Asare, Kwabena

Kwabena Asare

 

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
As a nursing student, I wanted to learn more about global health care systems, and I chose to study in Sweden which has one of the best health care systems in the world.

 

What did you learn about yourself?
I learnt that I am able to communicate effectively and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and opinions and collaborate effectively and work as a team.

 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
My favorite memory from my program is the group seminars where we had a discussion on a variety of health care topics and had a wealth of varying experiences from a diverse group of students from all over the world which made for a very rich learning experience and a very global perspective.

 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
I would advice future study abroad students to embrace this unique opportunity to travel to another country to immerse themselves in the way of life there and to meet different people and interact with them with an open mind. It is a life changing event which has a positive and long lasting effect and also helps to give a global perspective on issues.

 

Would you do it again?
I would absolutely do it again.

 

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?
As a nursing student, my study abroad experience prepared me greatly for my future career as a nurse. I studied about Health Care and Quality improvement. This is very practical to my future career as a nurse where I would have to ignite a spirit of inquiry through out my career and embark on quality improvement projects based on evidence based practice. This study abroad program was very effective in giving me a solid foundation.

 

How do you identify?
Student of color, First Generation College Student, Covenant Scholars, Scholarship Recipient, Transfer Student

 

Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
I think my identity as a person of color and an African was very good for my time abroad as I was able to bring a different perspective and contibutions to group projects and class discussions based of my background and life experiences which together with contributions from others with other diverse background contibuted to a great learning experience for all of us.

 

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
I would advice them to keep an open mind, be respectful of other people and their way of life and opinions and be culturally sensitive and respectful.

 

If you faced any challenges abroad, where could you turn to get the support you needed?
If I faced any difficulties, I could have reached out to the program co Ordinator both at home and abroad. Also, as a Benjamin Gillman Scholarship recipient, I also had other resources available to me if I needed support or faced any challenges.

Memories