IES London: Health Practice & Policy

Before Touching English Soil

Are you nervous? It's ok. I was nervous too. A week before leaving to study abroad, I was genuinely trying to figure out if i was making the right decision. I was leaving my family for over three months, and this wasn't like me just going to school 6 hours away driving or a 45 minute flight. This was a new country that was 8 hours away by plane and impossible to drive to. If you're reading this and feel the way I did, I want to let you know that these are all valid emotions. BUT, I'm here to tell you that this will possibly be one of the best experiences of your life. I'm not saying it'll be perfect all the time, but expect to try new things, visit new places, meet new people, and learn more about yourself. As a child, I always envisioned myself traveling the world and going to London was always at the top of my bucket list. I finally was able to bring that dream into fruition.

Jitters are ok and throughout this story of mine, I will be sharing them. Before my flight, I started asking myself if I would have a hard time adapting to everything. For example, would my British accent suffice? Am I bringing the right clothes? How will I budget myself with the currency change? Will I get lost my first day there? Am I going to get along with my flatmates? Will this be a completely different academic environment? The list goes on and on, but after snapping myself out of it in the middle of my flight I remembered that there's only so much preparation I could do. I just took what I learned in Beyond the Hill, and just had faith in the journey.

I was the first student at Denison to participate in my study abroad program. IES Abroad London: Health Practice & Policy was perfect for my global health major. I was able to receive all of my electives and also participate in volunteer work in London and Jamaica! Although I went through the jungle to get my student visa, I was able to actually do volunteer work that I was interested in so that I could have a fulfilling abroad experience.

I studied abroad as a senior during fall semester which is really rare at Denison. However, with the support of the whole OCS office and changes in financial aid policies at Denison the opportunity was afforded to me.

Ania's Advice #1: Invest in your memories, and if going abroad is something you've always dreamt about... Go for it. You will have the support you need to do it.

My little brother and I before my departure at Chicago O'Hare Airport

My little brother and I before my departure at Chicago O'Hare Airport

Family played such a big part in my decision to do this. They told me how opportunities like this don't always easily come by, and how these are memories that will last a lifetime. For example, my aunt studied abroad in Japan over 20 years ago and she still shares stories about it like she just got back yesterday. I soon realized that I wanted to have the opportunity to do the same in the future.

Denison truly supported me throughout the entire journey. I was able to hear from students who studied abroad in London; get support through my application process; receive financial support to obtain my student visa and flights; and still received support from afar with whatever I needed. Trust me, you are not alone in this upcoming journey. So, here's a little more about mine:

8 Hours Later...

A Londoners Tale

Who would have ever thought I would actually make it here. It was one thing for me to imagine how I would feel once I got there, but it was another thing to actually physically be there. I'd like to refer to my five senses to reflect my first impressions.

See: The crowded streets filled with people from all over the world that come to admire some of London's most popular sites (ie. Big Ben, London Eye, Wesminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace).

Hear: The overhead in the Blackhorse Road underground station stating, "Stand clear and mind the doors," as I get ready to venture into central London.

Taste: Yasar's Kitchen Falafel meal that gave me my first real taste of a Turkish meal.

Touch: Oyster card that became my prize possession to get any and every where I needed to on the tube, bus, and overground train with ease.

Smell: Food and car fumes mixed together that I somehow got used to after awhile.

After while, I made it a routine to always acknowledged my senses to remind myself that I'm actually here and that I'm not in a dream.

My dreams only lasted so long and I was brought back to reality when it came to school. At the IES office, I took three classes called, British Youth Culture; Comparative Health Systems; and Social Welfare Policy. Then, I took one class at Queen Mary University of London called, Wicked Problems in Global Health. I found these classes to really keep me connected to the Denison-style of learning. They were typical lecture classes that lasted two and half hours, and were once a week. This really tested how responsible I could be with my schoolwork. I say that because I didn't have class on Mondays or Fridays, and I always saw the weekends as an opportunity to find new adventures. But, I had to really allocate time to when I would handle my academic responsibilities. I was able to find what worked for me, and this looked like working three hours for two days out of the week that were solely for my work for the following week. This way allowed me to take full advantage of my free time and building relationships with other students in my program.

