SU Global Seminar Students Study Public Health and Drug Policies in Portugal

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University is home to rich opportunities and experiential learning, even when that home is in another country. 

Students in Sherry Maykrantz’s Global Seminar spent their winter semester exploring public health and drug policies in Portugal. 

“Traveling with students to another country is something I truly love, in part because I get to watch them experience the world through a different lens,” said Maykrantz, assistant professor of public health. “It’s very inspiring to see them learn, grow, make lasting friendships and develop a love for international travel.”

The course examines drugs and public health in Portugal through site visits that allow students to explore the Portuguese health care system. 

“Experiencing public health from a global perspective provides students an opportunity to explore how other countries grapple with universal public health issues,” said Maykrantz. 

Through study abroad and study away opportunities, SU provides students with the knowledge of other people, places and cultures that result in a breadth of experience needed to excel in the global community. 

“I would encourage any student who may be considering a semester abroad to go for it,” said Lena Seidenberg, a senior public health major from Elkton, MD. “You’ll meet new people, establish connections that will last a lifetime and learn at the same time. It was such a fun experience, and I would do it all over again if I could.”

For Jamie Kost, a junior public health major from La Plata, MD, the lessons learned in Portugal will carry over into her professional career in the U.S.

“I wasn’t expecting the health care systems to be so open to us as students,” she said. “To be able to learn up close with real-world experiences will benefit me in the future as I pursue a career in occupational therapy. It was so helpful learning how to communicate with people who come from different backgrounds. It’s important for anyone in public health to be able to connect with everyone that we come across and be able to help to the best of our ability.” 

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.