Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who is experiencing life in Europe? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad student Lauryn, a Nursing major from Howard University. She spent her summer break studying abroad on our multi-destination Study + Travel program focused on Comparative Healthcare.
“‘Is my life real?’ I continuously recited while cruising on a boat on the coast of Barcelona. Studying abroad is something that I have only dreamed of, so participating in AIFS’ Comparative Healthcare program was an unreal experience.”
Lauryn from howard university | aifs comparative healthcare program
Read on to learn more about her study abroad experience with AIFS Abroad and the impact of exploring healthcare systems in other countries.
Doing a Study + Travel multi-destination program has many benefits, including giving students the opportunity to explore a course or topic through the lens of a series of international destinations. On our Comparative Healthcare program, students explore the origins of global healthcare, compare how countries are managing current challenges, and gain insight into how healthcare might look in the future — all while experiencing the sights, sounds and splendors of London, Barcelona, and Rome firsthand. Hear from Lauryn about her experience:
“Comparative Healthcare is a unique program that involves exploring healthcare systems in three diverse European countries while immersing students in each culture. This program has allowed me to see healthcare in a new light that has caused me to reassess what it means to be a healthcare worker. Studying abroad exceeded my expectations!”
Career Readiness
Aligning her career goals with her study abroad program allowed her to broaden her perspective. As a student who plans to pursue a career in healthcare, Lauryn’s study abroad experience made an impact on how she’ll approach her chosen profession in the future.
“Because of my desire to become a nurse, it was important that I found a program that had a focus on health or healthcare. It was fascinating to learn about how different healthcare is in Europe versus America. In Europe, there is a widespread emphasis on universal healthcare. Healthcare in Europe is not heavily revenue-focused and healthcare workers are more inclined to work solely because of their passion for healthcare. This difference has made me internally evaluate my interest in healthcare, making sure it is genuine. Coming out of this program I have changed my mindset about Nursing and healthcare from a holistic standpoint!”
Academic Excellence
Don’t forget: There is a “study” in “study abroad.” But one of the most exciting parts of the experience is taking unique, experiential courses at your host university or institution! It allows you to be in a different learning environment than you’re used to back at home, and can broaden your horizons. On our Comparative Healthcare program, each destination becomes its own classroom and the city offers students a hands-on learning environment. Lauryn shares:
“AIFS had a classroom building in each destination, [which made for a nice and comfortable academic environment. The first day of class was slightly daunting because we [looked over] all of our work and it seemed like a large amount. The fact of the matter is that time management is your best friend! Looking back, I hardly remember doing assignments because we had so much free time and class time to do [them all].
Most of the learning was done through exploring! We toured hospitals, research centers, museums, and more. Comparative Healthcare was a very interactive course that challenged me to think about healthcare on a deeper level. My favorite and most unique academic experience was studying the Mediterranean Diet in Florence, Italy by doing a food tour at the center city food market!”
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a student studying abroad, you’re immersed into a culture that is unlike your own. It allows you the opportunity to reflect differently on the diversity that exists within our world and gives you a new perspective on what it means to be included in an environment when you aren’t natively part of the local community. Lauryn’s summer in Europe with AIFS Abroad allowed her to view diversity, equity, and inclusion through a new lens.
“Being a woman of color, diversity is an important part of any of my experiences. Coming from Howard, a Historically Black College/University, I was slightly worried about the diversity aspect of this program, but I was proved wrong! This program had a diverse group of people from many different places in the United States. We were all diverse in our experiences! Collaborating with people from all walks of life allowed me to gain a new perspective. Many people in my group, like myself, came on the trip alone with the expectation of meeting people! Throughout the 3-week program I was able to establish a close relationship with my group that aligned with AIFS’s goal of inclusion. I am so glad I have met all of these unique individuals!”
Final Thoughts
And so, as she embraces the journey, she invites others to take the leap, as well.
“Studying abroad was an amazing experience that I will hold close to my heart forever. Although it was daunting to leave my friends and family to travel overseas solo, I would do it again ten times over! I have learned that it’s when we are uncomfortable that we grow the most. Comparative Healthcare opened my eyes to looking at healthcare from a holistic, inclusive, and cultural perspective and I would recommend this program to anyone. Although the 3-weeks do fly by, every moment was a special one!”
Are you a student who’s ready to take the leap and study Comparative Healthcare abroad like Lauryn did with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and pre-professionals study and intern abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
