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Study Abroad Programs in Western Europe

Western Europe has some of the most iconic sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Autobahn and much more there’s so much to learn about. Don’t let this fool you though, there’s plenty to visit and do beyond typical sightseeing. Studying abroad in Western Europe offers a wealth of opportunities to experience diverse cultures, rich histories, and top-tier educational institutions.
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1677 Study Abroad Programs in Western Europe

Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

The Tower Bridge in London, England in United Kingdom
AIFS Abroad logo

AIFS Abroad

9.12

89

AIFS Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic (CU): Semester

Spend a semester or academic year in Prague, Czech Republic, with...

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Old buildings in Spain, Western Europe
IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad logo

IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

9

2

IFSA University of Cambridge, Pembroke College Partnership

Challenge yourself at Cambridge's third-oldest college! Founded ...

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John Cabot University

8.44

368

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Italy 2025
Study Abroad in Rome at John Cabot University

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to enhance your resume while exploring the world, learning a new language, and building lifelong international connections. Located in the heart of historic Rome, Italy, John Cabot University offers you the chance to join a vibrant international campus community while immersing yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Each year, we welcome 1,800 students during our semesters or summer sessions. With over 400 classes to choose from, a dynamic student life program, and a Monday-to-Thursday class schedule, you’ll have plenty of time to discover Rome and travel across Europe, thanks to our proximity to train stations and airports. If you’re seeking a semester abroad experience that lets you explore Italy and Europe while staying on track with your academic goals, JCU could be the perfect fit for you!

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Study in Spain - Arcos

Arcos Learning Abroad

9.57

67

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Spain 2025
Arcos Learning Abroad in Granada, Spain

Study abroad in the historic city of Granada, Spain. Home to flam...

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University of New York in Prague logo

University of New York in Prague

8.93

15

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Czech Republic 2025
Semester Abroad with The University of New York in Prague

University of New York in Prague is the largest and leading English language Higher Education Institution in the Czech Republic. Teaching takes place in English and currently, more than 800 students from more than 60 countries study at UNYP. Lecturers come from the United States, EU and the Czech Republic, and bring with them both academic and professional backgrounds. This makes UNYP the most diverse and multicultural institution in Czech Republic. UNYP offers a true international environment for every single student. Our students are advised and nurtured by faculty who will develop their critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills required for career success and a fulfilling life in the 21st century. At UNYP, students can study American Bachelor's programs (Business Administration, Digital Media Arts, International Relations, Communication and Media, Psychology, English Language Literature and IT), Master in Psychology, and MBA programs.

Adelante Abroad

8.72

152

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Scotland 2025
Equine Summer Study in Scotland - Adelante Abroad

Equine Summer Study Abroad is now in its 10th year and sold out. Apply now for next year! Limited to just 16 students, it includes daily English-style riding and coursework in Equine Anatomy & Physiology and Equine Fitness. Ideal for animal science or pre-vet majors, but open to all—no riding experience needed. This 4-week summer intensive study abroad provides students with an out-of-country experience like no other. Get credit for two classes while learning the ins and outs of Equestrianism. The Equine study abroad in Scotland program is exclusive to Adelante Abroad and always fills quickly. Apply now before they sell out!

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AFS-USA

8.67

3

AFS Intercultural Programs: Spain Summer Language Study

Advance your Spanish with both formal study and first-hand cultural experience during this four-week program in Málaga, Spain. During our summer language camp in Spain, you’ll have the unique opportunity to make friends with students from around the world by living together on a college campus in the Teatinos neighborhood. On weekends, join friends on trips to destinations in southern Spain such as the famous and beautiful Alhambra in Granada and the sun-drenched cities of Seville, Cordoba, and Marbella. This camp welcomes around 60 AFSers from around the world, including students from Brazil, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, Italy, Norway and Turkey – to name a few! The camp setting is designed to allow you to form friendships with individuals from around the world while experiencing chaperoned experiences or on campus activities like soccer, volleyball, and basketball. As you explore your community, you’re bound to notice southern Spain’s laid-back and social culture. You’ll find that people like to take a step back and enjoy life. The primary focus of this program will be language-learning, so take advantage of the immersion experience and really skyrocket your Spanish skills!

