Lessons Learned

Through my time in Berlin, I have learned much about the importance of global public health and culture in this world. Before coming to Germany, I believed that the culture would be similar to the United States; I was mistaken. While Germany does have some similarities to the U.S., its differences are what makes it unique. The German culture is more open when it comes to smoking and drinking, while in the United States those actions are more taboo.

In addition to learning about a different culture, I also learned about the importance of bias and how it can seriously affect people. I now realize that the way you look at a person can severely impact the level of care they recieve, and how to prevent that injustice. In class, we brainstormed about ways biases could be prevented, from recruiting a skilled workforce to having regular evaluations of equality treatment. While we also came up with some challenges which might arise from these new policies, I learned from this activity that there can always be a solution to a problem, even if there seems to be none.

During class, we also discussed the different communication styles that people utilized. These include direct and indirect, low context and high context, and self enhancing and self humbling. When going through and giving examples of these communication styles, I realized where I could improve in my own communication in everyday life.

Overall, my experience in Germany has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have enjoyed every minute I’ve been here and I will take these experiences and hold on to them for the rest of my life.