Studies in Harm Reduction

Switzerland offers a rich environment in which to examine and explore the meaning and use of harm reduction. Participants will examine the harm reduction model in a multinational, cross-disciplinary context, considering applications to a variety of social and health concerns and identifying barriers to and facilitators of the development and use of harm reduction strategies.

Selection Criteria:

18 years of age or older
high school graduate
reads, speaks, and understands English
Willing to abide by health and admission requirements in the host country and partnering agencies/organizations

Destination:

Switzerland

Program Travel Dates:

April 28th - May 12th, 2026 (2 weeks)

Apply Now

Cost: $4,500

Trip must be paid in full before departure.

Deposit: $500

Deposit is due 72 hours after registration. If not paid in that timeframe, you may be dropped from your trip.

Payments can now be made online! Visit this website for instructions on how to pay your deposit and future payments online. Charges should show on your account within 24-48 hours after registration. If you want to pay with cash or check, please pay at the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning.

Includes: insurance, tuition, room and board, local transportation abroad, excursions, and some meals.

Not included: airfare, visa fees, passport, incidentals, excess baggage costs, any unscheduled travel, and some meals.

This program supports Weber State’s sustainability goals and contributes to carbon-neutral travel initiatives.

Itinerary is subject to change. Make sure to attend all pre-departure meetings!

April 18, 2026 – Pre-travel seminar: Program overview, harm reduction basics, travel tips.
April 25, 2026 – Pre-travel seminar: Harm reduction in Utah & U.S., final Q&A.
April 28, 2026 – Depart from Salt Lake City.
April 29, 2026 – Arrive in Zurich, travel to Bern, dinner, orientation.
April 30, 2026 – Bern: Swiss politics, tour of government, harm reduction overview.
May 1, 2026 – Basel: Urban HAT, consumption room, harm reduction and sex work.
May 2, 2026 – Free day.
May 3, 2026 – Free day (evening meeting).
May 4, 2026 – Hindlebank & Thun: Women’s corrections, rural HAT.
May 5, 2026 – Lausanne: Professional preparation, addiction medicine, human rights.
May 6, 2026 – Chur: Realta prison, homeless services.
May 7, 2026 – Geneva: UN, WHO, UNAIDS, advanced harm reduction.
May 8, 2026 – Bern: Harm reduction, law enforcement, street outreach.
May 9, 2026 – Free day.
May 10, 2026 – Free day (evening meeting).
May 11, 2026 – Zurich: Harm reduction and sex work, teens, drug testing.
May 12, 2026 – Check out, travel to Zurich, depart for SLC.
May 16, 2026 – Celebration breakfast, presentations, debriefing.

Students who participate in this study abroad program will be able to register for up to three (3) semester credits through Weber State University in:

SW 4850 (3) OR
MSW 6850 (3)

Dr. Mark Bigler Professor in the Department of Social Work and Gerontology

mbigler@weber.edu

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application. Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State. No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.

Studies in Harm Reduction

Program Details

Cost

Itinerary

Academic Courses

Program Directors

Trip Cancellations