This program is ideal for students who are interested in having a career in health care. The purpose of this trip is to compare the health care systems in the United States and in Sweden. Not only does one get to expand their knowledge on two different healthcare systems, they get to immerse themselves in a new culture in a beautiful country. This is an insight to my study abroad experience which includes tips and what to expect if you get selected for this amazing program.
We left for Sweden the Monday after finals week. I didn’t get to pack until after my last final was over. Items that you should definitely bring include a passport (make sure to get one and if you already have one make sure it will be valid during your travels), medications you are on, a credit/debit card with a chip (many places in Sweden only accept cards), a few of your favorite snacks (you might want a taste of home), a reusable water bottle, laptop is a must!, invest in a portable charger, bring an eye mask because it is sunny around 3 am in Stockholm, and if you want to use your electronics you will need to purchase outlet converters (there are pretty cheap options on Amazon). In terms of clothes/accessories bring 2-4 business casual outfits that you can alternate throughout the trip because it is expected that you dress nicely when you visit clinics and hospitals, do bring 1-2 items of athletic clothing because you will go hiking & biking, bring a raincoat because it will rain occasionally, bring comfortable shoes because you do a lot of walking on this trip, and bring a jacket that will go with most of your clothes. The weather was more on the colder side but even if the weather for the first week shows cold weather the temperature may rise during the last two weeks. Therefore, I packed a variety of clothing that is appropriate for both cold and warm days. Also make sure your suitcase does not exceed 40 pounds when you leave the US because you might want to buy souvenirs or clothes while abroad and you are only allowed to have a maximum of 50 pounds before extra baggage fees. It is crucial to not overpack!
I traveled with 20 students and 8 faculty leaders to Sweden. The day I left for Sweden I made sure to dress comfy because I had to take three flights. My first two weeks were spent in the city of Jönköping. I lived in an apartment with people from the program, but I know some people stayed in apartments with students who attend Jönköping University (JU). The apartments you live in are about a 10-minute walk from the nearest supermarket and bus stop. You will travel by bus to JU and various other locations such as nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, and rehab centers. While in Jönköping a typical day is getting up early, meeting with the rest of the group, traveling together to a lecture or study visit, having a group lunch, working on your case study and completing a meta for a day. You are assigned to a particular group that will work on a case study while in the US and you continue that case study while in Sweden to evoke team-based learning. Metas are a way for you to write out your expectations before a lecture or study visit and then to write what you learned and a reflection after a lecture or study visit. Afternoons and weekends were mainly free time and when I could go explore with the group and enjoy fika (a very important part of the culture, it is like a coffee break you take with friends or family to catch up). The majority of Swedes are reserved and quiet, but they are kind, love nature and take care of their environment. The last week of the program is spent in Stockholm and I stayed on a boat hostel. In Stockholm we visited many museums and historical landmarks. Stockholm is beautiful and rich in history. Go out with friends, enjoy some ice cream, and always watch the sunsets because they are magnificent. After this experience I would encourage everyone to study abroad if they have the opportunity because it is life-changing. The knowledge you gain, the friends you make, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.
I traveled with 20 students and 8 faculty leaders to Sweden. The day I left for Sweden I made sure to dress comfy because I had to take three flights. My first two weeks were spent in the city of Jönköping. I lived in an apartment with people from the program, but I know some people stayed in apartments with students who attend Jönköping University (JU). The apartments you live in are about a 10-minute walk from the nearest supermarket and bus stop. You will travel by bus to JU and various other locations such as nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, and rehab centers. While in Jönköping a typical day is getting up early, meeting with the rest of the group, traveling together to a lecture or study visit, having a group lunch, working on your case study and completing a meta for a day. You are assigned to a particular group that will work on a case study while in the US and you continue that case study while in Sweden to evoke team-based learning. Metas are a way for you to write out your expectations before a lecture or study visit and then to write what you learned and a reflection after a lecture or study visit. Afternoons and weekends were mainly free time and when I could go explore with the group and enjoy fika (a very important part of the culture, it is like a coffee break you take with friends or family to catch up). The majority of Swedes are reserved and quiet, but they are kind, love nature and take care of their environment. The last week of the program is spent in Stockholm and I stayed on a boat hostel. In Stockholm we visited many museums and historical landmarks. Stockholm is beautiful and rich in history. Go out with friends, enjoy some ice cream, and always watch the sunsets because they are magnificent. After this experience I would encourage everyone to study abroad if they have the opportunity because it is life-changing. The knowledge you gain, the friends you make, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.
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Angel spent the summer 2019 term in Sweden with our faculty-led program, Health Teams Abroad with the help of our our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship and the Gilman Scholarship.
Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
