Mid Summer in Stockholm

Author: Sadie Stark | Major: Nursing

As a nursing major there are only a few opportunities to go abroad and experience other health care systems. One of these chances is the Health Teams Abroad program. I chose this program because I want to understand and eventually influence international healthcare. I want to see how different cultures influence the health of its people and the system that carries it out. I actually had the privilege to study abroad once before in Italy during the fall of 2021. This is when I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge of international health care. So for me the choice to study abroad again was a must. Sweden has a very different health care system than the US and this was something I wanted to see in practice. During my time abroad I was able to visit many different facilities such as public clinics, private clinics (even though they are few and far between), and even see rehab facilities and elder facilities. I was also able to listen to many different lecturers from various health care professions and interact with Swedish, and international students. The conversations as well as the perspectives voiced are an invaluable item that would not have been possible in traditional classes in the US. Specifically for this study abroad we did I meet before hand and speak about different aspects of Swedish health care versus the US but it was not until we were actually there that we understood how and why things were that way. We were able to see aspects of daily life and historical events reflected into the healthcare system. In both of my experiences abroad it was the ability to be physically present in the situation that meant the most. To be able to live the life of a Swede or Italian that put they “why” into perspective when questioning the differences. Studying abroad has been by far the most rewarding part of my college experience both as a student and a person.

While in Sweden there were many differences when it comes to cultural norms. One thing that sticks out to me is the daily obligation that is Fika. Fika is a time to take a break and appreciate what is going on. It is usually observed via a coffee or a pastry, which of course were always delicious but it is the idea of letting time stand still and seeing people for people no matter your office title that I liked the most. I feel like in the hustle and bustle of the US workforce we often forget to take time to speak to our coworkers and show them human decency, I mean after all we are social beings.

I can honestly say studying abroad has been one of the best things I have ever done. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, GO. Do it, don’t hesitate or second guess yourself. If you have any smidgen of curiosity or wonder about going abroad then you should. You should go and try every single new thing you can. How will you know if you do not try? Immerse yourself into the culture of wherever you are because it will be the most eye opening thing you can do. It will absolutely alter whatever path you think you have planned out for your life.