PUBLIC HEALTH IN CHILE

Asia Jaros, WCAS 2014

Summer 2012

joannajaros2014@u.northwestern.edu

Hi! My name is Joanna Jaros, but most people know me as “Asia” (Asha), which is my Polish nickname. I am currently a junior studying Biology and Spanish and pursuing a Global Health minor in WCAS. I chose to study in Chile this past summer to experience healthcare and health administration in a Latin American country and to immerse myself in Latin American culture – something that I had never had the chance to do prior to the trip. During the academic year, I frequently volunteer at the Community Health Clinic in Chicago, where I serve as a medical interpreter for Spanish and Polish patients from underserved communities and low-income districts. By doing a program in a Spanish-speaking country, I hoped to become more culturally aware in medical situations and to achieve fluency in Spanish. During my two-month stay in Santiago, I was not only challenged with the rapid Chilean language and “chilenismos”, but also amazed by the myriad of traditions, food, culture, and pride that lie at the core of the Chilean lifestyle. As part of my clinical observations class, I was able to experience both the public and private healthcare systems, speak with patients and doctors at a variety of local clinics about their experiences, and draw my own conclusions on how to improve health administration as a future physician. In my free time, I took yoga classes, signed up for Zumba at a local gym (don’t be fooled, it costs just as much as in the USA), visited art galleries, and ran several miles around my district to visit plazas, to sample ice cream at the many small shops, and to admire the statues and fountains on every corner. Without a doubt, the program surpassed all my expectations and assumptions about the Chilean lifestyle. I formed many new and unexpected friendships and learned the key role of culture in communication. I hope to come back in the future!

Marta Turowski, WCAS 2015

Summer 2012

martaturowski2015@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Marta Turowski, and I'm a sophomore this year in the Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. I am a pre-med student, majoring in psychology and science and human culture. My minor is global health, which is what led me to do the Public Health in Chile program this past summer of 2012. My time abroad has inspired me linguistically, professionally, and personally. The amazing group of Chilean friends I made and my homestay family have led me to become fluent in Spanish even though I have not studied it at the university level. The amazingly unique opportunities that the clinical observations course exposed me to has steered me on a path to becoming a surgeon. Yet, it was the travels throughout the vastly differentiating landscapes of Chile and the true independence of living in a foreign country, that led me to grow so much internally. My experience is one I will never forget, but it is hard to when there is a Chilean flag now hanging over my bed and a stack of applications for research in one of Santiago’s universities for next summer on my desk!

Shruti Zaveri, WCAS 2014

Summer 2011

shrutizaveri2013@u.northwestern.edu

Hi, my name is Shruti Zaveri, and I am a junior in the Honors Program in Medical Education, pursuing a major in Economics and a minor in Global Health at Northwestern. I love staying involved on campus—GlobeMed executive board, Mirch Masala dance team, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and Dance Marathon committee are some of my major commitments at Northwestern. I spent the summer of 2011 studying abroad through the Public Health in Chile program. During my time in Santiago, I not only got the chance to conduct public health research at one of the largest public hospitals in the city, but also was able to immerse myself into the country as a traveler, not a tourist. I learned to look at the world, and my place within it, with a holistic perspective, and discovered a new appreciation for studying, traveling, and living abroad.

CHINA: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (former ELES)

Tessa Chiu, SESP 2014

Summer 2012

tessachiu2014@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Tessa Chiu, and I studied abroad in the China: Political and Economic Development Program over the summer of 2012. I am majoring in Social Policy and minoring in Asian American Studies. Studying abroad in China was probably one of the best experiences of my life, as it broadened my perspectives and severely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Being in a foreign country is an extremely unique experience, and it forces you to adjust and become a much more grounded and well-rounded person, even if you don’t realize it at first. From my study abroad experience, I’ve gained an appreciation for cultures very different from my own, met amazing people that I might not have met otherwise, and gained much more confidence in myself. Most importantly, I’ve realized that it only takes eight short weeks to make a long-lasting impact.

Nalin Natrajan, WCAS 2013

Summer 2012

nalinnatrajan2014@u.northwestern.edu

Hi, I’m Nalin Natrajan. I am currently an Economics Major, with Minors in Chinese and Theatre, as well as a certificate in Integrated Marketing and Communications. I participated in the IPD Political and Economic Development program at the Peking University in Beijing in the summer of 2012. I found the program immensely enjoyable; the classes were fascinating, and our professors were enthusiastic. In addition, I made many new friends, improved my command of Chinese, and even secured an internship in Shanghai that I completed immediately after the IPD program.

