- American Samoa
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American Samoa is an island territory of the United States in the South Pacific Ocean. Part of the Samoa Islands, it consists of Tutuila and Aunuu islands, the three Manua islands, and two small atolls. The total area is 77 square miles (199 km2). Tutuila is the largest and most populous island. The climate, although tropical and rainy, is pleasant because of the ocean's moderating effect. The National Park of American Samoa, covering some 14 square miles (36 km2) on the island and nearby sea, contains two tropical rain forests and a coral reef.
Samoans, who are ethnically Polynesian, make up most of the population. Many work in agriculture, raising bananas, taro, breadfruit, and other tropical crops. Tourism and the canning of fish, primarily tuna, are also important. Tuna is the principal export. Pago Pago, on Tutuila, is the capital.
American Samoa is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior. It has limited self-government and is governed under its second constitution, adopted in 1967. The governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature are elected.
Although the Samoa Islands were discovered in 1722, few territorial claims were made until the late 19th century. By agreement in 1899, Germany and Great Britain renounced their claims to the islands east of 171° West longitude in favor of the United States. Formal cession by Samoan chiefs took place in 1900 and 1904.
Population: 57,291.June-July 2011
Emma Apatu
American Samoa
ETSU College of Public HealthEmma Apatu is a Doctor of Public Health student in the Community Health track. She is originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Emma received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maine at Machias and a master of public health degree, with a specialization in health education and behavioral science from Emory University.
Emma has as a strong desire for global health. Prior to enrolling in to DrPH program Emma served as the PR coordinator for Cielo Productions, a non-profit video film company that delivers timely public health news from around the world. In this role, Emma gathered support for Guinea Worm Eradication campaign and for the documentary film called Foul water Fiery Serpent that takes viewers behind the scenes of the Guinea worm eradication campaign in Ghana and Sudan during a three-year period ending in 2009.
This summer Emma will be completing her field experience in American Samoa. Emma will work under the direction of Dr. Dan Aga, Dean and Director of Community & Natural Resources at American Samoa Community College to help with Food security issues with the island’s Food Policy Council. In addition, Emma will work closely with the Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP) that provides nutrition information to low-income families and children.
12 June 2011: Emma Arrives in American Samoa
29 June 2011: Developing Strategies to Promote Healthy Diets to American Samoan Youth
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*****January 2012
Holly Stump
Duke University, Physicians Assistant
Galle, Sri LankaHolly Stump is a currently a student in the Duke Physician Assistant program, class of 2012. Originally from Greensburg, Pa, Holly graduated in 1998 from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, with a degree in Sports Medicine. She then earned a M.S. in Sports Health Care from what is now A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2005, she earned an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
26 January 2012: On the Pediatrics Ward: Learning in Sri Lanka
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January 2012
Tracy Curtis
Duke University, Physicians Assistant
Galle, Sri LankaTracy Curtis is a Physician Assistant student at Duke University. She is originally from Littleton, Colorado. Tracy received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Kinesiology and Business Administration. She went on to complete a Master's in Medical Sciences at Boston University, conducting her thesis work in pediatrics orthopaedics. Tracy has a strong interest in global health and will be completing a one-month international clinical rotation at Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka.
26 January 2012: Casualty Day: Karapitiya Hospital in Sri Lanka
return to top - Thailand
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In 2002
July 2008
Kelly Madigan
Bangkok, Thailand
Vanderbilt UniversityIn 2009, Kelly graduated with a degree in Child Development and finished her first year of the masters program at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. She is currently living in Manhattan, and she is loving her job working as a nurse in a Neonatal ICU. She will be returning to school in the fall to complete her masters in nursing. Although she regrets not being able to travel as frequently with a full time job, she is constantly reminded of her experiences and lessons learned while working in Thailand thanks to the generous support of Hope Through Healing Hands!
29 November 2008 Cross Cultural Solutions Fellow Blog
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July 2008
Brian Rue
Bangkok, Thailand
Vanderbilt UniversityAfter graduating from Vanderbilt with a degree in Neuroscience and Spanish, I have moved on to pursue a Master of Science degree in Physiology at the University of Cincinnati. I am currently on the wait list for a position as a medical student at the University of Cincinnati-College of Medicine. I am still involved in volunteering at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and am forever grateful to Senator Frist and HTHH for giving me the opportunity to volunteer abroad in Thailand through Cross Cultural Solutions. I was able to make a difference in children’s lives and promote international friendship with the Thai people.
3 December 2008 Cross Cultural Solutions Fellow: Thailand
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