Ania's Advice #2: Make sure your class schedule is set up to where you can actually have free time. Don't try to make all of your classes be in one day (unless you feel like you can handle it). This'll allow you to travel, check some things off your bucket-list, and get some alone time outside of class.

On Tuesday's, I participated in my volunteer placement that my study abroad office set up for me for the duration of my program. I found that to be one of the most attractive things about my program. During the application process, they asked me what I volunteer experience I wanted to participate in. I had to reflect on my career interests and what I would like to take away from my placement. I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that was centered around community voice and outreach when it came to healthcare access. Luckily enough, I was able to be a student volunteer at Healthwatch Greenwich. Healthwatch is a nationwide organization that sets out to connect with community members to learn more about their experiences with health and care services provided by the National Health Services (NHS). Feedback from community members would then be used to create reports that are given to the NHS in order to improve health and care services. *I'm about to nerd out a little because I love global health and everything that comes with it.* This placement was amazing because before coming to the U.K., I always admired the universal healthcare system. I saw it as the ideal system where nothing could go wrong and that America needed to catch up. However, I learned that even what I thought to be perfect has flaws. There were some disparities in the system, but it showed me what possible changes could be made in our own healthcare system to meet the health needs of diverse populations.

It's crazy how I can see myself going back to London, and just picking up right where I left off. It became a second home for me. I felt like the city became a part of my identity. I witnessed the transition in power after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away and His Majesty King Charles III stepped in. I witnessed them go through three prime ministers. I witnessed the pound become the same value as the U.S. dollar. I participated in traditional practices, such as high tea, daily Pret coffee runs, Pub culture, nightlife on Thursdays, and Winter Wonderland (to list a few).

London showed me a lot about myself. It showed me that I can be a part of a community outside of my own. It showed me that I'm actually not afraid to go out and make new friends. It showed me that there's so much to the world than the U.S. It showed me that after all is said and done, I need to make my way back at some point to reflect on my time there.

Ania's Advice #3: There is so much to the world than your hometown. You deserve global experiences, so if the opportunity ever presents itself, do it! This could look like participating in a Denison Seminar (ie. semester-long or during breaks), a study abroad program, Denison Global Internship, etc.

"London opens to you like a novel itself... It is divided into chapters, the chapters into scenes, the scenes into sentences; it opens to you like a series of rooms, doors and passages..."

- Anna Quindlen

Sightseeing Outside of the City

One of the perks of my study abroad program was that we were able to participate in field trips. These field trip allowed us to visit various parts of England. I chose to visit Dover, Canterbury, Stonehenge, and Bath. I know I could have visited these places on my own time with my friends, but I also wanted to learn about the places and not just visit and leave.

Ania's Advice #4: If your program offers some field trips that you may be interested in, don't be afraid to go. You get to learn new things and connect with students you probably never crossed paths with.

Some of the places I visited have been around for centuries. They hold so much history, and I truly appreciate the fact that they were offered. The Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian structures in the England; the White Cliffs of Dover where you could see the coast of France on a clear day and complete the walking path in three hours; Stonehenge, a burial site from the Ancient World where my friends found a way to be as tall as the stones; and the Roman Baths where Romans faithfully took advantage of everything the Thermae had to offer and where the water tasted like eggs (yes, we could taste it).

Canterbury Cathedral

White Cliffs of Dover

Stonehenge

Roman Baths in Bath.

Taking Advantage of Phone Storage

Ania's Advice #5: Take those pictures and videos! These are the things you can reflect back on. So, make sure you have more than enough phone storage to do so. If you have an actual camera, make sure you have enough film or SD cards for your memories. So, at the completion of your program you can make a scrapbook. For your scrapbook, keep all the little things (ie. receipts, tickets, brochures, cards, etc.) to be a part of it.

You never know when you'll be back in the place you're studying abroad, save the pictures and videos to relive those moments. Cherish them.

