Author: Caroline Stewart | Major: Communications Science and Disorders | Semester: Summer 2024
Brahehus Castle (1640)
A Swedish Start to the Summer
I spent two weeks this May (May 13-24st) studying at the University of Jönköping in Jönköping, Sweden. I wanted to pursue this program because it had a focus on healthcare abroad, specifically in Sweden. Sweden has universal, public healthcare that is rated as one of the best in the world. I have worked as a medical assistant in the United States, and I thought it would be a great way for me to compare and contrast healthcare in the US and in Europe. My interest in Sweden was sparked by its reputation for having a highly efficient and equitable healthcare system. I was particularly curious about the ways in which Sweden manages to provide high-quality care to all its citizens and how their approach could inform improvements in
the US healthcare system. Since I plan on applying to PA school in the future, I thought this program would best add to my experience in global healthcare and inspire me in competitive PA school interviews. I also hoped to gain and incorporate patterns of patient care in my own future
practice as a clinician. Additionally, I was inspired by the cultural aspects of Swedish society,
including their emphasis on work-life balance and social welfare.
During my time in Jönköping, I participated in various lectures, workshops, and site visits that
provided a comprehensive overview of the Swedish healthcare system. This immersive
experience not only allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the operational and policy differences between the two systems but also offered valuable insights into the cultural context that supports Sweden’s healthcare success.
Each morning in Sweden started with lectures at the College of Healthcare and Welfare at
Jönköping University (JU), where we learned about different aspects of healthcare delivery,
policy, and management in Sweden. These academic sessions provided a solid foundation that
made our practical experiences even more meaningful, giving us insights into Sweden’s
approach to universal healthcare, preventive care, and patient-centered practices. Each session
strengthened our understanding of the Swedish healthcare model, covering topics like healthcare
economics, patient rights, and ethical considerations. Overall, my time abroad was
transformative, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare delivery in a different cultural and
systemic context. The combination of academic learning and hands-on observation gave me a
greater appreciation for the strengths and challenges of both the Swedish and US healthcare
systems.
Most afternoons I had the chance to immerse myself in a variety of clinical settings, including
private and public primary care hospitals, vocational health centers, orthopedic and prosthetic
centers, elderly care centers, and habilitation centers. This daily exposure helped me understand
and compare the Swedish healthcare system to the US system. Visiting both private and public
primary care hospitals highlighted the differences in accessibility and patient care between the
two sectors. The vocational health centers showed Sweden’s strong focus on occupational health
and preventive care, emphasizing the well-being of workers to prevent long-term health issues.
At the orthopedic and prosthetic centers, we saw advanced technology and personalized
rehabilitation programs that highlighted a dedication to improving patients’ quality of life. The
elderly care centers impressed me with their humane and dignified approach to aging, focusing
on social engagement and mental well-being. Meanwhile, the habilitation centers showcased
innovative therapies and inclusive policies aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities.
Describe some of your personal experiences while abroad—any trips you took outside of
class, places you went to for fun, and day-to-day happenings.
Our trip offered many opportunities to experience the Swedish culture with my peers. Jönköping
is a small town, similar to Fayetteville. After class, my friends and I would take walks around the
town, which is sandwiched between two stunning lakes. We would stop our walk and grab “fika”
which is a tradition of taking a break to enjoy coffee or tea with pastries or sandwiches. It
emphasizes relaxation and socializing, much different from our “go go go” culture in the US. It
allows for deeper connections with friends, family, or colleagues.
We also had an entire week to spend in Stockholm, apart from school-related business. It is
included in the 3 week study abroad experience. During that week we toured museums, ate
amazing food, and hiked up to beautiful points that overlooked the entire city of islands. It
allowed us to relax after a busy two weeks of touring clinics in Jönköping.
One of my favorite memories of my trip was when the entire group, including professors, took a
bike tour of the beautiful island of Granna. It is in the middle of a lake that touches Jönköping.
On our bike tour, all 24 of us biked to the edge of the island and found ruins of an ancient castle,
once owned by a king who had arguably the best view of any king in Sweden. After our long
(12-mile!) bike ride, we stopped for a gorgeous lunch at an overview point on the island where
we debriefed our trip and all our fun memories.