Lisa Shibata, Comparative Healthcare in Graz Summer 2024
Studying abroad allowed me to take the initiative in finding the solutions to adapt to a different culture or environment quickly. It took some time to figure out how to get on the bus, pay at the cash register, or find daily needs due to language barriers. I have taken the wrong bus several times, almost bought apples without paying, and bought stain remover instead of laundry detergent. It was one inconvenience after another, feeling exhausted using energy on something I usually do not use. Interacting with locals felt uncomfortable as well since they would ask questions in German, but I would reply, “Sorry, is English okay?” Depending on the person their replies were different, but every time I replied in English I felt I was rejecting their culture or I was being entitled for them to speak in English to me. Therefore, I began replying in German if English was okay. It was embarrassing at first but I didn’t feel the guilt like how I felt replying in English. This experience allowed me to notice that everything would stay unfamiliar unless I initiated the change. It reminded me of a quote I read in the book, “Like a Fish in Water: How to Grow Abroad When You Go Abroad” by Rich Kurtzman which said, “The culture will not adapt for you, you have to adapt to the culture.” I hope to apply this mindset to my expertise whether that’s in a different country, workplace, or even schedule with the same environment, reminding myself of the importance of educating myself on what I can do to make the unfamiliar familiar.
Being a person with experience in multiple cultures, my interest grows beyond wanting to get more exposure to other cultures. This study-abroad experience broadened my perspectives on my goal of incorporating the healthcare values I learned in Austria into my expertise or starting my career in a new country. I lived most of my life in America and Japan, and I have been a patient in both countries. With several similarities, there were also many differences I noticed such as their care delivery, and development. I find it interesting how each country has different values and approaches in its system, which sparks my interest to learn more and compare other country’s healthcare structures.
Leave a Reply