AIFS Abroad - Comparative Healthcare: Study + Travel

Embarking on a study abroad program across three enchanting European cities—London, Barcelona, and Florence—was an unforgettable adventure that enriched my life with cultural experiences and lifelong memories. London: A Blend of Challenges and Charm Our London leg began with a mixed bag of accommodations; while they weren't the most luxurious, the Chelsea neighborhood offered a cozy respite. London's inherent walkability became a pleasant surprise, and with the guidance of our dedicated professor and staff, we effortlessly navigated the city's treasures. The camaraderie among students blossomed during our first dinner, and our shared joy reached its peak witnessing the spectacular Mama Mia live performance. The cultural delights found in the plethora of museums we explored are things I will never forget; along with the unique challenge of trying writing a lengthy research paper on the train to Bath during our free day. Amidst rigorous academic pursuits, the breaks between classes offered serene walks through central London, etching moments of beauty and exploration into our collective memory. Barcelona: Early Mornings and Endless Adventures Barcelona welcomed us with an early sunrise, and from our centrally located abode, the city unfolded its beauty at our feet. The simplicity of exploring on foot added a layer of authenticity to our experiences. Breakfasts on the beach, a mesmerizing flamenco show, and the inevitable thrill of getting lost in the metro became the defining moments. The joy of concluding our Barcelona chapter with a beach picnic, celebrating the bonds formed and experiences shared, lingered as a bittersweet memory. Florence: The Epitome of Walkable Beauty Florence, with its charming cobbled streets, proved to be the quintessential Italian experience. Our lodgings near the train station facilitated leisurely exploration, and the abundance of free time allowed us to immerse ourselves in the city's splendor. An exquisite Italian restaurant near our hotel became our gastronomic haven, offering a taste of authentic local flavors which we took advantage of for nearly every meal. Venturing beyond Florence, we took a day tour through Tuscany and got a glimpses of nearby cities, creating a mosaic of experiences that enriched our understanding of Italian culture. As a class we had the opportunity to learn how cook a plate of authentic Italian pasta and tiramisu. As the journey culminated, the friendships forged and memories created during those weeks became the cornerstone of this life-altering experience. The study abroad program was not merely an academic endeavor but a tapestry woven with laughter, shared discoveries, and the warmth of newfound connections. The echoes of our adventures in London, Barcelona, and Florence will resonate within me, cherished forever as the best time of my life.

My study abroad program was an incredible journey that provided me a holistic understanding of global healthcare. The diverse experiences in London, Barcelona, and Florence offered a unique perspective on healthcare origins, current challenges, and future possibilities. The class was insightful, offering in-depth knowledge into how U.S. healthcare compares to Italy's, Spain's and the U.K.'s. We also learned a deep understanding of global health management and were able to have many hands-on opportunities. My instructor Kevin Singh was such an amazing person to learn from, he had an impressive depth of knowledge of all of the countries we visited and a true passion for what he taught. This program has provided me with an experience I will never forget, it has always been a topic that has been brought up in my interviews for some of my latest professional endeavors.

AIFS Study Abroad gave me the best summer of my life!! I went on the AIFS Comparative Healthcare Program in the Summer of 2022. In this program we studied in London, England, Barcelona, Spain, and Florence, Italy. We focused on how healthcare is received and delivered in each of these countries and compared it to the U.S. health care systems. Our studies were so interesting! We also had an amazing opportunity to visit the cities most finest hospitals, universities, clinics, and simulation labs. Outside of class time and observations we were able to have free time to explore the city, experience the rich history, and immerse in the culture. This experience is one that I will never forget! I gained friendships and experiences that will last a life time! If you are considering studying abroad through AIFS, I completely encourage you to do so. It will be a decision you will never regret! I am forever thankful for my summer abroad.

Loved my time abroad with the Comparative Healthcare Program. Our tour manager Chiara was amazing, and so was our professor Kevin. I had such an amazing time abroad and we got to visit 3 countries in 3 weeks!! Totally recommend!!

To start it off, I had never EVER been on an airplane, more so out of state on my own. For my program, I was the only student coming from my small university. Out of our small class of 20, I managed to make really solid friendships with four other girls who also came from a similar situation. We found time to take solo trips outside of our assignments, classes, and program events, and that's really what strengthened my love for this class! Traveling from country to country, it honestly seemed like it was too good to be true that I was experiencing so much at the age of 19! I'm a Public Health student, and this specific curriculum focusing on Healthcare and cultures was really on the mark for what I wanted to pursue after graduation. I saw the values of culture-inclusivity in policy making, and I recognized just how important it is that we all sharpen our cultural competence, and I'd say this program did a good job with that. All in all, it was difficult to just see people experience it on social media and never actually understand the experience until you do it yourself! I don't come from privilege, so the price was scary, but this one-time experience pushed me and those around me to make it happen for the sake of lighting up the passion I now have for global health issues, especially as a soon college graduate.

I truly enjoyed my time spent abroad through AIFS. It is an jam packed 3 weeks of class, cultural activities, educational field trips, getting to know other students and exploring new cities throughout Europe. I made great friends and we were able to plan excursions outside of class time in London, Barcelona, and Florence which was awesome. My only complaint was with parts of the course which needed some adjustments. Most days were spent with class in the morning and then an afternoon activity. Some of the afternoon activities were very interesting and paired well with the course, but a few were not as interesting and did not relate well. Overall, I am 100% glad I did this study abroad. With my undergraduate program in healthcare, it is not much of an option to do a whole semester abroad so I think this was a great option to get the experience of a lifetime.