Thursday nights after class in Holborn.

Solo underground tube rides.

Laduree high tea in Covent Garden

London Queer Fashion Show with two of my five flatmates (Bridget - middle; Akshita - right)

Nights after class in Holborn.

thee illustrious Wasabi (fast food sushi).

WEMBLEY STADIUM - England vs. USA Women's fútbol

Not Being Afraid of New Adventures

Just as I was embracing everything England had to offer, I wanted to see what Europe as a whole could offer to. I had the opportunity to travel to Greece, France, and Italy. In these countries, I visited popular sites, participated in local traditions, and tried new foods. This was all because I knew this could possibly be my last time in Europe, so I had to make the most out of it. I'd like to note that, it is very cheap to travel across Europe once you're in a European country. London was like a hub where I could get from London to places like Geneva, Switzerland for £69 round trip. I learned in my British Youth Culture course that Europe has this lifestyle called, the 'easy jet' life. This is because it is significantly affordable to travel in Europe or even some parts of Africa or the Middle East for vacation. It is very seamless and just as flights are inexpensive, lodging is too, and food in several cases (unless you're trying to fine dine at a Michelin-star restaurant in Paris). On these journeys, I made sure I went with someone who I considered as a travel buddy. I wasn't at the stage where I felt entirely comfortable going to these places alone, so having someone there with me that I could enjoy everything with, made it 100 times better.

I know you may be reading this and might be wondering how I was even able to afford it. I worked before starting my program. I was able to participate in an internship that was paid and I saved most of my money to go towards trips, outings with friends, and emergencies. It took a lot of discipline to not spend my money over the summer on frivolous things, but it was completely worth it in the long run. I didn't feel left out or hesitant to do something I really wanted to.

Ania's Advice #6: I have multiple pieces of advice for this one. SAVE YOUR MONEY! If you can/need to, try to work the summer or semester before you embark on you study abroad. Also, budget yourself. It's ok to say 'no' when invited somewhere, or find an alternative that aligns with the budget you set for yourself at the start of your program. And, if you are able to travel, get a travel buddy. You guys would be able to make memories together, make trips more financially feasible, and have someone to take your pictures (unless you are completely comfortable to travel alone). Invest in yourself.

Below, I shared a few staple pictures from my trips along with words that I consistently heard while in those places. Til this day, I find myself saying them just to remind myself of those experiences.

Mid-October in Santorini, Greece

"Yamas"

A toast to good health in Greek.

Early November in Paris, France

"Merci"

Thank you in French.

Late November in Como, Italy

"Grazie"

Thank you in Italian.

Becoming an Unemployed Food Critic

Before studying abroad, I felt like I had to find a hobby. Something for me to look forward to either every other day, one day out of the week, or on the weekend. I found trying new foods, every Friday to be my adopted hobby. I always loved watching cooking shows like Chopped and Iron Chef or talk shows of hosted by people like Guy Fieri, the American restauranteur. So, I thought why not let this be my stress reliever after a week of classes and volunteering. I saw it as an opportunity to immerse myself into new cultures and experiences when it came to food. I tried vegan Middle Eastern food (aka Bubala restaurant) for the first time, and all I can say is that it blew my mind! After awhile, I was able to then share these food trips with my flatmates and other friends to let them into my food world. With this, we were able to then develop a weekly routine as a group to just go try something new every Saturday that we probably never tried before. I believe without an open mind I would've never taken the time to truly try something new, and by taking something I love and making the most out of my experience.

Ania's Advice #7: Take what you love and try to incorporate it into the life you're living while abroad. For example, if you love creating art, join an art class at the museum or set the goal to visit different galleries all throughout the city at least three times a month.

Bye For Now...

