Public Health Science Abroad

by Eric Barrett

Over the past few weeks, I have learned not only through lectures and site visits but through the rhythm of life in each country. Touring the United Nations Office at Geneva was a turning point. Seeing diplomacy and global health coordination unfold in the very halls where international standards are shaped gave me a deeper sense of how medicine and policy intertwine. From there, our studies of the French, Spanish, and Swiss medical systems came alive through fi rsthand experiences. Comparing France’s universal model, Switzerland’s balance of private and public care, and Spain’s efficiency and accessibility revealed how each country approaches health as both a right and a responsibility.

During our visit to a private hospital in Madrid, I unexpectedly had to experience the Spanish system myself after nearly passing out during the tour. The staff responded quickly and calmly, guiding me through their process with professionalism and care. In that moment, the system I had been studying became real, not just a framework of policies but a network of people dedicated to compassion and efficiency. It was humbling to see how seamlessly care was delivered, and it deepened my appreciation for the human side of healthcare that transcends borders. I realized that systems are built on people (doctors, nurses, administrators) whose empathy and steadiness make the difference between theory and lived experience.

Outside the classroom, the learning continued in motion. Cassis shimmered with coastal calm, Paris pulsed with history and energy, and the Swiss Alps reminded me how small and alive we are amid vast landscapes. Hiking to see those mountains felt like a reset, a moment to breathe and reflect on everything we had seen. Back in Madrid and Aix-en-Provence, exploring local markets, cafés, and winding streets brought cultural texture to the academic side of the trip. Each city carried its own rhythm, its own way of approaching health, community, and life.

There were delays, missed trains, and long waits that tested patience but also opened unexpected doors. On one of those delayed journeys, I met a woman purely by chance. She worked at the United Nations as a translator and had been part of the same institution I had toured the next day. We ended up playing cards together on the train, and we were able to ask her about her life and experiences, how they shaped her and what, if anything, I could learn from them. That small, spontaneous moment captured what this entire experience has been about: the human connections that make systems meaningful.

Together, these experiences gave me a much clearer picture of what global health looks like beyond lectures and case studies. Whether it was comparing healthcare systems, navigating unfamiliar cities, hiking through the Alps, or having unexpected conversations on delayed trains, each part of the trip added a different perspective. What I’ll remember most are the moments that weren’t on the itinerary—the conversations, surprises, and everyday experiences that made each place feel distinct. Looking back, I’m leaving with a better understanding of healthcare, a longer list of train stories, and plenty of memories from an unforgettable few weeks in Europe.

by Emily Stebbins

The past few days in Spain have been absolutely amazing! Our class has learned a lot about the Spanish health system as well as had many opportunities to immerse ourselves in the Spanish culture. During the first two class days here in Spain, we learned that the Spanish have universal healthcare and the health system is operated in a decentralized manner. This means that certain aspects of healthcare are handled by the government while the rest, including delivery of care, are taken care of at the regional level. We also learned that Spain has both public and private hospitals like the U.S. does. On Tuesday May, 2nd, the first half of our class had the opportunity to tour one of the main private hospitals here in Madrid. During this experience, we got to walk through the ER department, the inpatient unit, and learn that that hospital has one of the best trauma teams in all of Spain. Our tour guide was in charge of international patients at the hospital so she gave us some insight into what it would look like if a study abroad student, or international patient in general, needed to visit the hospital. One of the coolest things I learned was that a lot of famous people/groups like the King of Spain and Rolling Stones have visited that hospital which has led them to create a separate waiting area to allow them more privacy.

One of the highlights of my time in Spain so far was getting to take a Spanish cooking class with our entire study abroad group. We learned how to make tortilla de patata, paella, and tarta de Santiago. During the class, the instructor explained the background of each dish and walked us through the steps of making them. The instructor spoke to us in Spanish which really allowed me to practice my understanding of the language. Fortunately, there was an English translator that worked right alongside the chef so we could fully understand everything. I helped chop vegetables for the paella, stir the paella, and flip one of the four tortillas we made. The kitchen smelt amazing the whole time we were cooking and it made me extra hungry. The best part was that when we finished cooking, we got to eat each dish for lunch! Everything was so delicious. The paella was the best I have ever had and now I am very excited to make it for my family at home! 10/10 experience and one I will remember forever.

