Learning and Traveling

February 6, 2025
by Kimberly Rochin

Getting Involved International

When I reflect on the standout moments from my time as an undergraduate, my two Maymester adventures immediately spring to mind. From soaking in breathtaking scenery to meeting some truly remarkable people, these journeys offered me a front-row seat to the diverse ways societies function and approach healthcare far beyond U.S. borders.

Exploring Argentina
During the summer of 2023, I enrolled in a Spanish course focusing on the immigration, history, and culture of Argentina. While exploring these themes, I was particularly struck by the local social dynamics. Buenos Aires is teeming with “third spaces” — museums, art galleries, and community centers that serve as social hubs. To my surprise, many of these spaces were free or had minimal cost for public entry.

As a tourist, I loved exploring these gems as they were a perfect fusion of how work and leisure intertwine. Another shocking factor was observing how shops and businesses often pause in the afternoon, allowing everyone to enjoy ‘merienda,’ a tea-time break shared with family and friends.

Learning About Preventative Healthcare in Costa Rica
My journey continued this past summer in Nicoya, Costa Rica, where I participated in a Gerontology course examining the country’s famed “blue zones” — regions where people live significantly longer than the global average. Although I was not a fan of the mosquitoes and the occasional snake spotting in our hotel rooms, this experience helped me understand the power of preventative healthcare measures and a collectivist approach to well-being.

In Costa Rica, the vibe is all about community and preventative health, a refreshing change from the more reactive healthcare models I’d seen in the U.S. It’s like they’re all about dodging the raindrops instead of waiting to get wet! This eye-opening experience really drove home the importance of weaving health-conscious choices into the fabric of everyday life. It’s a philosophy that meshes perfectly with the holistic spirit of occupational therapy.

So, what’s next?

Well, of course, I want to keep traveling! I mean, who doesn’t? As I continue my journey in occupational therapy, I am inspired to keep traveling and connecting the dots between cultural practices and health outcomes. Each trip offers new perspectives and strategies that can be adapted to enhance the therapeutic environments we create. By incorporating global insights into my studies and future practice, I aim to advocate for more integrative and culturally aware approaches to healthcare.

A piece of advice: if your undergraduate program offers a study abroad experience, even as short as a couple of weeks like mine, take advantage of them! It’s an invaluable opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain insights that you can’t get from a textbook.

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