I will say that London became a little love story for me. I made sure I went on the field trips through my provider; went out with friends when I was invited; developed relationships with people in the U.K.; and stayed true to myself. I find it to be extremely important on making sure you have set your boundaries and to not be afraid in making them known. I wouldn't say that I necessarily had to adjust my values for the sake of my environment and I'm glad I didn't. As someone who considers themselves to be an omnivert, London made me more of an extrovert than ever before. I always sought out for the next gallery, food truck, pop-up event, concert, play, and social event. In all of the spaces, I took something away from them. Friends were made, trips were taken, food was tasted, and pictures were captured. London doesn't owe me anything. After completing my portion of my health practice and policy program, it was time to move on to the next part of this adventure... Jamaica!

Ania's Advice #8: It's ok to go outside of your comfort zone. Once it's all said and done, you finally completed something you set out to do. I know it might be sad to leave/close this chapter of your study abroad journey, but it was something you had to experience. Embrace those emotions and bring back those stories to share.

Sophie Tea Art Gallery on Carnaby St.

Across the Pond and Into the Caribbean

The unique thing about my program is that there's an opportunity to study in more than one place. I spent three months in London, and then ten days in Jamaica. Two completely different worlds, or what we refer to in global health as The Global South vs. The Global North.

First impressions of Jamaica? I was flustered, but also appreciative of all the beautiful Black faces and Jamaican accents that my senses absorbed. Straight off the plane, we were greeted with a coconut to drink and our advisors to head to our place of residence. While on our way to our housing, I started reflecting on the small things. They drive on the same side of the road as we do in the U.S. (unlike the U.K.); there were a lot of stray dogs; the streets were tore up (ie. several pot holes); a lot of communities physically appeared similar to what we have in the U.S. and call them 'poor housing.' I expected this journey to be a learning experience where I would be able to compare and contrast the U.S. and London to Jamaica. The differences became more and more noticeable throughout the 10-day period.

Although we went sightseeing throughout Kingston and neighboring communities, I want to focus on my academic experiences with the lectures and volunteering we did.

● Participated in lectures by health professionals at the University of West Indies, Mona - School of Nursing (UWISON) highlighting healthcare policy and practice in Jamaica; nursing education in Jamaica; cultural issues in health; and roles of PAHO and WHO in Jamaica

● Shadowed Public Health Nurses at the Comprehensive Health Clinic and Windward Road Health Clinic in Kingston, Jamaica

● Volunteered at Missionaries of the Poor and helped care for adult and children needs in Kingston, Jamaica.

While at these places, it really showed me that Public Health Nurses in Jamaica really do everything with nothing. They are a very family-oriented country where community health is how they go about health and care outreach. This is to ensure children and adults are cared for, have all their needed vaccinations; mothers receive prenatal and postnatal care; and whatever else they may need support with. As an American in Jamaica, I began to recognize my privilege there. I was coming from a well-resourced country compared to Jamaica. Issues such as nurse migration, violence, diabetes, and many more disproportionately affect them. So, no matter where we went I just had to always be mindful/conscious of how people's lived experiences truly vary all over the world. So, ask yourself: What are you going to do when you're in a world outside of your own?

Ania's Advice #8: Acknowledge your positionality/background in the spaces you occupy, because you never know how that can evolve your perspective.

To answer my own question... I just wasn't afraid of embracing a culture outside of my own and actually immersing myself, just like I did in London.

We lived in the heart of Kingston; visited some of the most beautiful beaches in the world; I grew an addiction for Blue Mountain coffee; fell in love with Ja-Mexican food (Chilito's restaurants - a staple); shopped at the street markets; toured Kingston's art district; and tasted Ackee for the first time.

London was my upbeat party and Jamaica became my peace. Regardless of all the problems they face/have faced, the beauty of the country outweighed it all.

Jamaica showed me how to embrace those differences and I appreciate my program for incorporating this service learning experience.

All to say, STUDY ABROAD! Go see the world. Denison and the OCS team will provide endless support. You are not alone in this journey. It should be fun, and it's ok if everything isn't peaches and cream. This experience you may embark on/will be embarking on, will teach you so much about yourself. Embrace it, because we are all rooting for you. I look forward to you sharing your story with the world soon.

Ania's Advice #9: EMBRACE THE JOURNEY!