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Olá from Portugal! 2022 Faculty-Led Travel Course

For the first time since 2019, Curry College launched its faculty-led travel course to Lisbon, Portugal over spring break. The Public Health course, led by Associate Professor of Public Health and Wellness Dr. Melissa Weinstein, included 14 Curry students representing a mix of Public Health, Nursing, and Biochemistry majors.

While our students enjoyed the breathtaking sites of Portugal, they also left with a wealth of new experiences, including a first-hand glimpse into the dynamic ways in which Portugal approaches health and public health. "Students were able to learn about how another country prioritizes health services and equitable care, with a primary focus on Portugal’s unique model of universal healthcare and health services," said Weinstein. "Students were exposed to a diverse perspective on global public health and will now be able to compare Portuguese health practices and systems with that of the United States."

During the week-long trip, the group visited local public and private hospitals and engaged in interactive simulations in a hospital training lab. Educational sites included Hospital da Luz Simulation Center, the Museum of Portuguese Dermatology, the Higher School of Nursing, and more.

Museum of Portuguese Dermatology
"On this trip, I was able to understand the structure and resources that the healthcare system in Portugal has to provide for its citizens. My favorite part of the trip was visiting the private hospital and being able to try some of the training simulators, which are used to train students on new equipment and procedures."

-Laeticia Clarke '22, Public Health and Wellness

"Being abroad in Portugal for spring break was incredible. I learned so much more than I could imagine. We focused primarily on Portuguese health care and were lucky enough to be able to visit private and public hospitals. On top of that, we got to visit a very competitive nursing school and some museums that were related to healthcare. With each visit, we learned a lot about the history of Portugal and how their healthcare system works."

-Kaylee Walsh '24, Biochemistry

In their leisure time, the group explored the country’s rich culture and history. They indulged in delicious authentic cuisine and pastry tasting, admired the festive art and hand-painted ceramics, visited Sao Jorge Castle in Alfama, Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, and the National Palace of Pena in Sintra.

"For me, the most meaningful part of the trip was watching the students explore a new place and take in a new environment, culture, and way of life. Some of the students have never traveled internationally before, and it felt so special to be a part of that first experience with them." -Dr. Melissa Weinstein
"There are so many ways to learn outside of a classroom. The world is full of wonderful things we haven’t seen and studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to venture beyond our comfort zone for the goal of learning different systems and cultures."

-Leen Salloum '22, Public Health and Wellness

"I would 100% recommend any sort of study abroad at Curry. It's great that Curry has a lot of options and also offers these faculty-led study abroad courses, so that students are still able to go and get the global experience while also earning class credit."

-Marina Spagnolo '22, Nursing

Obrigado, Portugal!