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University Studies Abroad Consortium

9.33

95

USAC Spain: Alicante - European & Mediterranean Studies

The USAC program is based at the University of Alicante, which has a student population of 30,000 and offers two diverse academic areas: Intensive Language and Spanish and European Studies. Have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the complexities of Spanish and contemporary European societies through a wide selection of academic courses, as well as through personal interaction with the host culture. You may stay for one semester or a full year. Our intensive approach allows you to complete up to two years of university foreign language coursework in only one semester, helping meet Spanish minor or major requirements. The summer Alicante Program offers two sessions, a five-week session and a four-week session with the option of a four-day visit to Madrid. This program is ideal for those unable to participate in semester or yearlong programs. Students may combine intensive Spanish language courses and elective courses for a minimum of 3 credits and a maximum of 6 credits per summer session. A sailing course is also offered in summer to take advantage of living so close to the Mediterranean Sea.

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StudyAbroad.com

0

0

Study Abroad in Spain (LCI Barcelona)

LCI Barcelona offers an unparalleled study abroad experience for students passionate about design, fashion, and the arts. As part of the prestigious LCI Education network, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, innovative techniques, and industry connections that set it apart from other creative programs. This program is ideal for creative and driven students eager to develop their skills in an inspiring and international environment. Courses are taught by experienced professionals and cover areas like graphic design, fashion, and visual arts, providing students with practical skills and academic credit. Located in the heart of Barcelona, a global hub for art, architecture, and culture, LCI provides students with access to iconic landmarks like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. With its vibrant creative scene and Mediterranean charm, Barcelona is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable study abroad experience. Ready to elevate your creativity? Discover LCI Barcelona!

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WorldStrides

9.47

60

Study Abroad in Seville, Spain

Get the chance to study at a university in Spain while immersing in a rich cultural heritage! Depending on your chosen program, you will take courses at any of these universities: the University of Pablo de Olavide, the Menendez Pelayo International University, WorldStrides Global Campus, or the University of Sevilla. No matter where you study, you have the assurance of modern facilities and highly qualified faculty. Plus, you will find program options suitable for your Spanish proficiency level. Take the time to visit our office while in Seville, a renovated Andalusian building. We have amenities and facilities available for your use. Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions or cater to your needs. Drop by during normal business hours and hang out with other participants or check out our bulletin for upcoming events. The beautiful city of Seville offers endless opportunities to immerse oneself in Spanish traditions and culture. At the same time, it has plenty of splendid destinations waiting to be discovered, including north of La Giralda, Barrio Santa Cruz, and El Arenal. Learn about its history through visits to cathedrals and historic monuments.

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Semester at Sea

9.64

44

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

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CIEE College Study Abroad

9.28

81

CIEE Open Campus Block in Berlin, Germany

Get to know Berlin on your terms by customizing your study abroad experience through the Open Campus Block program. Take one, two, or three six-week blocks and choose courses from various subject areas. Learn from expert instructors who have made Berlin their home and are eager to share exciting connections between your course material and the people, sites, and organizations that make Berlin unique. CIEE Berlin is in the heart of the international Kreuzberg district, a hub for the arts, music, and digital technology. No matter how you build your program, you'll surround yourself with the language, culture, and people of Germany's vibrant and historic capital city.

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New York University

7.85

26

Spend This Fall in Spain with NYU Madrid

Choose from courses in anthropology, business, and politics at NYU Madrid. You’ll have the chance to improve your Spanish language skills with intensive language courses as well as internships, class-related excursions, and regional trips. Located in the heart of the city, NYU’s newly renovated academic center features classrooms, a computer lab, a student lounge, and a reading room with a reserved collection of books and references. Opportunities vary based on local restrictions. Visit the NYU Madrid website for the most up-to-date information.

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EF Education First

7

2

EF - Language Abroad

Step beyond the classroom and into the world with EF Language Abroad. Our immersive programs combine academic excellence with life-changing cultural experiences in 11 stunning global destinations across 8 countries and 7 languages. Whether you’re a high school student eager to explore the world, a college student preparing for international studies or simply seeking global fluency, EF offers customizable programs that meet your goals and fit your schedule. You will learn a new language better and faster in fun and interactive classes alongside new friends from around the globe. After class, explore the city through planned activities like cooking classes, city tours, student parties, and more. Over the weekend, travel with EF staff to neighboring cities and countries to practice your language skills with locals and see the sights. You have the power to tailor your journey—whether you’re testing your limits in an intensive track, earning career credentials, or preparing for major exams. You’ll develop language skills faster, gain global experiences, and return equipped for the next step. Earn transferable college credit through our partner in education, The University of Montana.

