Upon my return to the US after my study abroad experience in Austria and Slovenia, I have been reflecting on how much I learned both inside and outside the classroom. Through visits to hospitals, pharmacies, nonprofit organizations, disability centers, and public health agencies, I saw firsthand how Austria and Slovenia approach accessibility and support for…
Tag: Austria
Cultural Excursions in Rural Austria
Hello again! I am reporting back after my second week in the Comparative Healthcare in Graz program. Last weekend, I enjoyed a weekend trip to Salzburg, Austria, and this weekend, I had a beautiful getaway to Budapest, Hungary. We only have one week left in Austria before we head to Slovenia! Between the two weekend…
Guten Tag from Graz, Austria!
Hello! My name is Arushi Bansal. I just finished my second year at Pitt as a Public Health major and Bioethics Certificate student. I am excited to say I have reached Graz, Austria, as part of the Comparative Healthcare in Graz program! I knew I wanted to participate in this program before I even committed…
Reflecting On My Time Abroad
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…
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…
Adventures in Austria (& Slovenia): Final Reflections
Welcome back! It is hard to believe that my time abroad has officially come to an end. This past month has been absolutely incredible, and I am grateful for how much I’ve grown, both as a student and as a person, for the memories I made, and for the people that I met along the…
A Reflection of My Time in Austria and Slovenia
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,…
Farewell for Now: Reflecting on My Unforgettable Journey Through Austria and Slovenia
Hallo! Zdravo! My study abroad experience in Austria and Slovenia has finally come to an end and as I reflect on it, I can say that it profoundly shaped my outlook on healthcare and will significantly influence my future career as a dentist. The knowledge and skills I gained during this journey will be invaluable…