My study abroad experience in Austria and Slovenia was a rollercoaster of emotions, but it was an experience that was tremendously worth it. Academically, there were more practical-life skills and lessons we learned regarding healthcare that would not have been possible to witness in the US. We visited a myriad of clinics, hospitals, elder-care facilities, disability centers, homeless shelters, government buildings, all of which allowed us to gain direct insight into the national healthcare system that the Central Europeans use. The beauty of this comparative healthcare program was that it allowed us to analyze both American and European aspects of medicine and observe how both systems are formatted to adjust to their sociocultural civilizations.
The Austrian healthcare system was eye-opening in regards to their treatment of the elderly, poor, and disabled. We visited the Vinzi Dorf, a homeless shelter for men in Graz, that abides by the policy of “Housing First” to ensure that all their citizens have a right to a home. We visited Mosaik, a limited non-profit organization for people with disabilities, that has created a self-sufficient and wholesome society for individuals, particularly children, with a range of disabilities to be able to grow and enjoy their daily life. The elderly-care facilities in both Graz, Austria and Maribor, Slovenia prioritized independence, dignity, and respect for their clients, allowing the elderly to live in apartment-style homes with a range of activities to keep them mobile and cognitively fit. Through analyzing their facilities, hospitals, clinics, and research centers, I was further able to see how healthcare in a more socialist nation was organized to accommodate its citizens. Having acquired this knowledge, with a strong understanding of the historical implications of both medical systems, I am aware that I have the tools to make positive changes in the American healthcare system and foster growth and diversification.
Personally, this study abroad experience allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and go on adventures that I would not have otherwise pursued in Pittsburgh. Not knowing most of the people in my program, and the citizens of the country I was living in, while daunting, was also a breath of fresh air, as it allowed me to rediscover myself and not abide by pre-existing. self-imposed norms. I was able to try new things and meet new people, judgment-free, which provided me with the ability to grow as a young adult.
Of course, there were certainly challenges I faced abroad, but they made the cultural experience all the more authentic. Austrians and Slovenians live a much slower-paced, easy-going lifestyle, and coming from the hustle and bustle from the States, patience was something that I definitely learned while on this program. However, although aspects such as language and culture proved to be difficult in the beginning, it was also humbling and gratifying to learn new things and interact with a myriad of different people. During my time abroad however, I learned that the company I surrounded myself with was critical in the memories I made. Surrounding myself with genuine, loyal, trust-worthy individuals on this program was hard to do, however, my newfound friends were the reason for some of my happiest moments on the trip. I realized that this ideology also translates over to daily-life, because choosing the people in your inner-circle will play a significant factor in your mental health.
Finally, this program taught me to appreciate the present and enjoy the moments as they come. Both professionally and personally, we tend to look back on the past with nostalgia or regret, and analyze our future with trepidation or expectations. Oftentimes, constantly looking behind us or in front of us blindsides us from appreciating the beauty around us. In my travels however, since we were given limited time in each location and with our newfound friends, I found myself focusing on making memories and enjoying the present. Therefore, I can safely say that my study abroad experience exceeded my expectations, and I made memories and connections that I will carry with me my entire life.
Coming back home now, a key thing I now keep in mind is open-mindedness and empathy. Realizing that everyone’s background is essential in our community, and that all walks of life contribute to forging cohesive and empathetic bonds.