George Liu, WCAS 2013

Summer 2011

yangliu2014@u.northwestern.edu

My name is George Liu. I am a senior economics major fascinated by the social sciences. I went to the ELES program in Beijing to look at the modern Chinese society from an academic point of view. The program was beyond my expectations; the lectures were amazing and living in Beijing for two months was an unforgettable experience! I enjoy traveling, reading, and dancing.

PUBLIC HEALTH IN CHINA

Pooja Garg, WCAS 2014

Summer 2012

poojagarg2014@u.northwestern.edu

Hi, my name is Pooja Garg, and I am currently a junior in Weinberg, pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Global Health. I studied abroad in Beijing with the Global Health in China program during the 2012 summer quarter and was able to appreciate the language, culture, and public health system of China. Visiting Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinics, western hospitals, pharmacies, and the CDC were highlights of the academic program. Interacting with other Chinese students and citizens, as well as seeing numerous historical landmarks made me feel at home in such a culturally rich country. By the end of the program, I had made some amazing friends, and had memories to last a lifetime.

Haley Lillehei, WCAS 2014

Summer 2012

haleylillehei2014@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Haley Lillehei, and I participated on the Public Health in China program over summer 2012. I’m majoring in Chinese and International Studies, and minoring in Global Health. Studying in China provided me with the amazing opportunity to experience a different culture first hand, as well as gain invaluable experience and insight into the workings of China’s healthcare system from a first-hand perspective.

Hayley Gleeson, WCAS 2013

Summer 2011

hayleygleeson2013@u.northwestern.edu

I'm a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Global Health and History. I'm originally from just outside of London, England, so I guess you could say that I'm always studying abroad! I really love travelling - my parents were raised in Zimbabwe and also lived in India for a year, and so I've been really fortunate to be able to visit lots of different countries all over the world. During the summer of 2012, I went to China for the first time to study Public Health. I picked China because it was a part of the world that I hadn't had the chance to explore yet, and I was fascinated by the history and culture. It just seemed so different from anything I'd ever done, and that's something I wanted from my study abroad experience. I loved my time there - I learnt so much about Chinese culture and did so many amazing things - climbed mountains, tasted delicious tea, took a cooking class and learned to speak a new language. It's definitely an experience that I'll never forget!

ENERGY TECHNOLOGY & POLICY: WANXIANG FELLOWS PROGRAM

Jeremy Halpern, MEAS 2014

Summer 2012

JeremyHalpern2014@u.northwestern.edu

Hey, my name is Jeremy Halpern and I’m a junior studying civil engineering and urban studies with a certificate in architectural engineering. I was lucky enough to take part in TWO programs with IPD. In the summer of 2012 I joined the Wanxiang Fellows Program studying green technology and sustainability in Beijing and Hangzhou, China. I arrived with no background in Mandarin and had never been to Asia but still hit the ground running. Through buddy programs in both cities I was able to hear first-hand what it's like growing up in China and share my perspective as an American.
After a short break of traveling around Asia I went on exchange in the fall to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Hong Kong is an incredible world city and being on exchange allowed me to meet many more new people from all over the world. I was able to join student groups on campus and even played for the school rugby team. The academics are top quality (QS ranked HKUST #1 in Asia) but you definitely make time to travel as well. Hong Kong is truly the gateway to Asia and I can’t imagine having done anything else for my study abroad.

PUBLIC HEALTH IN CUBA

Claire Williams, WCAS 2014

Summer 2012

clairewilliams2014@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Claire Williams and I am a Minnesota-born junior studying Spanish and Global Health Studies, though I also hope to pursue a career in medicine. Through my experience in Northwestern’s Public Health in Cuba Summer 2012 program, I not only practiced my Spanish language skills and immersed myself in a culture most Americans are prohibited from, but also made lifelong friends with Cubans and fellow Americans alike. Studying abroad in Cuba fostered my abiding interests in systems of public health and medicine and taught me to think deeply about ethics, historical and cultural complications, and economic constraints on health. I am delighted to share my experience and advice with others undergoing the same explorations. Outside of my work with IPD, I am on the executive board for Northwestern’s Model United Nations team and volunteer in Chicago as a medical interpreter and a hospice volunteer for Spanish-speaking patients.

Sophia Blachman-Biatch, WCAS 2013

Summer 2011

sophiablachmanbiatch2013@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Sophia Blachman-Biatch and I am a senior studying psychology and global health. I participated in Northwestern's Public Health in Cuba Summer 2011, and after that, I participated in SIT's Chile: Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment program Fall 2011. I loved being immersed in these new cultures and improving my Spanish. I also appreciated learning about the healthcare systems in both countries, as well as the unique opportunity to compare and contrast those of Cuba and Chile to that of the United States. Aside from study abroad, at Northwestern I am involved with Cirque Nouveau and Delta Zeta sorority.

