Author: Samantha Stark | Major: Biology and Chemistry | Semester: Summer 2024
biking in Gränna
This May, I spent three weeks studying in the U of A Health Teams Abroad: Sweden program. My decision to study at this program was motivated by my pre-med goals and curiosity about healthcare systems outside the US. I am a double major in Biology and Chemistry, and I hope to go into medicine. As someone who had never previously stepped foot outside the US, I had no idea how transformative my three weeks in Sweden would be. During my time in Sweden, I was able to immerse myself in the local healthcare system. I learned from Jönköping University professors and students, visited both public and private clinics, and more. One of the most impressive aspects of Sweden’s healthcare was its affordability and equity. Sweden’s healthcare is accessible to all of its citizens and is primarily paid through taxes. Additionally, Sweden focuses on preventative healthcare, which contrasts starkly to the US’s reactionary approach to healthcare. Throughout my three weeks in Sweden, I was able to talk to Swedish students, professors, and citizens about their experiences. These conversations provided invaluable insights into both the strengths and weaknesses of Sweden’s healthcare system. One of my favorite moments was when I visited a Swedish cat café and spoke to the owner about her experience with Swedish healthcare. The owner had lived in both the US and Sweden and was able to share her firsthand experience with me (while playing with kittens).
Beyond academics, I also experienced many unforgettable personal moments. One highlight was a hike in Jönköping, a smaller town where we studied for the first two weeks. We had a small feast on this hike where we shared Swedish snacks and got to know Swedish professors and students. The scenery was beautiful, and the people in Jönköping were very friendly. The photo I took is from the top of our hike.
Another memorable experience was my bike ride on Gränna, an island in Sweden near Jönköping. Public transportation, biking, and walking were much more common in Sweden than in most parts of the US. I also learned a difficult lesson on this bike ride (lol!). After biking 12 miles, I walked into a store, craving cool water, only to find that they only sold room-temperature sparkling water! I encountered this surprise once again at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
During our last week in Stockholm, my friends and I visited the Nordic Museum. This museum, housed in a stunning historic building, offered a thorough history of Europe and its Nordic countries. It was the most beautiful, incredible museum I have ever been to. Every single room was gorgeously decorated and full of historical artifacts. I was particularly surprised by the depth of European history, which is different compared to the US’s relatively newer history. Interestingly, the EU elections were happening at the same time we were studying abroad. The elections were a hot topic among locals, and banners of politicians and their arguments were posted everywhere. I was able to see the biggest points of contention in Sweden, like social welfare and climate change. This added a whole other dimension to my trip. I also was able to visit the Swedish Royal Palace, where I learned more about how Sweden functions with a monarchy while still keeping up with modern practices.
Studying abroad in Sweden was a transformative, eye-opening experience that broadened not only my perspective of healthcare and culture, but the world itself. As someone who had never left the US before this, it was incredible to compare and contrast Europe to the US. The insights I gained about the US healthcare system’s strengths and weaknesses will most definitely impact my future in medicine. The exposure I experienced will also keep me open-minded and more knowledgeable about the world. The US has much to learn from Sweden’s more equitable care and emphasis on preventative measures.