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SAI Programs

9.36

70

SAI Study Abroad at Florence University of the Arts (Italy)

SAI invites students to surround themselves with the refined beauty of Renaissance Italy by studying abroad at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). FUA offers a wide range of courses in English, which have been carefully planned and designed in keeping with current interests and contemporary subjects including Literature, Sciences, Business, Economics, History, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and more. SAI oversees and coordinates all aspects of student enrollment, including application processing, course selection and credit, visa advising, housing, student health insurance, and transcripts. In addition, SAI provides comprehensive student services, from the moment of application, through the on-site experience, until students return home. In addition to supporting students throughout their stay in Florence, SAI also coordinates a range of activities and excursions throughout the term, including a walking tour of historic Florence, a “survival Italian” language class, a hike to the Piazzale Michelangelo, and Italian cooking workshop, a weekend excursion to Milan and Lake Como (semester only), and many others.

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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

9.76

51

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

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International Medical Aid (IMA)

10

69

Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA

Join the ranks of forward-thinking healthcare professionals through International Medical Aid's (IMA) Physician Assistant and Pre-PA Internships. Our program, rooted in the educational standards of Johns Hopkins University, is designed to propel undergraduate students, PA school attendees, certified PAs, and high school students into the heart of global health care. IMA, a non-profit entity, extends beyond traditional borders to bring essential medical aid and education to underserved regions in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The internship, underscored by an ethics-based approach to care, enhances clinical skills and lets you explore the cultural and societal nuances of healthcare, facilitated by our seasoned mentors. IMA's commitment to improving global health while also enriching the educational journey of each intern is evident in our comprehensive support system. From day one, interns receive personalized guidance, from field-specific orientation to admissions consulting for PA school, ensuring a seamless transition into international medical settings.

Lorenzo de' Medici

9.21

66

Lorenzo de' Medici: Florence

Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici invites you to study abroad in Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region and home to approximately one-third of the world's art treasures! Living and studying in the birthplace of the Renaissance is an unparalleled experience. The LdM Florence campus comprises 16 properties peppered among the iconic Duomo, artisanal gelaterias, and the legacies of great scientists and artists of human history. Walking to classes in Florence’s historical center—the entirety of which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site—LdM students enjoy the city's jewels, marvel at its beauty, and make meaningful memories every day. At LdM, students can take advantage of over 500 courses ranging across the humanities, creative arts, design fields, social sciences, gastronomic and culinary arts, and Italian language and culture. They also have access to various facilities: Wi-Fi-equipped classrooms, specialized art and design studios, modern culinary labs, a courtyard garden, a library, and a computer center. In addition, the always delicious LdM Cafeteria offers affordable meal plans, frothy cappuccinos, and a cozy space where students can gather between classes.

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College Year in Athens

9.02

332

Top Rated Program Study Abroad in Greece 2025
Study Abroad in Greece with CYA (Semester/Academic Year)

CYA (College Year in Athens) has been offering study abroad programs in various academic disciplines for over 60 years. Athens, a European capital, is rich in history and a contemporary hub for art, international business, and relations and debate on economic, political, and migration issues. With supplemental activities varying from archaeological digs to on-site courses and from study travel to volunteer opportunities, students can actively engage with their course material. They live in apartments in downtown Athens. A homestay option is also available where they're inspired to immerse completely in a historic environment. The CYA curriculum consists of academically rigorous courses taught by expert faculty. Course offerings encompass a range of academic disciplines and are taught in English. Optional language courses are available (Modern & Ancient Greek, Latin). Each semester, classroom lectures are complemented by on-site courses and field studies of major historical and contemporary sites around Greece.

