Trip to Gränna, Visingsö where we biked around the island

Author: Michelle Calderon | Major: Public Health | Semester: Summer 2025
In Sweden, fika (the tradition of taking a break for coffee, pastries, and conversation) reminded me how small moments of connection can shape a healthier, more balanced life, which is something I aspire to promote as a future health professional. My passion for healthcare has pushed me to explore different ways to improve the health and well-being of the people in my community. What better way to see what people around the world are doing than to study abroad? My study abroad trip took place during the summer of 2025 for a three-week program in Sweden. I was initially interested in the UofA Health Teams Abroad program because it was
faculty-led and offered the opportunity to connect with other students from my university who shared similar interests. As I continued to learn about the program, my desire to participate grew even stronger. Sweden’s high ranking in healthcare delivery and its renowned universal
healthcare system drew me in more and more.
My learning experience allowed me to complete a comparative study of the healthcare systems
in the United States and Sweden. During the first half of our trip, we stayed in a smaller town
called Jönköping, which was full of learning activities and local adventures. Our course included
lectures from health professionals, panel discussions, and study visits. To fully understand the
healthcare system in Sweden, it was critical to immerse ourselves in Swedish culture. Sweden
is a country with a strong sense of community, equality, and trust in its social system and
government. One of my favorite lectures was a presentation on Children’s Rights. In Sweden,
children are taught from an early age about their rights and the responsibility of the government
and adults to protect and listen to them. Children are given the opportunity to express their
opinions before decisions are made that affect their schooling, leisure time, or family life.
Outside of academics, I was fully immersed in Swedish culture by participating in fika (more
often than I’d like to admit!) and engaging in outdoor activities. I experienced the beautiful
nature Sweden has to offer by hiking in the forests and bicycling around the island of Gränna. I
also had the chance to meet Swedish college students and get a glimpse into their college life
and perspectives. Not only was I able to learn something new, but I was also able to share and
teach students there about the United States!
The moments that stand out to me from my trip were the times I bonded with the other students
in my study abroad program. From engaging lectures to attending the Hockey World
Championship, I will always remember the wonderful people I connected with. One study visit I
especially enjoyed was to a vocational rehabilitation center. Not only did it open my eyes to
places that offer unique treatments, but it also made me reflect deeply on the support we lack in
the U.S. In my free time, I visited multiple museums, but the most notable was the Nobel Prize
Museum. It was amazing to see how humans can come up with life-altering ideas that have
helped millions of people. The group I visited the museum with was equally passionate about
medicine and science, so we were all excited to discuss how grateful we were for the chance to
go. An unplanned event that turned out to be one of the biggest highlights was the USA team
making it to the finals of the Hockey World Championship. When our group found out they had
made it to the finals, we all bought tickets the night before and made sure we were there. We
sat in the USA section and cheered on our team together. The match went into overtime, and
the USA scored first; We all jumped up and screamed. In fact, The UofA Health Teams Abroad
group even made it onto the USA Hockey Instagram page!
I learned many lessons throughout my study abroad experience, but one that I will hold close to
my heart as I continue my education at the U of A is the importance of seeing people as a
whole. As healthcare professionals, we often focus on a patient’s physical symptoms and
overlook all the factors contributing to their health. My program group included a variety of
pre-health students, each with different perspectives. We all contributed to meaningful
discussions and came from diverse academic backgrounds. As we continue our education, we
must remember that collaboration will contribute to the best outcomes for our future patients.
Many factors affect people’s lives, and as future healthcare professionals, we must be ready to
advocate for those we care for. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to study abroad and
thank everyone who contributed to my positive experience. Sweden will always have a place in
my heart, and I plan to fika every chance I get!