CUBA: CULTURE & SOCIETY

Craig Davis, Medill 2014

Summer 2012

CraigDavis2014@u.northwestern.edu

Craig Davis, Cuba: Culture & Society (summer 2012), journalism major with IMC certificate. What I loved the most about study abroad was getting to know the people of Cuba. We have this image as Americans of what we think Cuba is like (broken-down, strict Socialist regime, etc.), but the population is the most genuinely friendly and down-to-earth I’ve ever met. Because they don’t often get to meet foreigners or learn about the outside world, they want to learn everything they can when they get the chance, and this makes Cubans really approachable. You get to see a culture that’s so different and so few American can access; it’s unlike anything I could have imagined.

CRITICAL THEORY, MEDIA AND LITERATURE - FRANCE

Chris Hoffman, WCAS 2013

Fall 2012

christopherhoffman2014@u.northwestern.edu

Hi! I'm Chris Hoffman, and I participated in the Critical Theory in Paris program in Fall 2012. I'm a junior majoring in History and Sociology and minoring in Critical Theory. On campus I'm involved in FIJI Fraternity, I DJ at WNUR FM, and I work as a Docent at the Block Museum. Living in Paris for four months gave me the opportunity to meet unforgettable people from NU and France, study at a top university, and travel throughout Europe. However silly I felt for picking to study French instead of Spanish back in 6th grade, coming to France allowed me to finally use that skill to connect with people from all over the world living in Paris. My daily routine of descending from the Latin Quarter past the French Senate toward my university in one of the flashiest districts in Europe was one of those irreplaceable experiences that shows the value of study abroad.

Cally Trautwein, Medill 2013

Fall 2011

catherinetrautwein2013@u.northwestern.edu

Cally is a senior studying Journalism, English Lit, and anything Real Housewives-related. Originally from Ridgewood, New Jersey, she studied Critical Theory, Literature and the Media in Paris, France last fall. She hates: Ryanair, drop-waist dresses, losing at Solitaire and roller coasters.  She likes: macaroons, Harry Potter, Nicki Minaj and “30 Rock”. Most importantly, she loves travelling. Over fall quarter Cally lived the life of Reilly bopping from Berlin to Barcelona and back again, and now can’t help but shout over scenes from Midnight in Paris, “I’VE BEEN THERE! I’VE BEEN THERE!”

EUROPEAN UNION STUDIES - FRANCE

Alice Fitting, WCAS 2014

Fall 2012

alicefitting2014@u.northwestern.edu

My Name is Alice Fitting. I’m currently a Junior at Northwestern University double majoring in Economics and French. I spent my Fall 2012 quarter studying abroad on the European Unions Studies Program at the amazing Sciences Po in Paris. The time I spent in France on this program has really helped to spark my interest in international trade and global markets. I've also gotten more in touch with my Polish heritage and language skills during this time in Europe.

Jennifer Suh, COMM 2014

Fall 2012

jennifersuh2014@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Jennifer Suh, and I am a junior in the School of Communication. I am majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Institutions. I went to Paris during the fall quarter of 2012 for the European Union Studies program. I chose this program because it was a great opportunity to learn about a subject that is not only always on the news, but also based on unique history and system. I studied with other Northwestern students and French students at Sciences Po., a prestigious school in the center of Paris. Having returned to Paris in two years since my backpacking trip after high school, I realized once again how beautiful Paris is; it has incredible architecture, art, food, history, and music. There were too many things to see in the city, so I got to explore new places each week, and during field trips and longer breaks, I visited other cities in France, such as Caen, Strasbourg, and Nice. Overall, this was an amazing experience, and to keep a little bit of Paris with me, I am continuing to take French classes at Northwestern.

Lizzie Lehman, WCAS 2013

Fall 2011

elizabeth.lehman6@gmail.com

My name is Elizabeth Lehman and I'm a senior in WCAS from Oak Park, IL. I am an MMSS and Economics double minor and soon to be a Political Science and Film and Media Studies double minor. I was looking to participate in an Economics-related program in Europe, and European Union Studies in Paris caught my eye. While in Paris, I studied with other Northwestern students at Sciences Po, a prominent Political Science school in Paris. I was part of the group studying all facets of the European Union and my program included multiple field trips to other countries and areas in France to see the European Institutions firsthand. My participation in this experience encouraged me to continue my studies in Political Science because I got to study the European Union at such an exciting and controversial time in the area. I had hoped to enter the Kellogg CPU the fall of my junior year because I am very interested in finance but I decided to go abroad instead, and I wouldn’t take back that decision for the world!