After the cooking class, we were given the afternoon off to explore and do as we please. A group of my friends and I decided to go explore Retiro Park. This was my first time going into the park and I was in awe of its beauty. There were so many fresh flowers, big trees, and luscious grass. We then found a nice spot on some grass in the shade and played cards and a game called imposter. Even though it was a simple activity, it quickly became one of the best memories of my study abroad trip. We talked, laughed, and just enjoyed spending time with each other. This has been a once in a lifetime trip and has allowed me to learn so much about healthcare and culture across the world.

by Camryn Takah

This week at study abroad, we are in Madrid! After a flight that experienced many delays, our class finally made it! Madrid is a beautiful city, and I am already loving the culture, food, and fun here. From the historic architecture to the beautiful streets filled with people at all hours of the day, there is always something to see and experience. It has been exciting to compare life in Spain to what we have experienced in both Switzerland and France throughout the program.

The week started with learning about the Spanish healthcare system. Spain has a universal public healthcare system; therefore, as long as you are a Spanish resident, you have access to care without paying at the time of treatment. Spanish healthcare outcomes are some of the best in the world, with costs that are much lower than those in the United States. It was fascinating to see how the Spanish healthcare system differs not only from the United States but also from France and Switzerland, which we had previously learned about. Learning about these different systems has given me a broader perspective on healthcare and the various ways countries meet the needs of their populations.

While most people have universal public healthcare, some people choose to purchase private insurance. In Madrid, there are private hospitals that accept private insurance, and we had the opportunity to tour one! We got the opportunity to see the emergency rooms, the international department, and different hospital floors. As a psychology major, it was interesting to see the different ways inpatient care works. It was also fascinating to learn about the hospital’s international services and how they accommodate patients from around the world. Seeing healthcare in practice rather than just learning about it in a classroom setting made the experience much more impactful.

During our free time in Madrid, we took our tour guide’s recommendation and, of course, had churros! They were fantastic! We also got to experience the wonderful shopping in Madrid—like the six-story Zara, which was unlike anything I had ever seen. Retiro Park is also a must-see. We spent an entire afternoon reading, relaxing, and people-watching. It was the perfect break from the busy pace of sightseeing. We also took an urban hike along the Rio Manzanares, which was full of beautiful trees, flowers, and scenic views. It was amazing to see how much green space exists within such a large city.

During our free weekend, we journeyed to Alicante—a gorgeous beach town in the south of Spain. We woke up bright and early to board our two-and-a-half-hour train. When we arrived, sadly, it was a little cloudy and only 72 degrees; however, the weather soon turned around, and it ended up being the perfect sunny beach day! The water was beautiful, and it was nice to spend time relaxing by the beach after a busy week in Madrid. We also got to experience Alicante’s culture through the city’s famous Hogueras de San Juan celebrations. Seeing the parades, decorations, and community firsthand was such a unique experience. Alicante was the perfect weekend getaway and a wonderful opportunity to experience a different side of Spain. Between learning about healthcare, exploring Madrid, and enjoying the beach in Alicante, this week has been full of unforgettable experiences! I am not ready to leave in five days!

by Katie Mack

Our first morning in Madrid began with excitement as we settled into our apartments after arriving the night before and prepared for orientation. We met Professor Christianna and Molly from IAU at the Goya metro station, received our MetroCards, and headed to orientation. Yolanda immediately made us laugh as she reviewed logistics and safety information, but she also gave us our first real introduction to Spanish culture. Her warm personality reflected the friendly, welcoming, and vibrant spirit of Spain, setting the tone for our two weeks in Madrid. In a quick break, we walked to TRAMA pastelería & café. We enjoyed a variety of delicious toasts for breakfast. I chose the sourdough toast with lox, which was excellent. Afterward, we hustled to meet our tour guide, Maria, for a walking tour of Madrid’s historic center. Equipped with headsets, we followed her through the city while learning about its history and famous landmarks. Maria made the tour even more enjoyable with her great sense of humor. She would snap her fan in the air and lead with an energetic “Vamos!” which, in turn, made many of us want to buy traditional paper folding fans.

