In the summer of 2017, I participated in a two-week study abroad program in Augsburg, Germany. Plus3 Germany – named for the three credits you receive at the program’s end – is a study abroad program geared specifically towards freshmen engineering and business students. It involves a partnership with the University of Augsburg, where students from both schools explore the German automotive industry, as well as German engineering and business practices. We toured five different companies, ranging from metalworkers to robotics engineers. At the end of the program, I had a better understanding of how fundamentally different German industry is from our own. More importantly, I was able to experience how fundamentally different daily life is.

During my study abroad – as well as during the month-long backpacking trip I went on afterward – I experienced a structure of life completely foreign to me. Public transport was timely, well-organized, and seemingly everywhere. Urban planning provided cities that were invitingly walkable, and healthy food options were plentiful. Nearly every house I saw in Germany had solar panels on its roof. By spending time abroad, I was able to experience the impact that public policy can have on the structure of society. In the countries I visited, the investments the governments made in public works had made a clear and measurable improvement in quality of life.

As I have continued forward with my global health studies, I have reflected back on my experiences in Germany often. My German friends had many questions about health care in America, and they were quite shocked to hear about our lofty premiums and co-pays. The health systems in Germany, and Europe in general, have provided me a useful lens through which to view the American health care system, as well as an astounding contrast. It is my hope to replicate the successes of the German healthcare system here in the United States.

You can read more about my experience in Plus3 Germany here.