Visingsö’s amazing waters, stretching as far as the eye can see!
Author: Haris Rana | Major: Biology
Hi! My name is Haris Rana and I’m a sophomore Biology major in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. This summer, I participated in the Health Teams Abroad (HTA) program in Sweden, and I’m here to tell you all about it! The main goal of this program is to introduce Sweden’s healthcare system and compare it to that of the United States.
As a pre-med student, I didn’t initially realize the options there were for me to learn about the practice of medicine in other countries. When I heard about this program, I was excited to learn about the inner workings of one of the world’s best healthcare systems. After returning home, I can confidently say that I wasn’t disappointed.
Before leaving for Sweden, my classmates and I spent 8 weeks learning about the US healthcare system. We visited nursing homes, discussed medical issues with a panel of healthcare experts, and more. Looking back, I’m thankful that I had the chance to participate in these pre-departure meetings. Instead of just sitting in a classroom and reading articles, I had the chance to fully immerse myself in the American healthcare system, which made it much easier to draw comparisons between the two countries.
This method of learning would continue during my time in Sweden. On most days, our group would visit Jönköping University and meet with a variety of Swedish lecturers, such as a social insurance agent, professors of occupational therapy, and even a patient. Our class size was small, which gave us plenty of time to ask questions and reflect on how their method of patient care differed from our own. Later, my classmates and I used the knowledge we had gained to present a patient case and discuss how economic considerations, care teams, and quality of life would differ between the United States and Sweden.
We also had the chance to stop by Sweden’s healthcare facilities. For example, our group went to a private clinic, where we learned about the nation’s response to COVID-19 and how it competed with public hospitals. Other locations we visited include an elderly care facility, a rehabilitation clinic, and more. Like in America, these study visits gave me a better understanding of how Sweden’s healthcare system functioned.
During this program, I also learned about Sweden’s incredible culture. If you participate in HTA Sweden, don’t be afraid to experience its food, music, and art! While I was there, I had the chance to visit a giant warship, eat authentic Swedish meatballs while surrounded by greenery, and stand inside the chambers of Stockholm City Hall. The most memorable place I visited was a small island called Visingsô. With a population of less than 1000, this charming tourist destination has restaurants, local shops, and historical churches. As I explored the island on my bike, I stood on the ruins of a small castle and watched the waves of a massive lake calmly roll past each other. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight!
If you are a pre-med student or studying to become a health professional, I highly recommend applying to this program. Being exposed to the healthcare practices of a different country can help build a broader perspective of what good patient care looks like. From physicians and nurses to physical therapists and hospital administrators, you’ll get the full run of Sweden’s model of medical services and its vast array of professionals.
Before I sign off, here are a few nuggets of wisdom that I gained while studying abroad. One important thing you need to do before leaving is to make sure that you’ll have a reliable internet connection. Most students choose to purchase an international cell phone plan, which I would say is the best option. While you can purchase a local SIM card, you may run into cell phone compatibility issues. Not especially comforting when you’re in a country halfway across the world! Another tip is to get a travel buddy. If you don’t know anyone else in the program, reach out to them. Since you’ll be in unfamiliar territory, it’s best to explore with a fellow student. Lastly, the sun is out much longer in Sweden. To ensure that you’ll have enough energy for the days ahead, get an eye mask!
If you’re interested in gaining some valuable medical experience in another nation, check out HTA in Sweden! I wish you the best of luck on your study abroad journey.