Hannah Rabinowitz , Healthcare in British Context Summer 2024
Hello! My name is Hannah Rabinowitz and I am going to be a junior at Pitt this year! For six weeks this summer, I studied abroad through the Healthcare in British Context program in London. Now that I have been back in the United States for a few weeks, I am reflecting on my experience and hope to give some helpful advice to future study abroad students. This six week program was such an amazing experience that really allowed me to grow personally, academically, and professionally. If you are unsure whether you want to study abroad, you should definitely do it! Studying abroad is such a unique opportunity, and it will most definitely be worth it to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a student and as a person. My biggest piece of advice for your study abroad journey is to say yes to new things! Studying abroad is the perfect time to explore new activities, new foods, new hobbies, and many other experiences you could not have at home. When something seems uncomfortable, just remind yourself that being abroad is the perfect time to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things! Similarly, during the first few days on your trip it is so important to put yourself out there and meet new people. There will be so many amazing students on your program, both from Pitt and from other universities around the country. By creating new connections in the first few days, you’ll have amazing friends to explore the city with, attend classes with, and travel with during your trip. The first few days can be stressful, but it is a lot easier when you have people to navigate your new experiences with. Not only will you have amazing friends during your time abroad, but you’ll have so many special friendships to continue in the United States. I am extremely grateful for the friends I made on my trip, some of which I may have never met if it weren’t for my time in London. In terms of academics, my biggest piece of advice is to stay ahead on your assignments from the start. Because the program is very fast paced, the final papers, exams, and projects will sneak up quickly. Especially if you’re taking multiple classes, the last week can be overwhelming with all of the final assignments that need to be completed. After receiving your syllabus, it is important to plan out all of your assignments throughout the program and make a schedule. Planning ahead will pay off, as you will have more free time to enjoy the last few days of your trip without studying and completing projects. Overall, the six weeks you spend in London will fly by, so make the most of your special time there!
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