Kayaking in Stockholm
Author: Mason Plunk | Major: Biology | Semester: Summer 2023
When researching potential study abroad programs to apply for, Health Teams Abroad in Sweden quickly became my number one choice. It checked all the boxes. This program would enable me to learn about a different view and practice of healthcare, give me the opportunity to visit a part of the world I was already interested in, and allow me to earn six credits towards my biology degree. I had my expectations before leaving for Sweden, but I was pleasantly surprised by the reality of the experience.
The learning environment was much different abroad than it is back home at The University of Arkansas. A typical day for us involved both a lecture and a visit to a local health clinic. The lecture component was often quite brief and intentionally interactive. The teachers expected us to participate as much in the classroom as they did, leading to some very engaging and interesting conversations. The bulk of our learning, however, occurred on site in various health-related businesses. On such visits, we spoke with many health professionals about their experiences in the world of Swedish healthcare, the various policies unique to the country, and how their view of patient-oriented health motivated their vocational decisions. These interactive approaches to learning made it very easy to discover the information we were most interested in as well as develop real applications for our personal and professional lives.
As an aspiring genetic counselor, I have a desire to work in the field of healthcare some day and an interest in doing so in foreign countries. Health Teams Abroad has given me a glimpse into what that might look like for me as a professional as well as assisting me in developing my own workplace convictions. For instance, I have learned the importance of involving a patient in their healthcare journey. Swedish healthcare professionals across the board emphasized to our group that it is important to view the patient as the center of health, with the healthcare providers making a circle around them in order to effectively react to their needs. Additionally, the Swedes put a serious emphasis on teamwork in the health fields. It is important to realize as a health provider that you may not be the most equipped for certain situations, so communication between the patient and other professionals is paramount. Importantly, I had much to learn from Sweden that was not solely health related.
The Swedish culture is not one of hurry. In fact, there is a central practice in the country that helps to minimize rush and burnout: fika (fee-kuh). A moment to slow down. An intentional break. A bit of time to grab a snack with a friend. At its core, fika is designed to make space for the individual. If someone were to “take a fika”, they would be grabbing something to eat or drink and going off to a friendly space to take a break. This practice has seeped its way into the very essence of Swedish culture. The people of Sweden are a calm, somewhat reserved bunch. There is hardly any rushing around, not any yelling or hollering, and very few people who seem to be worried about too much of anything. I think that the practice of fika has enabled the culture to slow down. To appreciate the position that they are in and the people around them. To digest what is going on in their life. Fika and its benefits are things that I expect will stick with me far into my future, both in my personal and professional lives.
In fact, there are many things that I have learned from this program that I intend to apply for many years to come. So much so that I could not hope to fit them all into a brief summary. That said, if there is someone who is interested in working in a health-related field, I would not hesitate to recommend Health Teams Abroad to them. The fika, food, and faculty are amazing, but the knowledge and experiences gathered from this program could server for a lifetime. The coursework is light and the large bulk of learning comes directly from conversation and firsthand experience. This is also a program that promotes fellowship among group members by allotting plenty of free time as well as recommending potential group activities.
As a Health Teams veteran, there are a few pieces of information I think would be valuable to those applying for the program. First, and perhaps obvious, the culture is going to be different. However, people are people. Though native Swedes are often quieter than us Americans, they love a friendly conversation all the same. Just try not to yell too much in public. Second, as the study abroad office advises, be present. With so much free time, it will be tempting to take long breaks in the bedroom as the day creeps to an end. Yes, rest is important, but try pursue the experiences that are in front of you. Third, be willing to explore new ideas. Swedish culture and healthcare has a lot of differences when compared to the way The States do it. Make an effort to appreciate those differences and come to your own conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of each. And finally, enjoy yourself! You are abroad, after all.