Nailah Simmons, Public Health Threats in Suriname Summer 2023
The Public Health Threats in Suriname program has influenced my academic, career, and personal goals in various ways. This was my first time going abroad, and it was great to visit a unique country that many, including myself, are unfamiliar with. Suriname’s official language is Dutch, but almost everyone there can comprehend and speak English well. Dutch wasn’t a language I was entirely familiar with before traveling to Suriname, but by the end of the program, I had picked up on a few common words and phrases. I know that as I continue to explore the world, there will be a plethora of countries where English isn’t spoken or understood well, so the next time I go abroad, I would like to make sure I practice common words and phrases in the country’s native language. Being able to communicate is crucial, especially in places that I’m not familiar with.
From an academic standpoint, I learned a great deal about the intersection of global health and public health. This program focused largely on environmental threats in Suriname, like gold mining activities, and it was interesting to learn about how these threats can both directly and indirectly contribute to adverse health effects. After this experience, I made the decision to pursue the undergraduate Global Health Certificate. I’m excited to be able to incorporate more coursework focusing on global health into my schedule each semester. Looking toward the future, I hope to obtain a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis on global health and medicine before attending medical school. My ultimate goal is to obtain an MD/Ph.D. so that I can conduct research in regard to global health. This program was a two-week program, which I feel was the perfect amount of time for it being my first time abroad. With that being said, I’d like to stay longer in the next country I travel to. Anytime you’re in a new environment, there’s so much to do and learn, and I want to maximize that time as much as possible.
I’ve learned that each day is a new adventure when you’re abroad. There are many opportunities to connect with others through conversation, immerse yourself in new cultures, and build lifelong relationships. The longer I am in a particular place, the more time I have to make these lifelong connections and experience the beauty that the country and the people a part of it have to offer.
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