One fact that really surprised me was that the Royal Palace of Madrid has 3,419 rooms, while the Palace of Versailles has only about 2,300. That statistic was hard to believe because I couldn’t imagine a palace larger than Versailles, yet Madrid’s palace is even bigger. During our walking tour with Maria, we learned about three of Madrid’s most famous plazas that both locals and tourists enjoy. They included Plaza Mayor, where the highlight was the equestrian statue of King Philip III,  Puerta del Sol, the bustling center of Madrid, and finally visited Plaza de España, home to the impressive monument to Miguel de Cervantes and the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Together, these three plazas showcase Madrid’s history, culture, and national identity.

Along the way, we also stopped at Mercado de San Miguel, one of Madrid’s most famous food markets. The market was packed with people enjoying tapas, fresh seafood, pastries, and other Spanish specialties. We also passed by a convent where cloistered nuns make and sell homemade cookies. Customers place their orders through a traditional system without ever seeing the nuns, preserving their privacy and way of life. It was such a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old Catholic tradition that continues to this day.

After our walking tour, we were starving. We decided to try some traditional Spanish food for lunch at Casa Castana. I shared a mixed seafood paella, and it was delicious. We also sampled several local tapas, including Spanish potatoes, pork, and calamari. Many of us tried a calamari sandwich, one of Madrid’s most popular dishes.

After lunch, we visited a local artisan workshop, Taller Puntera, where I bought a beautiful handmade leather purse. We spent the afternoon shopping at Zara and other stores, feeling giddy about being in Madrid. After taking our siesta, all 28 of us met up at TKO for one-euro tacos. It was so much fun! Afterward, we played Kubo cards back at our apartment and headed to bed early so we would be well-rested for another fun and busy day tomorrow.

by Claire Arnold

During my time abroad, I have had the opportunity to learn about French and Swiss cultures and how they relate to their healthcare systems. I learned how different the French healthcare system is from that in the United States. For instance, in France and Switzerland, residents have universal access, and in Switzerland, it is the law to have healthcare coverage. In the US, it is not required, leading to many individuals not being able to afford healthcare. Also, France has many benefits alongside healthcare, like longer maternity leave, required 5-week vacations, free screenings and immunizations, and more. I believe this contributes to the patriotism the French people have for their healthcare system. Switzerland is similar, as it is commonly considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Everyone in Switzerland is required to purchase health insurance if residing longer than 90 days. This was interesting to me because, since it is a law, it allows universal access to healthcare. Throughout this class, the activities and speakers have aided in my understanding of the US and other countries’ public healthcare.

In Switzerland, we visited the United Nations and heard from Henry Ntuku about Malaria. I learned a lot about the creation of the UN and how the League of Nations set the stage for it. Woodrow Wilson had a large part in the creation of the UN and set many of its morals. I did not realize how the United States did not support him, so he left for England, then Europe, to gain support for his ideas. The UN provides a space for countries to come together and discuss worldwide issues. It helps prevent wars and resolve conflicts before they escalate. We sat in the same seats that delegates do as they debate and talk through conflicts. I also learned how translation works and the UN’s 6 official languages.

From Ntuku, I learned of Malaria’s impact and devastation it causes in other countries. Malaria is not a problem for the US, but for underdeveloped African countries, it can kill hundreds of thousands of people a year. Mosquitoes are responsible for the most deaths by animals. It is important to prevent Malaria from spreading, but in order to do this, it requires funding. Funding has been decreasing in recent years, as the US pulled out of the USAID program, leaving Malaria research harder to accomplish. Drug therapy is a treatment option, but this is becoming increasingly difficult due to the resistance certain strains have. In order to combat resistance, multi-drug therapy is introduced, but it is hard for low-income countries because they cannot afford all of these drugs. Same as prevention, bed nets are needed to protect individuals at night, when mosquitoes are the most active. Overall, I learned how devastating Malaria is to other countries and how fortunate we are in the US to have access to research and drugs to combat this problem.

