Amanda Fitzwater is a Master’s in Nursing for Nurse Educator graduate student at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and recently participated in the International Healthcare Policies in the United Kingdom program.
International Healthcare Policies, United Kingdom Program
Amanda participated in the International Healthcare Policies, United Kingdom Program over spring break recently led by Professor Taryn Burhanna. Amanda decided to study abroad because she loves to travel and learn about other places and cultures. She thought that the program felt right for her because not only would she be learning in a new place, but she would be getting to experience a different perspective on healthcare, since healthcare in the U.K. is more socialized than in the U.S.
The program included classroom time, a simulation workshop at Great Ormond Street Hospital, visiting the Florence Nightingale Museum, a tour of St. Thomas Hospital, presentations, and a lecture on the National Health Service (NHS). Students were also given free evenings to explore the city of London on their own time. There were also a few information sessions before the study abroad portion of the program that focused on the specifics of going abroad.
Studying Abroad in London, England
Students learned during classroom time about the social determinants of health, and how it affects those in England specifically. This included discussions on the differences in obtaining higher education in nursing, and how it is based on apprenticeships and experience in the U.K. instead of degree based like in the U.S.
Outside of the classroom, students visited the Children’s Hospital where they got to meet the hospital's SIM team (a specialized group that designs and operates training simulations) and learn about how they run simulations. At the Cleveland Clinic in London, they were given a guided tour by a nurse educator and talked about the differences in clinicals. The class also visited the Florence Nightingale Museum, where they learned about the life of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Amanda noted that she found the experience being interdisciplinary was helpful to her education, because she got to learn from different nurses' educations and backgrounds. It helped open her up to different perspectives and experiences.
The Effects of Study Abroad
Amanda found the immersion of the course helped her learning experience. Throughout the course students were immersed in the different hospital systems and learned how they operated. Part of this was learning how hospitals operate in the U.K. versus in the U.S. and how that affects healthcare. She thought the experience helped her understand how nursing can help drive government policy change, and how they can push for optimal patient outcomes.
Amanda’s Favorite Part About Studying Abroad in London
Amanda’s favorite part of the program was an escape room style simulation at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. The purpose of the scenario was to facilitate team collaboration and communication to complete the escape room regardless of success. The post-simulation debrief started with a focus on how the escape room went and expanded to how collaboration and communication effects interdisciplinary teams within hospital systems. Amanda has a background in nursing education and works as a nursing professional development specialist, so she enjoyed being the learner in the scenario.
Food and Recommendations for Study Abroad Students
In London, Amanda went to the Borough Market, an open market with a variety of different vendors. There was Lebanese food, Colombian food, traditional fish and chips, and over a hundred different options. Amanda is a big fan of tea, so she took the opportunity to purchase a few different kinds of tea. One of her favorites was Cafe Concerto, where she had a full afternoon tea with fine bone china. Trying the different types of teas in London made her realize how different it is from the U.S. In London Earl Gray tea is typically stronger than it is in the U.S. It is also traditional to put milk in your tea there making it creamier and more robust.
To any study abroad students planning to study in London, Amanda recommends knowing your resources. Learn how to navigate the tube in London and the underground system. Some programs will provide students with an Oyster card, a prepaid card that you tap every time you come or go from the tube system. She also said to keep track of your surroundings and have your belongings in front of you when taking public transport, since pickpocketing is common in London.
Amanda also recommended that students should not be afraid to explore their surroundings and see as much as they can while studying abroad. She believes one of the best things students can do while studying abroad is to talk to the locals and learn about their recommendations and what it's like living where you are studying.
Her main advice for study abroad students is to leave your expectations at the door and go into the experience with an open mind.
Amanda’s Overall Thoughts on Study Abroad
Overall, Amanda thinks that studying abroad is a great experience for students. She thinks that being traveled can be a big help when it comes to understanding the world around you. Being able to have these sorts of opportunities opens students up to meeting people they would not have interacted with before and learning more about other people and cultures. It can also be a great way to boost independence or confidence. She urges students to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad if possible.
Want to have an experience like Amanda’s? The International Healthcare Policies, United Kingdom program will be offered again in spring of 2027.