As part of my participation in the Eswatini Virtual Study Abroad program, I connected with students from Eswatini, Africa. Using platforms like Course Networking, Instagram, and Telegram, we were able to communicate and share perspectives across cultures. This experience focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which promotes good health and well-being for all. Through this project, I explored health initiatives in both Eswatini and Indiana, gaining a better understanding of how different communities address healthcare challenges and support overall well-being.

This experience was very beneficial to my career development because it exposed me to a different culture and way of life than what I am used to. Through interacting with students from Eswatini, I developed stronger communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills. I also learned the importance of being open-minded and respectful when engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.

In a future physician-patient setting, this experience will help me better understand and connect with patients from different cultures. It strengthened my ability to listen, adapt, and approach situations with empathy, which are all essential skills in healthcare. Overall, this program helped me grow both personally and professionally by expanding my perspective and improving how I interact with others.

This experience helped me gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, especially the culture in Eswatini, as well as some of the social and political challenges people face there. Through interacting with students and learning about their healthcare system, I was able to see how access to care and resources can vary across different communities.

This virtual study abroad experience also brought me one step closer to my goal of becoming a physician. It reinforced the importance of cultural awareness and understanding patients’ backgrounds when providing care. I realized that being a good healthcare provider is not just about medical knowledge, but also about being able to connect with patients and respect their perspectives.

Overall, this experience helped me grow by improving my cultural awareness and communication skills. These are essential skills that I will continue to develop as I work toward a career in healthcare.