Brief trip, big impact: Journey abroad gives nursing student holistic perspective

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—In Lisbon, Portugal, Rebecca Fraley immersed herself in history, exploring castles dating back centuries. She indulged in exquisite cuisine, discovering flavors that lingered on the tastebuds long after the meals were complete. She experienced moments of tranquility, sipping coffee while overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. And she forged meaningful connections and learned valuable life lessons—all in the span of 10 unforgettable days.

Fraley had always dreamed of studying abroad. But as a nursing student with a rigorous academic schedule, it felt as though those dreams would never be realized.

“I always wanted to study abroad. I just never had the opportunity with my program,” Fraley says. “It would have put me a semester behind in my courses.”

However, after learning about Lee Honors College’s weeklong study abroad course “Globalization in 6 Glasses,” she saw her golden opportunity. Unlike most study abroad programs at WMU, this course is not a semester-long endeavor. Instead, it operates over 10 days during spring break, meaning Fraley could participate.

The course focuses on how beverages have influenced civilization and culture, from the Stone Age to the 21st century. By exploring how geography, culture, politics, religion and economics have determined how and what people eat and drink over time, students in the class gain a better understanding of diverse human experiences, enabling them to become more well-rounded professionals and people.

Upon learning about the course, Fraley immediately understood how the experience would enable her to be more compassionate and comprehensive in her future nursing work.

“People have different values and I need to be able to apply that to my nursing practice,” Fraley says. “We see people from so many different backgrounds so it’s important to be culturally aware and competent.”

The stuff that dreams are made of

At long last, Fraley’s study abroad experience had arrived, and she was determined to get as much out of it as humanly possible.

“We went to two different wineries, a brewery and a coffee plant. We also learned about the local culture and how music is heavily linked to food and beverages,” she says. “These were 12-hour days, sun up and sundown doing stuff.”

During the trip, Fraley saw, sipped and experienced all that Portuguese culture offered, while also gaining a better understanding of the role food and drink play in everyday life.

“With beverages, we learned how a society grew and how people practiced their cultures. Drinks bring people together, creating camaraderie. That’s why we share drinks together today.”

As a nursing major, Fraley was able to successfully draw parallels between the socialization aspects of Portuguese culture and her future work in health care.

“At Western, we’re a holistic nursing school, so in talking to people and knowing them, you learn so much more about their medical history, what might cause their issues and how to better treat them. That ability to connect is something I got in my study abroad experience.”

Other major highlights for Fraley were the food, specifically the Pastéis De Nata dessert, the music and, for a history buff, the classic architecture.

“I think my favorite (city) was Sintra,” she says. “They had these two gorgeous castles, built at different times, that were so different from one another. Seeing how much they’ve changed when it comes to architectural practices was interesting.”

Overall the trip provided Fraley with perspectives that can only be gained through studying abroad and gaining cultural perspective. “Study abroad molds you into being more accepting of what might come your way, both in professional and personal life.”

“I think studying abroad is for everyone. It teaches you a lot about yourself as a person and helps you meet new people,” she says. “The weeklong study abroad courses at Western are really nice for students like me, who might not be able to take all that time but still want a cultural experience.”

While her time abroad may have been brief, Fraley says it was a memorable experience that she believes will impact her day-to-day work long after she graduates.

“Going to Portugal and meeting people different from those I’m around every day, I can apply that to my nursing practice, that therapeutic communication.” Now a spring 2024 graduate with a job already lined up as an intensive care unit nurse at McLaren Greater Lansing (Michigan) Hospital, she’ll have her chance. ■