Author: Julia Molleston | Major: Nursing | Semester: Summer 2025

I love clinical here!

• Where did you study abroad and What sparked your interest in that part of the world or program of study? How long were you there and when (semester, summer, etc)?
  • I chose to study abroad in Rome because of the rich history and incredible culture of Rome. I was very interested in immersing myself in Italian health, social, and environmental culture. I think it is so important as a future nurse to have an adequate and deep sense of cultural competency to take care of your patients to the best of your abilities. I wanted to have a holistic and meaningful college experience that shaped me into a well-rounded caregiver, and for me, that meant taking a chance and choosing to study abroad. Italy has a completely different way of life and view on medicine and healthcare. Getting to experience life with people who live differently than me has expanded my perspective on the world and has helped me adjust me worldview. I am a much more open and better prepared to embrace, intact, and take care of diverse populations.

• Describe your research, internship and/or academic experiences while abroad. What particular moments stand out to you from your trip and why? Be sure to address the academic components of the trip.
  • While abroad, I got to take three academic courses. I am taking an Italian language course and 2 nursing coarse: community health and community health clinical. The moments that stand out to me are those in which we got to work in the community. We were able to visit multiple hospitals in the city, take a trip to Padova in northern Italy, and work with non-profit organizations in Rome. These experiences were so impactful because they directly relate to my future profession of nursing and my passion for culturally competent healthcare. We got to witness first-hand what it is like to be a nurse in Italy and how universal healthcare impacts nurses. We saw that public hospitals are often have an unequal ratio of patients to healthcare providers and it can take long periods of time for patients to get specialized care. We also saw in private hospitals that there are many unused beds because these hospitals are mainly for citizens who utilize private insurance. This was a really interesting way to recognize and reconcile the benefits and burdens of each type of healthcare system and get to compare and contrast Italy with the United States.

• What advice do you have to other students interested in studying abroad? Are there particular experiences you think students should prepare for, and how?
  • My advice for students considering studying abroad is to go for it. There is never going to be another time in your life where you can spend multiple weeks and potentially months experiencing the culture of another country. Every single challenge and barrier you overcome in another country develops your soft skills, intrapersonally, interpersonally and culturally. There are so many benefits to studying abroad, including an increased sense of confidence, increased employability, increased cultural sensitivity, and an expanded perspective of the world. Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that should be taken advantage of if you have the opportunity. It seems like a scary and daunting experience but once you get here, you realize that people and other countries are humans just like us and cultural differences are to be adapted to and absorbed rather than shied away from. Prepare to be shocked by the way things are done in other places, the language barrier might be difficult, and you are probably going to miss the “normal” you are used to. Having a growth mindset is the most important thing to help you succeed. If you are open to taking on challenges and believing in yourself that you have the ability to learn and grow, you will have the most unforgettable and beneficial experience!