We also spent a long weekend in Paris, where a group of 24 of us spent the weekend diving into French Culture. We hit all of the tourist sites, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine River, and more. Paris truly was beautiful and a great experience. Along with this, we spent 3 days in Geneva, Switzerland. Here, we could see the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. We spoke to a local Swiss, who informed us of local attractions and food. We spent these days exploring the town as well as learning about the healthcare system. I am excited to continue my studies in Madrid and to see what is next!

by Makenzie Bodkin

Wrapping up our time in Aix-en-Provence on Friday, May 29th, we had our last class recapping what we learned in Switzerland from our two guest speakers, the United Nations tour and the Red Cross Museum, by playing Kahoot. The class all shared their highs and lows from the past three days in Switzerland. We then transitioned into a lecture by Professor Novakovic on the Swiss health care system, and Professor Owen introduced a group project to be completed during the Spain portion of the course. I cannot believe how fast time is flying and that our time abroad is already halfway over. The IAU program in France has been incredible to experience, which is making it hard to leave because it feels like we just started.

Since it is our last couple of days in Aix, I did some souvenir shopping with my friends at stores in the city center. We really wanted to purchase some lavender since it is grown here locally in the South of France, and some postcards. After, I headed back to where we are staying to attend a Zoom meeting and work on dental school applications that open up in a couple of days. Managing my time to complete all my responsibilities while also exploring new countries with my friends is a challenge, but extremely rewarding.

In the afternoon, our class had an Olive and Cheese tasting at Marchutz with Anthony, who is a part of the IAU program. We were taken on a tour through the vineyard and learned about the agricultural background of grapes needed for the production of wine. The second half of the trip included a whole setup to try three different olives, three olive oils, and five cheeses. It was very interesting to learn the proper way to taste olive oil because it did not include any bread, which shocked me. We just drank a small amount of straight oil, breathed in, in a unique way, then swallowed. Following that, he walked us through each type of cheese, giving us a description and which fruit it pairs best with. Anthony made this event into a whole experience that everyone enjoyed.

One thing I was not expecting prior to the trip was how sore my feet would feel on a daily basis. It is very common in European culture to walk everywhere; on average, we take 25,000 steps a day. On top of that, my friends and I really enjoy going on runs in the morning through the streets of Aix. It is very relaxing and peaceful to enjoy the scenery and fresh air to start the day. This also helped us learn our way around the city because all the side streets look very similar. Going out and running without following a map was beneficial for the first couple of days. I would definitely recommend bringing cute shoes that are also very comfortable to avoid pain and blisters! I plan on keeping up with this healthy habit as we transition to Madrid next week to learn our way around another new city!

by George Proctor

After an incredible two weeks in France, we traveled to the second leg of our trip: Geneva, Switzerland. Here we had an educational, exciting, and overall wonderful time exploring such a gorgeous city. We began the stay with a lecture from Theresa Diaz about her time working for the CDC, WHO, and now creating DataHEARD, an NGO dedicated to boosting global health through research. We then went on a tour of the city, learning about its history and key figures, such as Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross. We closed out the night with an incredible dinner featuring raclette and fondue.

The next day consisted of two unforgettable tours of the United Nations and Red Cross museum. The United Nations took us through various meeting points and taught us how they operate among themselves. One thing that I found very interesting about the process is that they are based on directions rather than mandates, generally being unable to directly impose orders on members. The Red Cross museum taught me a lot about its origins and its work as a humanitarian organization. I definitely found direct parallels between our curriculum and these two tours by imagining how differences in healthcare policy between nations could lead to discourse between them. The Red Cross plays a huge role in healthcare as well by being a prominent advocate for international care.

After a great day of learning, we took a gondola up to an unbelievable view of the city and even got to see paragliders begin their descent off the mountain. From what I have learned about Swiss healthcare, I was comforted that they seem to be in good hands if something went awry. 

