Submitted by Kristen Tauber on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Australia sponsored by the School of Nursing…
This week we visited hospitals, both historic and new and state-of-the-art. As a non-health science major, this was both intimidating and interesting. My peers, teacher, and tour guides all did a great job of answering my questions about things I was confused about, and also help me gain a better understanding of health care from an economic perspective. The most exciting part of the week was going to the Blue Mountains, where we got to learn about the land and wildlife, but also the Aboriginal people. I really liked getting to know about the culture, but also the relationship that exists today between the indigenous people and the Australians, as there is a similar dynamic in America. One thing Australia does is “acknowledgement of country.” Whenever one goes on a tour, the guide will take a moment to explain how this land originally belonged to the Aboriginals. I found this very interesting and it seems partially healing for the relationship.
This week I continued to be amazed by the diversity of people, but also of the land and animals. I will definitely be sad to leave, but have high hopes of coming back.