Juliana Medei, Plus3 United Kingdom, Summer 2026
Before traveling to the United Kingdom, I expected to see famous landmarks, learn about a different healthcare system, and experience a new culture. While all of those things happened, what surprised me most was how many differences I noticed in everyday life and healthcare compared to the United States.
One of the biggest surprises was learning about the National Health Service (NHS). As a nursing student, I was very interested in how healthcare is delivered in the UK. I knew that the NHS provided healthcare to residents, but I did not fully understand how different it was from the healthcare system in the United States until I attended lectures and visited healthcare-related organizations. It was interesting to learn how healthcare is available to everyone regardless of income, which can help reduce barriers to receiving care.
Another thing that surprised me was the role of midwives in the UK. During one of our lectures, we learned that many midwives are not nurses first and are able to practice independently. They can support women throughout pregnancy and childbirth while promoting safe, evidence-based, woman-centered care. This was very different from what I was familiar with in the United States and gave me a new perspective on maternity care.
Outside of healthcare, I was surprised by how easy it was to get around without a car. In both Birmingham and London, public transportation was widely used and easy to navigate. Whether we were taking trains or buses, there were many options available. The cities were also very walkable. It was common to see people walking to shops, restaurants, and other destinations rather than driving everywhere. This was different from my hometown, where most people rely on cars for transportation.
I was also surprised by some aspects of college life in the UK. During our visit to Joseph Chamberlain College, I learned about the support services available to students, including healthcare resources and childcare support programs. It was interesting to see how schools can play a role in connecting students and families with important services.
Overall, this experience taught me that there is more than one way to approach healthcare, education, and daily life. While I expected to learn about the UK, I did not expect to gain such a different perspective on the systems I experience at home. Studying abroad challenged me to think more critically, become more independent, and appreciate different approaches to solving problems. These lessons will stay with me as I continue my nursing education and future career.
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