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!
