Why did you choose to study in Sweden?
I was initially drawn to study abroad in Sweden because of Penn’s liberal arts study abroad program which allowed me to take courses in international affairs and public policy. As a health and societies major, concentrating in public health, Sweden’s impressive social welfare program, accessible health care, and commitment to social and economic equality was really inspiring to me.
What was a highlight during the semester abroad?
A highlight of my study abroad experience was a program-organized trip to the Arctic Circle. We took a 17-hour train to a remote town where we partook in dog sledding and snowshoeing and saw the northern lights. This experience was a definite highlight because it was a huge bonding experience for my fellow classmates and me, and it was such a departure from the activities I would do in a typical semester at Penn.
How do you think your abroad experience may impact your career at Penn and your goals for the future?
Studying abroad opened my eyes to a wide array of social and political beliefs that I had never closely interacted with before. In terms of my academic career, Sweden’s social welfare system was a fascinating juxtaposition to the United States; however, living in Sweden exposed me to their own underlying shortcomings. Studying abroad ignited a desire to have more global experiences in the future. Stockholm was such a clean, and friendly city with values that mimic my own personal interests, such as sustainability, social justice, and environmentalism.
