Study Abroad
Studying abroad with the University of Florida has been a surreal, immersive experience during my time as an undergraduate student. I have made forever friends, endless memories, and furthered my education beyond the classroom. From Gainesville, FL to Puerto Rico, USA and Cusco, Peru, enjoy these top highlights of my travels with the top 5 university in the nation. Go gators!
University of Florida in Peru Summer 2022
In fall 2021, I joined an organization called VAW Global Health Alliances -- an organization that aims to recruit volunteers across several different universities in the nation to travel abroad for a medical internship. The VAW UF medical chapter prepared for the internship for two consecutive semesters by practicing taking vitals, studying medical terminology, learning pharmaceutical drugs, enhancing our Spanish, and perfecting our bedside manner. Once we arrived to Cusco, Peru in June 2022, we met with the VAW team at the VAW headquarters to discuss our schedule regarding clinical days, exploration days, and educational days. During our clinicals, we would rotate through different stations to immerse ourselves in different areas of clinic. These stations were: intake, vitals, shadowing, and the pharmacy; all which were done under the supervision of local pharmacists and medical doctors. After seven clinical days, we were able to serve several different communities and provide free healthcare to 500+ patients. Below you can find a gallery of photos of my time in Peru and a certificate of clinical hours earned.
University of Florida in Puerto Rico Spring 2022
I randomly came across a spring break opportunity with the University of Florida's Hispanic Latinx Student Engagement (HSLE) office in partnership with Florida Alternative Breaks (FAB) for spring break 2022. The spring break trip was offered to students who were interested in going to Puerto Rico to do local volunteer work during their spring break. During my time there, we built rain shelters in El Yunque National Forest, conducted a beach cleanup, planted trees in a local area, helped a local farm worker with their harvests, volunteered at a local community center, learned about their culture, cooked food with home-grown vegetables, and so much more! These photos below are quick snapshots of a very memorable and special trip. I made so many wonderful friends on this trip that I continue to remain in contact with despite the distance. I am beyond grateful to have been able to experience an opportunity as great as this with my university.
