Eliza Chance is currently pursuing her Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) with a Clinical Track and a Trauma Certificate. She recently embarked on an exciting study abroad trip, traveling to London, Geneva, Florence, and Rome over the course of three and a half weeks. The focus of her trip was to compare the healthcare systems of the UK, Switzerland, and Italy to that of the United States. Reflecting on her decision to participate, Eliza shared, “I had initially signed up for a study abroad program during my undergraduate studies in the Summer of 2020, but the pandemic halted those plans. When I saw the MSSW Advising Newsletter highlighting a new opportunity for graduate students, I knew I had to apply. I was eager to explore other countries and understand how they differ from the U.S.”
Before departing, Eliza had both excitement and apprehension about her journey. She anticipated immersing herself in the local cultures while engaging with the academic content of the trip. “I was very excited to try new things, like public transport, and explore new streets and foods,” she said. However, she was also worried about experiencing culture shock since this was her first time traveling abroad. Surprisingly, those concerns dissipated quickly. “I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture and enjoy both the structured learning times and my free time for exploration,” she noted.
Among her favorite experiences was the opportunity to meet her virtual classmates and fellow MSSW students. “I created long-lasting friendships with some of the students from the trip. I loved getting to explore the cities and learn more than just the syllabus content,” Eliza remarked. One aspect that caught her off guard was the efficiency of public transportation in the cities she visited. “Coming from Memphis, where public transit isn’t as reliable, I was shocked to see how many people relied on it for their daily commutes. The cities were also so walkable, which added extra time for sightseeing on my way to lectures and tours,” she shared.
The trip provided Eliza with valuable insights, both academically and culturally. “I learned how to adapt to changes on the spot and gained perspective from experts in public health and healthcare,” she explained. This knowledge, she believes, is crucial for addressing the revisions needed in the U.S. healthcare system. If she could do anything differently, Eliza would prepare by learning basic conversational phrases in another language to ease communication. “Language barriers can be tricky, so having some phrases ready would have made a huge difference,” she reflected.
For those contemplating a similar journey, Eliza has a clear message: “Do it! It’s worth every penny and every moment of travel time to immerse yourself in another country and learn how they operate. Study abroad gave me incredible memories and knowledge that I can apply to my future social work career. Plus, you’ll make friends quickly, even if you don’t know anyone going in.”





