Category: Caribbean

Submitted by Taylor Donahue on the 2024 Winter CIEG program in Barbados…

My first few days in Barbados have been stressful, but rewarding. After two long flights we made it to Bellairs Research Institute. Our group went to dinner on the first night after we got settled and we were able to meet some locals. They were very welcoming and it was a great first experience. Getting used to island time has been a slight challenge. Everything moves at a slower pace here and it has been important to work with their schedule. Making this change has made me appreciate more of the island and bond with the other travelers. The beaches are beautiful and extremely clean. It is refreshing to see the community culture and desire to keep their beaches clean and available to everyone. Growing up going to the Jersey shore, there is not this level of appreciation for the health of our coasts. Our classes focus on coastal engineering which will be beneficial for the health of the island. I’m excited to learn more about coastal engineering and see how the practices have been implemented in Barbados (Submitted on January 4).

Submitted by Renee Rush on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

This was my last week in the British Virgin Islands and I had the time of my life this entire month! During our last few days, we went on a boat trip to neighboring islands and we went to Necker Island for an animal conservation exhibit where we got to see lemurs, pink flamingoes, giant tortoises, wild horses, and baby goats! On our last day, we all went to the beach for the last time and then prepared for our farewell dinner which we all got to dress up for! The food was delicious and it was the perfect end to a perfect program!

 

Submitted by Emili Rutkowski on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

I am so sad to be leaving. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I learned a lot and laughed even more. I am so fortunate to have been able to experience something has great as this. Thank you Center for Global Programs & Services for making this possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Renee Rush on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

This week, we continued with our clinical experience at the hospital! After clinical one day, we went to a prison museum and got a tour of it. We learned about some of the prisoners that previously resided there and how the prison system in the BVI differs from the US. For example, they explained how the prisoners were allowed to check themselves in and out of the prison everyday if they displayed good behavior. Overall, it was a great experience to see how their system worked!

Submitted by Henna Castle on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

Funny story! This picture was taken on Jost Van Dyke Island at the Soggy Dollar. It got the name because boats have to dock far out in the water, forcing people to swim into the beach. When they reach the sand, all of their money is wet (or soggy) when they go to buy food. We had just swum onto the beach and were posing to take a picture with the UD flag when two women approached us with huge smiles on their faces. Turns out they are both UD graduates, one of them was even in the nursing school here! This just proves that no matter where you are, you can find a Blue Hen.

Submitted by Emili Rutkowski on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

This final week is bittersweet. I am so excited to experience this wonderful place for another week, but so sad it is coming to an end. I have learned so much here about both their healthcare system and their culture. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime and I am so fortunate to have had this opportunity! We have touched on what it means to be a healthcare in a place with limited resources and have been able to see first hand how fortunate we are back in the States.

Submitted by Kaitlyn Meagher on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

I can’t believe my third week here in the British Virgin Islands is over. I learn and see new things everyday here, especially in clinical settings. This opportunity to learn from different nurses and doctors has been amazing. As a future healthcare worker, I believe it is very important to learn how different cultures operate in a clinical setting. Some of the procedures are different here compared to the United States, as the hospital is very understaffed and lacks resources. Over the last two weeks, I have been able to bond and get to know a few of the nurses, who made an effort to help us learn and observe new experiences!

Submitted by Heather O’Connor on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

During my third week abroad, I had the opportunity to really absorb the British Virgin Island culture, particularly in healthcare. As a nursing student, I think it is vitally important to be exposed to as many different cultures as possible in order to be fully prepared and ready to understand my patients and advocate for my patients. What I found in the hospital was that units were understaffed and under-resourced. In fact, I found nurses were forced to improvise because they did not have enough supplies for dressing changes and other medical therapies. I think this is something we strongly take for granted in the United States. In fact, the hospital does not even have a blood bank. I was fortunate enough to donate blood to one of my patients in need, as I am a universal donor. You can see that in action in the photo! Though the BVI has always struggled with resources, it has only gotten worse during the pandemic. I truly hope to spread the word and ensure everyone has access to the care they need.

Submitted by Sonya LeFors on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

Going into my second week I didn’t think The British Virgin Islands could be anymore beautiful, but each day I stand happily corrected. This week, we explored other islands including Jost Van Dyke, Norman, Virgin Gorda, and even a half acre sand bar called Sandy Spit. Each island had its own atmosphere and culture. We also started our clinical experience at the hospital. I was assigned the ICU and it has been an amazing opportunity. I have learned so much from my nurse preceptors about health care and the practices in the British Virgin Islands. I see how our practices compare and differ, and how I can take what I’ve learned from this hospital and apply it to the hospitals in the States.

Submitted by Emili Rutkowski on the 2022 winter session program in the British Virgin Islands sponsored by the School of Nursing…

This second week has been even better than the first! I finally got to experience the clinical setting here in the British Virgin Islands! It is so different from back home that it has definitely been a process to get used to. I am so thankful for this experience and I love being able to help out where I can!