Nina Gralewski-Goel, AIFS: Seville Spring 2025
Studying abroad has had a significant impact on both my personal and professional goals, specifically my commitment to travel throughout my life. This experience has inspired me to set a clear goal, to travel and work abroad, where I hope to make a positive contribution to society and improve my professional skills.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned from my time studying abroad is the value of language. While I have always appreciated the importance of learning other languages, living in a Spanish speaking country has confirmed my commitment to becoming fluent in Spanish. In our global society, language is more than just a tool for communication, but it is a bridge that connects people. As someone hoping to work in healthcare, I understand that being able to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds is key. By improving my Spanish, I will not only be able to medically assist Spanish speaking patients, but I will also be able to emotionally connect with those patients. I hope to improve my ability to navigate Spanish speaking countries, making my travel experiences more immersive. My goal is to continue studying Spanish until I am fluent, which will not only benefit me personally but also professionally, especially as I look to work in international healthcare settings.
The healthcare field offers countless opportunities for global experiences, and I hope to eventually work abroad in this area. The idea of contributing to the health of communities in different parts of the world has always interested me. However, I also understand that working abroad must be done with great care and consideration. It is important that my work has a long term beneficial impact on the society that I am in. I believe that healthcare professionals should not only provide treatment, but should also engage with the local culture, understand the unique needs of the population, and contribute to sustainable practices. Whether it involves providing healthcare in underserved regions, learning from the community, or helping to build local health infrastructure, it is important to approach international work with respect, humility, and a mindset focused on lasting contributions.
In addition to the professional benefits, traveling throughout my life would provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world. Through travel, I can see how different societies function, learn about their histories and cultures, and gain a broader perspective on global issues. I want to pursue these lessons as I continue my personal and professional journey. I believe the experiences and people I meet abroad will make me a better healthcare worker with an increased level of cultural relativism.
Nos vemos!
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