To close out our time in Geneva, we had a very interesting lecture from Henry Ntuku about his work on various diseases, including malaria. He taught us about how incredibly dangerous this can be for children in low-income countries. His work on the disease was very inspiring and has changed so many lives. He explained that funding from the United States for malaria research and care has recently been modified, which has changed how other countries are able to fight against the disease. This was definitely eye-opening for me as I saw firsthand how the news headlines that I see genuinely affect others in such a significant way, altering my global understanding greatly. After such a phenomenal time in Geneva, we departed back to the beautiful city of Aix-En-Provence.

Though Geneva was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there was no doubt we were all a bit tired. Luckily, we had a day of rest and rejuvenation ahead of us as we headed down to the breathtaking town of Cassis. This day, which turned out to be my favorite so far on the trip, offered some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. Swimming in the crystal-clear water was an experience that I will never forget. We left the beach for an incredible boat excursion throughout the grand coves surrounding the town. To close out a perfect day of relaxation, we had some incredible seafood right by the harbor for dinner.

This trip has truly been the experience of a lifetime full of new friendships and unforgettable memories! Au revoir!

by Piper Lee

This week, we traveled to Geneva, and it has already been one of my favorite parts of the trip so far. Geneva is such a beautiful city, and I loved getting to experience both the culture and the global health perspectives that make the city so unique.

When we first arrived, we went on a walking tour around Geneva. It was interesting to learn about the city’s history and culture while also getting to see the amazing views. Later that evening, we all went to dinner together and tried traditional Swiss foods like fondue and raclette. I personally enjoyed the raclette much more than the fondue, but it was fun getting to try both and experience a part of Swiss culture. After dinner, we got gelato together as a group, which quickly became one of our favorite traditions during the trip.

We also had the opportunity to hear from a guest speaker, Dr. Theresa Diaz, who spoke about public health careers and health data. I really enjoyed hearing about everything she has accomplished throughout her career and learning about how she started a nonprofit organization to help address gaps in funding. It was inspiring to hear how one person can make such a large impact in public health.

The next day, we toured the United Nations, which was one of the highlights of the trip for me. As a political science major, I found it fascinating to learn more about how the United Nations operates and the role it plays in international cooperation and policymaking. It was exciting to see a place that has such a major impact on global issues. Afterward, we visited the Red Cross Museum, which I also really enjoyed. The exhibits were interactive and engaging, and there was even a game at the end that we all played together. After the tour, we obviously had to try Swiss chocolate and it was delicious!

That afternoon, a group of us went on a hike and then had a picnic dinner by the lake. After dinner, we rode a Ferris wheel; the view of the city and the lake from the top was incredible. One of my favorite memories from the trip happened later that night when a group of us jumped into the lake together. It was honestly the highlight of my trip so far. We swam around laughing and acting like little kids, and it was such a fun and carefree moment.

The following morning, we heard from another guest speaker, Dr. Henry Ntuku from PATH, who spoke about malaria and neglected tropical diseases. His presentation was very interesting because I did not know much about malaria before. I learned how early treatment is difficult because symptoms can look similar to common illnesses like the flu. As someone interested in law and politics, it was meaningful to see how government funding decisions can directly impact healthcare access and outcomes around the world. Overall, this experience in Geneva has been amazing and very educational, and I am excited to continue learning more throughout this program.

by Martha-Glenn Boggs

We’ve had the opportunity to spend the past couple of days in Geneva, Switzerland. When we first arrived, we got settled into our hostel, checked out the views from the water front, experienced a water taxi for the first time, saw the Geneva water jet (pictured below), and then headed to our first guest lecture with Dr. Theresa Diaz. She talked to us about her extensive experience within the public health world, detailing how she worked for the World Health Organization, the CDC and how she is now president of an NGO known as dataHEARD, which aims to preserve global health and environmental data through service provision. She explained to us that although many jobs in public health are declining, some areas of growth in this realm include climate and health, health security and outbreak preparedness, and data and analytics through use of AI.

We then gathered for our city tour, where our guide, Alex, showed us around Geneva. One of our stops was this stone wall with carvings of many people and quotes, exemplifying key characters who contributed to the formation and development of the Protestant Church. One of my favorite parts of the wall was the inclusion of the Lord’s Prayer on a specific section (seen faintly on the bottom right edge of the wall in the picture below).