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Expanish

8.91

11

Study Abroad in Barcelona - Summer Session

Spend Your Summer in Barcelona: Business & Culture Program | Summer 2026 Dates: June 5 – July 18, 2026 Credits: Earn 6 U.S. semester credits Cost: $7,475 - $8,510 Experience Barcelona Like a Local While Studying Business & Culture Dive into the heart of Catalonia with our 6-week Business & Culture program, perfect for students seeking both academic enrichment and real-world adventure. Choose two dynamic courses (all taught in English) and immerse yourself in Barcelona's vibrant business landscape and rich cultural charm. Course Options Include: - The Art of Branding: The Case of Barcelona - Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Europe - Mediterranean Food & Culture Optional Evening Spanish Language Classes are available to boost your local experience. Your program includes unforgettable local experiences: - Guided City Tour - Flamenco Dance Class - Paella Cooking Workshop - Day Trip to Girona Whether you're a business student, a culture buff, or just ready for an unforgettable summer, this program combines academics, local flavor, and international networking—all in one incredible city. Apply Now to make Summer 2026 in Barcelona your most inspiring adventure yet.

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A Guide to Studying Abroad in Western Europe

Prepare to Study Abroad

Set goals

Define what you want to achieve while abroad in all regards before you go! A few ideas to get going:

  • Identify the academic material you want to focus on and find classes, programs, etc that relate to the subject. Take the extra time to connect with those subjects on a deeper level.
  • Make a list of any cultural things that you’d like to see, do, or learn more about whether academic or not.
  • Figure out what kind of personal goals you may have in mind for the trip! It doesn’t matter whether it’s social, personal, or super specific.

Understand the benefits

Studying in Western Europe provides numerous benefits, including high-quality education, cultural immersion, and travel opportunities. You will gain valuable skills and experiences that will benefit your future career and personal development.

  • Academic excellence popping throughout the region. Western Europe is home to many prestigious universities and research institutions.
  • A great sampling of cultural communities. Experience the rich cultural heritage and traditions of multiple communities in any host country.

Public transportation offers great travel opportunities. Incredibly easy access to different countries by reliable public transportation makes it easy to country-hop.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s no denying that Europe offers endless options when it comes to study abroad destinations. But among the top favorites, according to international students, are Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and Denmark.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you think about what to pack when studying abroad in Europe. The trick is to create a list so you won’t forget the important stuff, plus consider factors like the climate, season, and side trips. Aside from essentials, like prescriptions (if any) and clothes, make sure your travel documents are secure inside your backpack or bag.

You can find hundreds of amazing study abroad programs in Europe. Many students prefer the combination of language and cultural immersion or academic courses and an internship. Specific disciplines such as fashion, sustainability, art and design, and healthcare are highly sought after.

The average cost to study abroad in Europe is $15,000 per semester, depending on the program, country, and host university or institution. You should also factor in daily living and miscellaneous expenses when calculating your budget. And don’t forget to set aside money for your weekend trips!

The key to cheap travel while studying abroad in Europe is to research the best deals. Add some free activities in between—visits to some museums and art galleries, hang out in piazzas, head to the beach, or stroll through cobblestone streets. Plus, travel in a group so you can split expenses.

Latest Program Reviews

A Pre-Physician Assistant Internship Program in Kenya With IMA: Global Health Perspective, Cultural Immersion, and Growth Beyond My Comfort Zone

December 25, 2025by: Taylor Breiby - United StatesProgram: Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA
10

