics, culture) through readings, conversations, guest speakers, visits to cultural sites, multi-night homestays and professional shadowing. Much time will be spent at Macha (Macha Mission Hospital, Macha Research Trust). Rural community life, rural community development, and international aid issues will be highlighted. Zambia in general, and Macha as a microcosm, has been affected by the “big three” diseases of poverty (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria). Experience life among a welcoming community that has risen to these challenges! This course will provide a rich, interest-tailored cross-cultural experience, and fulfil the E.L.I. graduation requirement.

Estimated Course Fee: $4,600

Faculty Biographies:
 

Dr. Wanda Thuma-McDermond is a Professor of Nursing with a specialty interest in Community/Public Health Nursing. She was born and raised at Macha so she always welcomes the opportunity to share her “home village” with others. Wanda has led multiple J-term Alternate Senior Practicums with nursing students (and others) to Macha, and also more traditional cross-cultural courses in May-June 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2023 Her passport was so full she has had to get extra pages, but looks forward to filling those too since she believes the Zambian people living around Macha can teach us so much!

Dr. Larry Mylin was a Professor of Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences. He taught courses for majors, including Genetics (BIOL 260), Microbiology (BIOL 265), Immunology (BIOL 418), and Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab (BIOL 186), as well as the Genetics & Society course (IDST 300) for non-majors. His research aimed to understand how cellular immunity could control cancers, better ways to culture the causative agent of malaria in the laboratory, and development of new reagents (e.g. monoclonal antibodies) for educational purposes. He has enjoyed spending May terms in Macha alternately co-teaching this CC course or the BIOL 301 course “Healthcare in the Developing World” for science majors. Dr. Mylin conducted malaria research at Macha during a three-month sabbatical in Spring 2015, so he is familiar with the people and customs of Macha.

Other Information:
Know Before You Go May 2025 IDCC260 LUN Zambia.pdf
Syllabus SAMPLE May 2025 IDCC260 LUN Zambia.pdf