Within the first two weeks of my study abroad experience, I have developed many academic, professional, and personal goals that I wish to accomplish during my time in Copenhagen. Academically, I hope to gain more knowledge about topics in Neuroscience and Psychology. As a Rehabilitation Sciences major on the pre-PA track, I believe that it is vital to have a well-rounded education in these topics in order to care for patients with the most efficiency. At Pitt, I have taken many Chemistry and Biology-related classes that have undoubtedly challenged my academic interests, yet I have not received the opportunity to fit many Neuroscience and Psychology classes into my schedule. During my time abroad, I would really like to deeper understand these subjects and widen my knowledge in the sciences. At DIS Copenhagen, I am taking classes such as Neuroethics, Clinical Psychology, Neurological Diseases and Disorders, and Developmental Disorders, so I definitely look forward to expanding my academic passions this semester and achieving my goals of exploring unfamiliar topics.
Furthermore, a professional goal I have for myself is to mature my understanding of global health. As a future healthcare worker, I want to make as big of a positive difference as I can in all my patient’s lives, and I believe that the best way to do this is by challenging the medical practices that the U.S. already has in play and expanding the healthcare system to be more inclusive and empathic to people of all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. By learning about healthcare in a global perspective, I will hopefully better be able to identify where our systems in the U.S. can improve and make those changes as a PA. All in all, through this study abroad experience, I want professionally develop by learning ways to provide more minority populations with proper healthcare and to integrate cultural perspectives into medicine.
Lastly, I have set many personal expectations and goals for myself, the main one being stepping out of my comfort zone. So far, living in a new country and participating in a new program has shown me that I will have many lifestyle changes, such as socializing with new people on a daily basis and assimilating to a new culture and new methods of communication. Personally, I have never been an incredibly outgoing or extroverted person, so these changes are undoubtedly outside of my comfort zone. However, over the next few months, I would like to push myself to embrace this new environment and make the most of it. Though it has been and may continue to be frightening to change my habits, I think they will develop my character for the better and give me a chance to sharpen my personal worldview.