Experiential Learning
Icons of Neuroscience
Study Abroad Trip
If you told me my freshman year that I'd be overseas learning about neuroscience, its origins, and exploring its significant contribution to modern medicine I would've thought you were crazy. Yet, I had the chance to do just that and it has been the most meaningful experience I've had as a pre-med student. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to explore a new culture, meet new people, and learn about a subject in a way that couldn't be taught in an academic setting. By learning about the scientists that made significant contributions to science, I learned that there are no questions too big or small, and you can use what you know to learn what you don't know. I practiced my Spanish, polished my French, toured the labs of prominent figures in modern neuroscience, and immersed myself in European and Spanish cultures. But most importantly it taught me to pause and reflect to enjoy the beauty in this world.
"And then I realized adventure was the best way to learn"
Unknown
A Few of my Stops Overseas
Buckingham Palace
London, England
London was my first stop overseas. I was able to go to Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guards. I also got to go to Westminister Abby, see Big Ben, and try my first plate of European fish and chips.
Museum Cerralbo
Madrid, Spain
Spain is known for its beautiful architecture and visiting the home of Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, the 17th Marquis of Cerralbo only confirmed that. It was interesting to see all the detail on each inch of the museum, even the ceilings were painted.
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Cajal Institute
Madrid, Spain
Cajal is considered "The Father of Modern Neuroscience". At the institute, I learned of his history and his groundbreaking discovery of the nervous system. Here, I was able to see the slides he used in his discovery, his drawings, and even his Nobel Prize. I also got a tour of the institute, learned about the research currently being done, and even learned about the history and research of other important neuroscientists such as R. Levi-Montalcini.
Madame Curie Museum
Paris, France
I visited Madame Curie's old lab turned museum. I got to further understand her research on radioactivity which when you think about it was a gift to the research community but a curse to her untimely death.
The Charcot Library
Paris, France
The Charcot Library was the personal library of one of the founders of modern neurology. I got a lecture on the history of neurology and read some of the accessible books. Following the lecture, I was able to tour the surrounding areas, understanding the history of some of the nearby buildings including a current-day laundry mat that used to house lunatics.
Musee des Moulages
Paris, France
Because of my interest in medicine, I enjoyed visiting the Musee des Moulages which showcased some of the most extreme dermatology conditions. I got to see cases like syphilis and herpes, both mild and gruesome. It was eye-opening not just learning about the vast amount of skin conditions, but also trying to empathize with how people managed their conditions with the lack of treatments back in the day.
The Pasteur Institute
Paris, France
Through the Pasteur Institute, I got to learn about the biomedical research conducted by Louis Pasteur. I was able to get a histological lesson on the discovery and evolution of vaccines and visited the lab with preserves. I even got to see where Pasteur's and his wife's bodies were buried in the Institute (I don't think this is something that I get to witness in my immunology lecture hall back in America).
The Louvre Museum
Paris, France
It had always been on my bucket list to take a trip to the most popular art museum in the world. On my visit to the Louvre, I had the opportunity to read about some of history's most famous artwork. I saw iconic art like Venus de Milo and even the Mona Lisa. My favorite wing was the Egyptian wing as it was amazing to see the hieroglyphics and artifacts as old as 2000 years old.