Hi! My name is Paulina Grigsby, and this past semester I studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. I am currently a sophomore studying Integrative Physiology with a minor in Sports Psychology. My Global Theme is Public and Global Health, and my challenge is stopping the spread of infectious diseases and using technology to ensure that all people can access tools and knowledge to prevent disease. This experience has not only exposed me to different healthcare systems but has also deepened my understanding of how culture, accessibility, and policy shape public health outcomes.
Before my Beyond the Classroom Experience, I did not have very specific expectations, but I hoped to meet people from the United Kingdom and other countries, learn about their daily lives, and gain insight into healthcare and education outside the U.S. Overall, this experience met and, in many ways, exceeded my expectations. Through school, I was able to connect with Scottish and international students to learn firsthand how their healthcare system works and how citizens view it. I was struck by how healthcare is often taken for granted in countries around the UK and Europe because it is free. I also noticed the difference in education because classes were less frequent, but encouraged independence and personal time, which allowed for a balance between academics and personal time.
As I previously mentioned, my Global Theme is Public and Global Health. Since studying abroad, my perspective on healthcare accessibility has shifted significantly. Seeing firsthand how healthcare is provided to all citizens in the U.K. reinforced the importance of making medicine and preventive care available to everyone, regardless of financial status. Comparing U.S. healthcare with alternative systems has inspired me to think about how lessons from other countries could be used to improve systems at home. This experience has also allowed me to think about ways to make technology and policy more accesible which aligns with my global challenge.
Throughout my Beyond the Classroom Experience, my understanding of cultures and people has grown immensely. One of the most significant lessons was recognizing how culture shapes education, priorities, and daily life. The independence given to students abroad, along with the emphasis on balancing personal and academic life, offered a perspective that differed from what I was used to in the U.S. I also learned that people’s perceptions of the U.S. are often shaped by curiosity rather than judgment, which helped me reflect on my own culture and how it is viewed from the outside. Interaction with students around the world challenged my assumptions and reminded me that we all face similar challenges and that small gestures can go a long way for all people.
This experience also shaped my leadership skills by fostering independence, resilience, and creative problem-solving. Navigating public transportation, managing daily tasks in a new environment, and quickly adapting to mistakes forced me to think on my feet and trust my own judgment. These experiences strengthened my ability to handle unexpected challenges—an essential skill for leadership. This allowed me to feel more confident in my ability to lead, make decisions under pressure, and quickly problem-solve when necessary
The experience of studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, was impactful on many levels. One of my favorite memories was visiting the Highland cows just outside of Edinburgh. Walking up to the cows with friends I had made during the semester was not only fun but also a reminder of the joy of shared experiences and cultural exploration. Moments like this helped me build lasting friendships, connect with the local environment, and reflect on the importance of community in personal and professional growth.
Overall, my experience studying abroad has given me many new perspectives and allowed me to think of ways I can inspire change within my community. I am grateful to the connections I made, the lessons I have learned and the opportunities I had.
Beyond the Classroom 