As my time in the Comparative Healthcare in Graz program comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting not just on the lectures and assignments, but on the countless moments of learning that happened outside the classroom—in the cobblestone streets of Graz, the quiet corners of Vinzidorf, the peaceful Slovenian countryside, on trains gliding between…
Author: Hannah Kang
Hello! I'm Hannah Kang from Harleysville, PA, and I'm a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Microbiology. When I graduate in the spring of 2026, I hope to be in the process of applying to medical schools.
Comparing Daily Life Across Borders: Infrastructure
One of the most eye-opening aspects of my time abroad, when comparing aspects of life, outside of the formal coursework, was how much public infrastructure reflects a society’s values, especially in Austria and Slovenia. Coming from the U.S., where public transportation often feels like an afterthought, I was struck by just how seamless, reliable, and…
The “Aha” in Empathy: My Visit to Vinzidorf
My first real “aha” moment came during a visit to Vinzidorf, a small community in Graz, Austria, that provides housing and comprehensive support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. I had expected to see a temporary shelter or emergency housing system similar to those in the U.S., but what I encountered was profoundly different. Vinzidorf isn’t…
Two Countries, One Lesson: Going Abroad to Compare Healthcare in Austria and Slovenia
Hello! I’m Hannah, and I’ll be visiting Austria for three weeks and Slovenia for one week through the Comparative Healthcare in Graz Program offered by Pitt as a Panther Program. Outside of the structured coursework of the program, I expect to grow both personally and professionally by immersing myself in the cultural and systemic differences…