On our second day in Switzerland, we got to tour the United Nations and it was so cool to see the rooms where many global discussions and decisions take place. We learned how 193 countries collaborate to share, grow and learn together, collectively aiming to better the lives of people all over the world. Our tour guide did a fantastic job of explaining what a typical UN session would look like as we sat within the largest meeting room in the building.

After our UN tour, we had an incredible afternoon consisting of lunch by the water (with such a pretty view) and a tour of the Red Cross museum, where we got an insight into the many countries the Red Cross has sought to provide aid to over the years. I thought it was very eye-opening to hear peoples’ stories of tragedy and how they overcame these hardships/tragedies through interactive screens. It felt like they were in the room with us, telling us about their life experiences.

Once we finished at the museum, we took a 40 minute bus ride to the edge of Geneva, where we hopped on a 10 minute Gondola, then took a 30 minute hike up to the top of the mountain for a view of the Swiss Alps, some sheep and some cows! This beautiful view was definitely a highlight of our trip to Geneva! Around 6:45, we headed back down the mountain on the gondola and bus, grabbed some dinner, hopped on the ferris wheel by the waterfront (another highlight), some people jumped into Lake Geneva, and last but not least, we got the best gelato at Manu on the way home: 10/10 recommend!

To wrap up our time in Geneva, we heard from Dr. Henry Ntuku, who works on a team within PATH, providing support to countries facing malaria and aiding in implementation of strategic intervention. It was incredible to witness his passion for reaching people who may be susceptible to this disease. Overall, I am super grateful for all that we got to learn and experience during our 48 hours in Geneva!

by Sydney Sparks

Bonjour! We have had many adventures since landing in Aix-en-Provence. Recently, we traveled as a class to Pont du Gard and Avignon, while also taking time to explore Paris on our own during free time.
On May 22, 2026, we explored Pont du Gard and Avignon. Pont du Gard is a 2,000-year-old ancient Roman aqueduct located in Southern France that was originally built to supply water to the nearby city of Nimes. When we first arrived, we explored the aqueduct and were amazed by the construction methods used over 2,000 years ago. Some of the stones used to build the structure weighed up to 6 tons. The first image highlights Pont du Gard itself, while the second image shows the view while walking across the aqueduct. We then explored the museum that displayed and told us how the duct was engineered and used 2,000 years ago.

We then departed from Pont du Gard and arrived in Avignon. Avignon is a historic city in Southern France surrounded by medieval walls. It is best known for the Palais de Papes (Palace of the Popes). For nearly 70 years, the pope lived in Avignon and governed the Catholic Church from France. We had the opportunity to explore the palace and learn more about its history. The palace was beautifully constructed with tall ceilings, detailed architecture, and painted walls. One of my favorite parts was the garden, which was filled with beautiful greenery and flowers.

After the tour, we explored the local market in the city where vendors sold jewelry, artwork, and fresh food. These outdoor markets are very common in France and offer a unique way to experience the local culture. We finished our fun day in Avignon with gelato and a carousel ride through the city.

On May 23, 2026, we were given two free days during our abroad experience in France. Several people from the group chose to go to Paris. We arrived around midday and had lunch along the Seine River with a view of the Eiffel tower. The food was delicious, and it was a great way to enjoy the city and relax before spending the rest of the day walking. We then walked around and saw the Arc de Triomphe. I was amazed by all the details and architecture of the monument. Later that evening, we went to dinner with our group, where my friend and I tried escargot. I was nervous to try it at first, but it was delicious, especially with the basil cream butter sauce. We finished our night by watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at midnight while enjoying a Nutella crepe.

On May 24, 2026, we woke up early to continue exploring Paris. Some of my favorite things we saw were the Notre Dame and a sunset Seine River cruise. Notre Dame is a Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. I enjoyed looking at the details, engravings, and architecture of the church. The river cruise was also a great way to see many parts of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. It was a perfect ending to our time in Paris!