This program was a great experience in exploring global health differences and disparities, gaining shadowing experience, and immersing myself in a different culture. The mentors were very welcoming and supportive, even checking in on us when we seemed down or quiet. Hilda in particular checked in on us frequently. The food was 10/10, and the kitchen staff was very hospitable. I enjoyed Dr. Shazim's collaboration with the program, where I learned a great deal from his knowledge and experiences. He was always witnessing to discuss clinical experiences and took it upon himself to give us new facts or wisdom. Additionally, I enjoyed the effort put into the cultural treks, and the mentors always encouraged us to explore while giving us tips on staying safe in the area. I appreciated the gated location of the residence with a guard and locked doors in keeping us safe at night. I gained a lot out of observing the public health system and the impact that access, socioeconomic status, health literacy, local diseases, etc. has on a population's health outcomes. I tend to be a shy person as well, and so this opportunity helped me grow out of my comfort zone a bit in getting to know the other interns and the staff at CGTRH, as well as exploring the city. Lastly, I appreciate that IMA enforces the ethical standards of students participating within their scope of practice. Because the vast majority of interns are students with minimal to no experience, it did feel as though not much of an impact was made from us to the hospital, at least for my duration (except for the medical clinic, where I felt useful). Everyone comes into this world with nothing. Most people spend their whole lives working to have something—then leave this world with nothing again. So, your soul must gain more than your hands. That sentiment has come to define the way I view my daily life after my internship in Mombasa, Kenya. I've always struggled to find my passion and purpose. Yes, I have things I enjoy doing, but nothing defines who I am as an individual. It's something I’ve prayed about for as long as I can remember but never quite felt to come to fruition. That changed during my time in Mombasa. I found the importance of being a part of a community greater than myself and the impacts small actions can have on others for an eternity. I can truly say it set me on the path to becoming a better version of myself—a better future physician and a better friend. I witnessed the beginning of life, formed lifelong friendships, and saw the end of life. The full cycle. And through it all, I was challenged to value every part of my life more deeply. Birth. As Dr. Shazim would say in every debrief, “Let’s start at the beginning of life. Maternity.” Before arriving at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, I was pretty determined to become a pediatrician. I have always been somewhat apprehensive about going into a specialty where death was on the line, and admittedly I had never stepped into a surgery prior to theater 2 at Coast General. Thus, I have spent most of my shadowing hours in a pediatric clinic. However, surprisingly, the maternity ward quickly became my favorite rotation. I could directly see my feelings about Kenya correspond to labor. Mothers spend months preparing to deliver their babies. They feel everything—excitement, fear, anxiety. There’s always an adrenaline rush. No one knows exactly what will happen, but the mothers, nurses, and physicians prepare for the moment a baby finally comes into this world expectantly. That’s exactly how I felt arriving in Kenya—a rush of emotions and so much uncertainty. A dream I’d held since high school was finally coming true, but I had no idea what to expect. The culture shock, the unknown, the lack of healthcare resources—it was all very real. But the maternity ward shaped me into the kind of physician I want to become. Witnessing a woman’s intense pain during labor to then peacefully hold her newborn is a moment I will carry with me. Despite the challenges of pursuing a career in medicine, like labor, being a part of some of the most shaping and important aspects of someone’s lives will make it worth it. In Mombasa I thought I’d be most influenced by the physicians, but it was the strength of the women that inspired me. They made me want to be the best physician I can be—for them. From C-sections to natural births, witnessing the beginning of life reminded me that nothing is guaranteed. I walked away with a new calling: to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. I looked back on my journal entries for my rotation in the maternity ward, and I couldn't help but smile. The women I directly got to help, either by stretching with them during labor or holding their hands, I will always remember, and that empathy I learned while in Kenya will shape me into the best physician I can become. Friendship. Throughout my life, many people have influenced me. I’m a firm believer in “friends for different seasons”—some friendships fade, and some stand the test of time. Friendship is an impactful aspect of a person’s life and shapes who they are and become. In Mombasa, I saw the true value of friendship: in patients, mentors, fellow interns, and strangers. Growing up, I attended the same private school from kindergarten to senior year. I graduated with seven people, and I was not challenged to step outside my comfort zone and interact with different types of individuals. However, during my time in Kenya, I was able to reflect on different friendships I had encountered and truly what I had learned from other individuals in my daily life. There were friends who rallied together after tough shifts at the hospital. Friends like Hilda and Michelle, who made Mombasa feel like home. Patients who opened up to me—confided in me—as if we had known each other for years. Strangers asking me what I was doing in Mombasa and fully welcoming me into their city and culture. There were friends who became like family. I watched physicians rally around one another to care for a community in need. That kind of camaraderie—rooted in compassion—deepened my belief in the importance of human connection in medicine. According to Harvard Medical School, medicine has somewhat lost its human connection due to technology: “At its best, being a doctor is an extraordinary and intimate privilege. We build relationships with our patients and see