Tuesdays Abroad: ‘The Best Decision I Ever Made’
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communication Director
Kaylin Crowe always wanted to study healthcare systems outside the U.S.
So, with the help of the College of Health Sciences, she did just that.
A recent graduate of the Clinical Leadership and Management major, Kaylin was able to travel to Paris, France, with the HHS470 class — International Experiences in Health Sciences. It proved to be a life-changing experience.
“I’ve always wanted to study healthcare systems outside of the US, and universal healthcare systems like France's intrigued me,” said the Brentwood, Tenn., native. “I also just have a love of traveling, and I had a desire to meet new people and make new friends!”
Kaylin said students get so much out of learning overseas.
“I gained tons of independence by navigating life in a foreign country; it was such an accomplishment to figure out the Paris Metro system,” she said. “I gained valuable friendships that will last beyond college and created closer relationships with my professors. I came home with incredible memories I will never forget — not to mention, intimate knowledge of another culture and its healthcare system, that has provided me with a unique perspective moving forward.”
This month, the College of Health Sciences is featuring stories from students or faculty members who have had educational experiences overseas. We’re calling it Tuesdays Abroad — and we’re using this space to show just how influential these voyages can be.
Over the past year, the College has put an increased focus on Education Abroad, launching a CHS Global Initiatives website and emphasizing the benefits that an experience to a foreign country can add to one’s overall college experience. Studies show that students who participate reduce their time to degree, earn a higher GPA at degree, and are more likely to graduate in both four and six years.
“I think about my study abroad trip at least once a day,” Kaylin said. “It was truly the best decision I ever made in college, maybe the best decision I made, period.”
Of the many memories she was able to create, one stands out.
“Taking a FlixBus straight from our cooking class (in Paris) to go watch The Weeknd in concert (in Belgium), and then taking an all-night bus back to France, and getting 15 minutes of sleep before class the next morning,” she said.
And what advice does she have for other students thinking of an education abroad experience?
“Apply!” she said. “If you are remotely interested, you should apply. As an introvert, it was super scary thinking about who I would room with, if I would make friends, etc. However, my roommate ended up becoming my best friend and I cannot imagine if I hadn't met her.
“This wasn't just true for me, but for many others in my program as well,” she continued. “It is such a great experience that I can’t recommend enough.”