University of Florida
Reflection
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Learning is not only conducted in a classroom with four walls. The International Scholars Program gave me the opportunity to learn without borders, expanding my horizons of global public health, cultural anthropology, cross-cultural communication, and the appreciation of other cultures. I have learned to think critically about global health issues, learn how to be adaptable when things don’t always go as planned, and the importance of working with others from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
Studying abroad in Haiti was one of the most eye-opening learning experiences of my undergraduate career. I entered Gressier Haiti, a part of the country that was unfamiliar to me determined that medicine was the best way to help decrease the health disparities in Haiti, but throughout the process, my views were challenged as we conducted field research and ethnographic interviews on water insecurity and water-borne illnesses. Conducting research with the people of the community uncovered the systematic issues of lack of access to clean water and secondly health education which can not simply be fixed by a doctor. In this instance, an environmental engineer building a sustainable clean water pump would have a larger impact on the community. This experience was a turning point for me. It was my first introduction to public health, it also showed me that so much more can be accomplished when different professions work together. After studying abroad I was inspired to apply to UF’s Public Health program the following spring semester. Today, I stand as a soon-to-be graduate of the Bachelor of Public Health Program and a current Master of Public Health Candidate.
After my study abroad experience, I became interested in learning how different cultures shape the way people perceive health and health behaviors. My international coursework classes such as Culture and Medicine, Global Health Culture, Global Public Health, Cultural Anthropology have taught me the importance of including an individual’s culture when creating public health interventions. My health disparities and public health coursework have also taught me the importance of cultural competency when caring for individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
I was introduced to the Gainesville Student Chapter of Doctors Without Borders and became a service member. I participated in various community service events such as Days for Girls where we prepared reusable pads for women in underserved countries. During spring break, we embarked on our international medical service trip to Cusco Peru in March 2019. For a week, I was a student volunteer in a rural clinic in Cusco, Peru. This experience allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and adapt to my environment as I spent a week in a Spanish-speaking country living with a host mom. I was also able to learn about Peruvian culture through Peruvian cuisine, art, and music and pick up on a few Spanish words.
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In The Spring semester of my Junior year, I was introduced to the UF Navigators organization that pairs international and exchange students with domestic UF students, while also placing members in a family group with other mentors and mentees. My involvement in this organization has allowed me to meet students from different countries and learn more about different cultures while also serving as a mentor for and helping my mentee accustom to Gainesville and the UF campus and community. This experience has further developed my cross-cultural communication and has allowed me to appreciate other cultures.
Campus life events such as Coffee Without Borders, Wine and Dine around the world, the Global Health Case Competition, and UF’s Club Creole Pageant and Gala have also allowed me to experience different cultures in different ways. Coffee Without Borders gave me the opportunity to learn about different holidays that are celebrated in different countries and the different foods and traditions that are associated with these holidays. Wine and Dine introduced me to many different cuisines around the world and provided samples of cultural dishes from different countries. The Global Health Case Competition required me to work with other pre-health professional students to create a health program to increase cervical cancer screening and treatment in Bangladesh. This required critical thinking of a global health issue and allowed me to apply the public health skills that I have learned through my coursework. The annual Club Creole Pageant and Gala showcase the Haitian culture and allow me to connect to my fellow Haitian Gators as we celebrate our culture. I look forward to applying the skills and experiences that I have gained in the International Scholars Program towards my future graduate coursework and future profession in Public Health and Health Care.