them through times of both joy and suffering; our relationships with each other help us through the same. It's hard to do that in a way that's truly satisfying when we spend most of the day at the computer screen” (Harvard Health, 2016). At Coast General, resources and technology are very limited, and these physicians and nurses must communicate with the patients and peers, which depends on human connection and in turn often creates a more positive experience for the patient. I specifically saw this at the medical clinics, as physicians had limited resources but collaborated and did their best to help every individual, which is something I deeply admire. Death. I wasn’t prepared to see someone take their last breath. I expected panic, sadness, maybe fear. Whenever I have had a loved one die in the past, I usually view it in a negative way. But the death I witnessed was peaceful—like the patient was ready. In a strange way, that’s how I felt leaving Mombasa. I expected to be in tears, not ready to leave the place I had called home for the past month. But instead, I felt peace. Peace that I had experienced something life-changing. Peace that I had grown spiritually, emotionally, and personally. Peace that I had found friendships that would last a lifetime. In a way, this feeling of “death” will stick with me as I start my career to become a physician. The feeling of peace is advice I can pass onto others who are losing a loved one. Death is inevitable, but while in Kenya I learned it can also be peaceful. Death does not have to have a negative connotation, but the narrative of death can be changed for the better. “If you think about it, life is nothing but thoughts, and our thoughts come from the mind. Our thoughts are an internal path leading us somewhere. To the next thought, the next idea, the next life. Everything is created with thought—emotions, designs, and theories. Where thoughts lead us is the most important thing; it’s our inner path leading to freedom or suffering” (At Peace With Death | Bennington College, n.d.). The people in Kenya were steadfast in their faith, and this helped me realize that in some way we are all just walking each other home. I feel like this is an important lesson to take with me in my journey to become a physician, as I have to come to peace with death and help loved ones keep moving forward in their lives. Souls. Souls tie people together. A soul is what makes someone who they are—and it’s shaped by every experience, every relationship. Kenya changed my soul for the better. I poured into others. I learned patience. I experienced a completely different culture and let it shape me. In the pediatric outpatient ward, I met a young girl named Nora who became obsessed with a balloon glove I made for her. That small gesture—something so simple—brought her joy, and in turn, filled me with joy. It made me more aware of how even the smallest acts can have a big impact on someone else’s soul. Yes, Kenya was culturally different from my small town in Georgia. But what struck me most was the people—their outpouring of love and gratitude. They valued what they had. They didn’t take life for granted. In the Western world, we often measure worth by material things—by how much we have, not by how full our lives are. But in Kenya, I saw the meaning of the phrase “Make sure your soul gains more than your hands.” Even amidst poverty and corruption, people remained faithful, grounded, and fulfilled. That lesson is one I’ll carry for life. Before Kenya, I struggled to articulate my "why" for medicine. My answer was something generic—“I enjoy helping others.” But now, I understand it's deeper than that. Medicine isn’t just about helping others—it’s about having a soul-level impact. What I saw, experienced, and endured in Kenya wasn’t easy. The children begging for food outside our Ubers, the lack of basic life-saving devices in the hospital, and people dying due to lack of ICU beds. None of this was glorious, but the community of people that rallied around each other was. Despite differences in ethnic and religious backgrounds, I saw new mothers look out for each other and their newborns, which is a testament to the people in Kenya and the type of person I want to be for others in my life and when I become a physician. Following my arrival home from Kenya, I was asked to speak at church about my experience. I gave my presentation about my time in Kenya and the ways Mombasa and Coast General impacted my life. I will still struggle to put into words the impact the experience had on me. However, unbeknownst to me, the sermon directly following my speech was about souls. About how people have started to value what they materially have in this life over friendships and the impact they have on others. But whenever one dies, none of those materialistic things goes with them, but their soul does. The experiences and impacts that others have on their soul go with them to their next life. Thus, I realized that the impact Kenya had on my life will stay with my soul forever, and consequently the impact I had on others will stay with their souls. Those who connect medicine with the soul are the difference between a good physician and a great physician. The main physician I saw this connection in was Dr. Faruk. Spending the day with him in the diabetes and thyroid clinic, he taught me the importance of finding my voice and passion in medicine that subsequently has an impact on others' lives. He is starting his own nonprofit to help children with type 1 diabetes get access to insulin. This is something he is passionate about and will have an amazing impact when accomplished. Dr. Faruk is an inspiration for me, as he is the physician I want to become. A physician who is not in it for the money or for the fame but is in it for the direct impact that they have on others' souls and daily lives. As Sir William Osler said, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease” (Centor, 2007) International Medical Aid has shaped me into the physician I want to become. My time in Mombasa taught me the importance of understanding each patient’s story and beliefs, and the responsibility I have now to leave a lasting impact on everyone I meet. These challenges and lessons will stick with me forever and my growth as an individual is all accredited to my experience in Mombasa, Kenya.

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