This photo is from our hike through the forest in Jonkoping, Sweden, led by two faculty members at JU.

Author: Sydnee Errio | Major: Exercise Science | Semester: Summer 2025

This summer, I studied abroad for three weeks at Jonkoping University in Sweden with the Health Teams Abroad-Sweden program. I was drawn to this program because the thought of being away from home for so long was daunting, but having other students and faculty from the University of Arkansas felt like a little piece of home there with me. I knew that the Swedish healthcare system was very different from ours in the U.S. and the program goals of comparing the two systems seemed like a unique learning opportunity that would benefit my future as a PA. While I made these assumptions, I had no clue just how valuable this experience would be for my future career, but also for myself as an individual.

Before leaving for this program, we heard from multiple professors and people who experienced the U.S. healthcare system as patients. We also visited clinics around Fayetteville to get a grasp on the behind-the-scenes aspects of each one. This gave us tangible evidence to compare once we arrived in Jonkoping. While abroad, our two faculty leaders, along with faculty at Jonkoping University led us through discussion, lecture, and visits to different types of healthcare facilities in Sweden. We learned the difference between the public, private, and private private sectors of healthcare in Sweden and how they function from a provider and patient standpoint. My favorite days were always when we got to interact with the students from JU. There were opportunities to ask them questions, have discussions, and watch them present their projects. I always felt like we learned the most from them because there was no sugar coating, just pure information from people who have experienced every aspect of life as a Swede. Until immersing myself in the culture and seeing firsthand the healthcare system in Sweden, I did not know the extent to which it was so different from that of the United States. Sweden has a universal healthcare system, which means that the healthcare is not paid out of pocket but comes out of tax dollars. It was difficult at first to understand the pros and cons of this structure, but each day we expanded our knowledge, which helped the entire picture come to light. One specific day that stands out to me is our trip to the private healthcare facility. This was the first private facility we visited, and it opened a new perspective on the healthcare system in Sweden, and the United States. Specifically, the doctor explained how no matter the sector they operate in, a love for helping patients is most important. This statement brought everything back together for me and reminded me of why I am so passionate about healthcare, the opportunity to love and care for others in their most vulnerable times.

Personally, my favorite time each day was what the Swedes call “fika”. This is a break in your day to come together with friends and colleagues and share a coffee and pastry. Besides my personal love of a coffee and a sweet treat, what makes fika special to me is the opportunity to forget about the trails of the day for a few minutes and have genuine conversations with friends. It felt like such a perfect reset in the middle of the day, which we aren’t accustomed to in the United States. One common theme I learned while abroad was the importance of listening and valuing the words of every patient and coworker. I wholeheartedly believe that the Swedish tradition of fika contributes heavily to this person-centered mindset the Swedes carry. Some of the best memories from this program happened during our fikas. I know that this will be something my new friends and I can bond over for the rest of college and hopefully beyond.