In Fall 2025, I studied abroad in Santiago de Compostela, Spain through Clemson University as part of my Language and International Health major. During this experience, I completed academic coursework fully in Spanish, which strengthened my ability to communicate effectively in a professional and academic setting. In addition to my studies, I completed an internship in a hospital pharmacy, where I gained valuable exposure to pharmaceutical practices, medication management, and the structure of the Spanish healthcare system. This hands-on experience allowed me to observe differences in healthcare delivery and patient care while learning directly from experienced professionals in an international environment.

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Living in Spain also provided me with the opportunity to adapt to a multilingual setting, as I was regularly exposed to both Spanish and Galego. Over time, this strengthened my listening skills, confidence, and overall fluency. Beyond language development, I gained a deeper understanding of cultural differences in communication, workplace dynamics, and lifestyle. Experiencing a different pace of life and approach to work-life balance broadened my perspective and helped me appreciate the importance of cultural context in healthcare.

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Throughout my time abroad, I developed strong cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and independence. Collaborating closely with peers and healthcare professionals enhanced my teamwork and interpersonal skills, while navigating daily life in a new country strengthened my problem-solving abilities. Overall, this experience provided me with a global perspective on healthcare and reinforced my commitment to working with diverse patient populations. It has prepared me to approach future opportunities in healthcare with cultural awareness, flexibility, and a deeper understanding of international health systems.