Studying abroad was one of the most transformative experiences of my college career. Through CIEE I went to Germany (Berlin), Spain (Madrid), and the United Kingdom (London). I was able to study both German language and Public Health. Each city offered its own unique experience in itself and each left a lasting impact on me both personally and academically.
My journey began in Germany, where I took intensive German language courses. Taking a foreign language in its native country proved to be an amazing experience. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding to immerse myself in a place where I had to use a new language to do even the simplest tasks. Daily interactions became a way to test these skills whether it came to navigating public transport or as simple as buying something from the store. I found that learning the language in the country where it’s spoken made me more engaged within my studies.
A short flight and I would be in London, I continued my Public Health studies with a new focus: urban health systems and health equity. Learning about the National Health Service (NHS) and discussing real-world health policy challenges in a global city opened my view on how health disparities are addressed, or even overlooked, in diverse populations. Because of my aspirations to be a Dentist my public health courses were particularly interesting. London, while grey and rainy, was the biggest city I had ever been to and seeing how medicine is practiced in such a big city gave me some new appreciation for that line of work. Another flight and I was in Madrid.
Next, I moved to Madrid, where I began my studies in Public Health. The Spanish approach to health—particularly its emphasis on community-based care and preventative health—offered a different perspective than what I was used to. Madrid was vibrant and full of life. I was struck by how public spaces were used to bring people together, which in itself seemed to promote mental and physical well-being. Through site visits and lectures, I learned how culture, diet, and social values influence health systems and outcomes. Finally, in London, I continued my Public Health studies with a new focus: urban health systems and health equity. Learning about the National Health Service (NHS) and discussing real-world health policy challenges in a global city gave me insight into how health disparities are addressed in diverse populations. Are even the lack of being addressed.
One of the most valuable parts of this experience was realizing that health is never just about medicine, it’s about people. Studying the same subject in three countries made me more adaptable, more culturally aware, and more confident in my path. I also met incredible people who taught me just as much as my textbooks did. Experiencing such a different way of life is something I cannot imagine myself regretting. This study abroad experience didn’t just change the way I view Public Health; it changed the way I view myself. I returned home with a deeper appreciation for cultural differences, a clearer sense of purpose, and the confidence to step into unfamiliar environments.
To all future students: if you’re even slightly considering studying abroad go for it. You’ll grow in ways you never expected. The world becomes more real, more human, and more interconnected when you experience it firsthand.
Finley Lefevre (BS Biology – Pre-Professional) spent the Spring 2025 semester studying abroad in Germany, England, and Spain with CIEE. Finley had the following to say about studying abroad, “Studying abroad is more than just seeing new places,it’s about discovering new parts of yourself. Embrace the discomfort, ask questions, and stay curious. The world has so much to teach you, and every culture you encounter adds a new layer to your perspective.”
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