GHC in Leipzig 2022

Global Healthcare Study Abroad in Leipzig 2022

From May 18th to July 6th of this year, I participated in a study abroad trip with other pre-health students in Leipzig, Germany. While we were there, we had the opportunity to participate in both short visits to nearby locations within this country, and more extended trips to two destinations of our choice. For our first trip, a group of 7 of us went to Oslo, Norway primarily to seek out the beautiful hiking trails this country is known for. On the second, I went with nearly all of the students present to Venice, Italy, where some people split off to go to Rome, Lake Como, and other surrounding areas. These trips were life changing to be sure, but I think the part of this summer that I will remember most is the time spent at home in the Leipzig villa, at the park down the street, or at the city center.

Some of the quickest lessons I learned upon arriving in Germany had nothing to do with the new culture or planning trips, and everything to do with learning how I personally handle stressful situations. Over the course of my seven weeks in Leipzig, I became painfully aware of how I respond to sleep deprivation, hunger, heat, and varying levels of annoyance at people that I generally love being around. Lacking privacy and sometimes basic requirements like sleep and food was a thoroughly humbling experience where I learned the necessity of not taking myself too seriously. In doing so, I was able to prioritize relationships and experiences rather than details that I might not remember the next day, much less in ten years.

 Another important lesson I took home with me from this trip is the confidence that I can do so many things that I have previously left to other people when it comes to planning, budgeting, and making sure people get to the right place. Prior to this experience, I was very much the type of person to only step in and take control when it was clear that either no one else would, or if something was not being done well. However, after being thrown into the planning role on multiple occasions, I gained an immense amount of confidence in taking the lead on group decisions and plans. This not only made the plans in question less stressful, it also gave me a new level of appreciation for my parents, teachers, and others who have taken on this role at points in my life. I hope that moving forward, this experience will allow me to step up more often when I feel I can be of use, and also have more grace and understanding for those in leadership roles.

As sad as the last few weeks of being home have been, I will always be grateful for the time spent in Germany, as well as the many lasting friendships that were formed while we were there. This sadness is made infinitely better knowing that in just a few short weeks, we will have the opportunity to reunite on campus and hopefully remain connected throughout the coming year.

View from Airbnb in Oslo