By Caroline Ganoung
My time abroad was nothing short of spectacular. London and Amsterdam proved lovely hosts, my courses were interesting and engaging, and I made friends I will have for years to come. While time passes so fast abroad, it is filled with unforgettable memories that I will grasp on to, and remember through pictures for the rest of my life.
I had the opportunity to participate in a comparative public health program, dual sited in London and Amsterdam. Academically, this program fit my interests through looking in depth at health problems the world faces, and trying to take a global approach to tackle these issues. One important take away I have from London is learning about the Millenium Development Goals. These goals, spread over all kinds of problems, were enacted in 2000 to help catapult forward progress at the turn of the century. Taking a global in depth view at these goals was a unique way my London study abroad influenced my perspective and increase my awareness of the new Sustainable Development Goals that are in action now. Amsterdam provided a unique public health perspective as the Netherlands continuously has some of the best health outcomes in the world, and the Dutch healthcare system is always rated among the best. Looking at both the positives and negatives of the structure of their healthcare system, and it’s ins and outs will allow me to critically engage in America’s healthcare and provide knowledgeable insight into what has and has not worked in the Dutch model.
Socially studying abroad has pushed me to my potential. In my two months away from home, I have made friendships at a level only studying and living together, seeing each other everyday, and becoming each other’s family can provide. You learn independence, while also learning to lean on those around you when in need. You are pushed to make your own decisions, and to live life to the fullest in a way that only immersing yourself in a city can do.
Culturally, study abroad is eye opening. You do not realize the lens you view the world through, until that lens is stripped from you, as you are thrown into a culture and upbringing different than your own. I found that each location brought about a unique opportunity for growth. The Londoner’s spoke my language, but were generally more reserved and slower to strike up a conversation on the Tube or waiting in a que at the local Sainsbury’s. However, London quickly became like home as I transitioned into the local ways, and felt like I was not a tourist at all, but a student attending university in this bustling, amazing city. After spending a month in London, where everyone spoke English, the transition to Amsterdam and the Dutch language took some getting used to. The vibe of the Netherlands is very much live and let live, and that is exactly what their people personify. This diverse, go with the flow city of charm is one big postcard, and I am so grateful to have been it’s resident for a month.
My biggest takeaway from my experience abroad is to live in the moment. You never know when you will stumble across a beautiful canal, cathedral or tasty stroopwafel, but when you are present in each moment, you turn the stumblings of the day into precious memories. In my experience abroad, once in a lifetime opportunities happened everyday, and I will be forever grateful.
