Farewell, London

July 6, 2016

This experience has been more than what I hoped it would be. Being able to be immersed in a culture while learning about it was extremely beneficial. Learning about the history of medicine, as well as its current state gave me a different lens to view healthcare with. It was interesting to learn just how far we’ve come in the field of medicine. It was such an amazing experience learning about the universal healthcare system and what some believe to be the strengths and weakness from that system from the very doctors and nurses who work in it. This has really opened my eyes to the way we manage healthcare here in the United States, which differs greatly from the rest of the world. As a future healthcare professional, I believe it is important that we understand how the rest of the world is succeeding or failing in their delivery of health care and use those results to tailor a new system that is beneficial to our country and our people.
This experience has taught me so much academically, but also personally. I have found that I am quite the adventurous type and always looking fr something new to see and explore. I have also learned what it is like to be a young adult on your own, managing money, making meals, and having fun, while keeping up with schoolwork at the same time. I have found that I am one of the responsible ones in a group of people and I am usually the one making sure everyone knows where they are going and how to get home. My favorite experience on this trip was the tour of the North London Hospice. Anyone in healthcare, knows that we have growing elderly population so it was interesting to see how much they respect the people who live there and how they cater to them and their families in the last days of their lives.
I am forever grateful to have gotten to partake in this experience. It is one that I will never forget and will carry with me forever. This dialogue made me realize the importance of experiential education. I would most definitely go on another dialogue or study abroad opportunity, and I’d advise any other student to do the same. Lastly, I want to thank my professors for a great semester and GEO for giving me the opportunity to blog my adventures for others to read. I wish I never had to leave but it is time to say “Farewell, London!”

Written By

Tyra Dukes

As a nursing major, it is very hard to squeeze in some study abroad due to my intensive curriculum. So a dialogue of civilizations was a win-win for me. I would have the ability to travel and immerse myself in a different civilization while also getting ahead on some major requirements. Both of which will help my professional career. I think it is important for everyone to be globally conscious but most importantly, health care professionals. At some point in my life, I will work with someone from a different culture so it is important that I understand, how to be culturally competent. That main skill is what I am most looking forward to from this dialogue.