Studying Abroad as a Public Health Major

Student Experiences

• Lauren C. - Oxford, England
  • Where: Oxford University, England
  • Term: Summer
  • Courses: Cognitive Neuroscience, Forensic Linguistics

  [I stayed on] track to graduate, as both the courses fulfilled eight of my elective course units. Studying abroad was a great experience, allowing me to meet new people from both Berkeley and other universities from around the world and get the chance to live in another country while still having an academic community.

  I was able to visit Edinburgh with my new group of friends for a weekend, thanks to the train system, and also traveled to London, getting the chance to shadow West End shows backstage.

• Estefany R. - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Where: Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Term: Fall
  • Courses: Intensive Beginner Portuguese, Brazilian Culture, Image Creation and Treatment, Children’s Book Illustrations

  I enrolled in this program to learn Portuguese, because after several community based health workshops and outreach events during my first 3 years in undergrad, I realized that being bi-lingual was not enough. I should hold a level of elementary Portuguese in order to better serve the growing health needs of immigrants in the United States. Learning conversational Portuguese has helped me both academically, personally, and professionally.

  This experience impacted my academic career positively. Within my Portuguese language class, I proactively sought out health opportunities outside of the classroom and spoke to locals on health issues affecting the community. Due to this experience and exposure, after earning my BA in Public Health, I went on to pursue a Master’s degree. For my MPH, my capstone project focused on the health of Brazilian agriculture workers occupationally exposed to pesticides, which was an interest I cultivated during my study abroad experience almost 3 years earlier.

  My favorite part about studying abroad was the extracurricular activities I proactively sought outside class. Specifically, I joined a hiking group led by a group of senior or retired educators who guided groups of students and community members into the National Tijuca Forest. During this time I could glimpse Brazil’s biodiversity and learn more about the human impact of natural resource consumption on the health of both the forest and the Brazilian constituents. During this time I also had the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people from all walks of life, ages, and experiences. Studying abroad in Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was life-changing and made me interested in global health and global collaboration. Being able to study and live in Brazil has given me the confidence and self-reassurance in my ability to live, work, and thrive independently anywhere in the world.

• Dafne C.R. - Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
  • Where: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
  • Term: Summer
  • Courses: Issues/Global Health, Spanish for Health, and Health & Comm Practicum

  As a double major, I [was] still able to graduate on time! I petitioned to use the 2.3 graded units I received through the program to be counted for my last 2 elective units. Although I did not fulfill any other requirements, the experience felt like an internship experience where I was able to explore the Mexican healthcare system. All of the courses were tied together as each course would contribute to the clinical rotations we would participate in.

  I truly enjoyed this experience as it opened my eyes to the maternal health world on a global scale. While being in the clinics and hospital every week, I realized the disparities many Indigenous Oaxacan women face whether it be prenatal care or routine pregnancy check-ups. When discussing our experiences in our seminar course with Dr. Isabel Saucedo, we were able to delve deeper on the issues folks face but also on solutions that can alleviate it.