PUBLIC HEALTH IN EUROPE - FRANCE

Jenny Brewster, WCAS 2013

Fall 2011

jenniferbrewster2013@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Jennifer Brewster and I am a Senior in WCAS, majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in History and Global Health Studies. Being born and raised in San Diego, I love the outdoors -- running, hiking, the beach, and more! I studied abroad in Paris this past fall, and it was an incredible and unforgettable experience. While I was there, fellow NU students and I studied the various Public Health Systems in Europe, examining the differences in pubic health policy, inequalities in the delivery of healthcare, and the players involved in the organization of a healthcare system. We visited the World Health Organization in Geneva, had guest lectures from experts in the public health field, and did our own research projects on a global health issue (mine was on Global Mental Health). Not only did my passion for Global Health grow while I was abroad, I also fell in love with Paris. Paris taught me how to look at the world in new ways, to experience culture like never before, and to learn as much as I can from those around me. The magic that is Paris will always be present in me, just as Gertrude Stein said, "America is my country, and Paris is my hometown."

BERLIN: GLOBAL CITY IN THE CENTER OF EUROPE (Formerly Contemporary Berlin)

Jake Wunsh, WCAS 2014

Summer 2011

jacobwunsh2014@u.northwestern.edu

Hi! I'm Jake Wunsh, a junior in WCAS. I'm an English Lit major and a German minor. When away from my studies, I love to read and to spend times with friends. But now, on to my abroad experience! During the summer of 2011, I studied in Berlin. Those nine weeks were some of the best of my life. Not only did I enjoy life in another culture for the very first time, but I also came back changed by my diverse experiences. I went to Berlin to improve my German and fully prepared to immerse myself in German culture, but what I got was more than I could have imagined. I made friends, I improved my speaking, and I learned a great deal about myself in those nine short weeks. I wouldn't trade them for anything, and I will always look fondly upon that first experience abroad.

PUBLIC HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Molly Conroy, WCAS 2013

Spring 2012

mconroy@u.northwestern.edu

My name is Molly Conroy, and I am a senior in WCAS, majoring in psychology with a minor in Global Health. A lifelong Chicagoan, I am a big enthusiast of all things to do with Wrigley Field, Lake Michigan, and Second City. My hobbies include art, reading, and exercise. I also tend to crave adventure and the outdoors. The NU Public Health & Development in South Africa program caught my eye because it offered the opportunity to jump into a fascinating culture with a dark history, complex social issues, and some seriously crazy politics. South Africa was also a bit of a mystery, extremely intriguing because it was so unknown. After my quarter abroad, I could gush about this program for hours on end. As a pre-med student with a strong interest in healthcare, our numerous field trips and clinic days cemented my desire to go into medicine and introduced me to the dynamic relationship between socioeconomics, cultural practices, and physical health. Our public health education was complemented by service-learning projects at NGOs, which gave me first-hand insight into the diverse people of South Africa and their even more diverse communities. Along the way, I got to hike through beautiful landscapes, eat delicious food, and pet exotic animals with the wonderful friends who made South Africa home for 11 weeks.

Morgan Wolf, SESP 2014

Spring 2012

morganwolf2014@u.northwestern.edu

Hello! My name is Morgan Wolf and I’m a junior majoring in Social Policy and African Studies and minoring in Global Health. This past spring quarter (Spring 2012), I studied in South Africa through IPD’s Public Health and Development in South Africa. Since my return, I have been asked one question many, many times over: How was South Africa? And no matter how many times I am asked this question, I always find it impossible to answer. South Africa was listening to lectures on politics by a professor who taught during apartheid and who witnessed firsthand its atrocities and attack on human rights. South Africa was being surrounded by a herd of fifty elephants, crossing in front of our cars, ushering calves so young they did not yet know how to gracefully carry their trunks. South Africa was working with teachers who lived on the wine farms, teaching them how to use a laptop and seeing their absolute disbelief and thrill once introduced to Skype. South Africa was bungee-jumping and shark-cage-diving and any other adrenaline-junky activity I could dream up. This is why answering the question, How was South Africa? is no easy task; my time abroad was an incredible experience because it was made up of such a huge collection of diverse and rare experiences.

IPD EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Erica Egenes, WCAS 2013

Academic Year, 2011-2012, Sciences Po Exchange

ericaegenes2013@u.northwestern.edu

I am a senior Political Science and French double major and spent my junior year as an exchange student at Sciences Po in Paris. The year was by far one of the best of my life - I was not ready to leave when the school year was over in May, so I spent the summer as an intern in the Political Section of the U.S. Embassy in Paris. During that year, I greatly improved my French language skills, made amazing friends from around the world, traveled all over Europe, and was able to learn about political science issues from a different perspective. I can’t wait to go back!

Jeremy Halpern, MEAS 2014

Fall 2012, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Exchange

JeremyHalpern2014@u.northwestern.edu

Jeremy studied abroad twice on an IPD program! See Jeremy's profile here