Annette Muchiri ’27 Shares Her London Experience: A Cultural and Educational Immersion
This May, four students from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences – Marifer Sanchez Gaspar ’26, Annette Muchiri ’27, Amira Tanbakji ’25, and Sasha Thomas ’26 – embarked on a six-week immersive program in London, exploring comparative healthcare systems. This incredible opportunity offered them unique insights into the nursing and healthcare systems of both the US and the UK, providing a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and challenges faced by each.
During the program, Annette Muchiri ’27 documented her experiences, sharing detailed accounts of her time both inside and outside the classroom. Over the six weeks, Annette immersed herself in the rich cultural tapestry of London, visiting historical landmarks, attending cultural events, and engaging with the local community. Learn more about Annette’s journey below.
Week 1: And So it Begins
Travel has always been a passion of mine, and pursuing nursing while exploring new places has been both enriching and fun. It has allowed me to learn and grow, taking adventure to new heights!
Whether it’s cooking and getting ready in a new setting while meeting classmates, discovering the niche parts of London in my spare time before class (like walking through Kyoto Gardens and Holland Park), taking history courses on nursing and midwifery and enriching my education with both classroom work and exploring the history of medicine, or finding new and fun ways to explore the city and commute to classes – this experience has been incredible. In just the first week, it has been such an exciting and unforgettable time!
Week 2: Perspective
In this last week, it has been amazing to meet new people not only from the States but also from all around London!
London has such a unique and diverse array of cultures, which has greatly expanded my perspective on both learning and life within this city. Whether it’s grabbing breakfast with new friends before our immersion class in Nursing and Midwifery history, visiting the Old Operating Theatre and learning about the daily tasks of nurses at Guy’s Hospital, or understanding the types of surgeries performed and the creation and uses of antiseptics and anesthesia, every experience has been enriching.
Week 3: Connecting
This past week has been amazing taking in the familiar and being able to set it in a new light.
This week was wonderful and a great time of connections with the Friar community. It’s been wonderful being able to network and share my love and experience at Providence College, especially of the new nursing program. Engaging with students also in the Global Health Program as well as getting together with Dr. Levine and several Alumni was amazing. At my internship it has been great getting to know many of the residents and many of my colleagues, and a great opportunity to become a part of this wonderful team, as we celebrated National Biscuit Day with all the residents. As well as getting the time to continue learning more about the role nurses, doctors and physicians play in the lives of their patients at the Wellcome Trust Museum. Lastly, it has been great embarking on the history of London week by week, recently going to see Big Ben, the House of Parliament as well as the Tower of London.
Week 4: Growth
Living and studying abroad has allowed me to grow in independence, adaptability, and resilience.
It has been wonderful to witness my growth over the past month. Whether it’s confidently navigating my work route, exploring new musicals in London, or getting to know and understand each of the clients I work with, every experience has contributed to my development. I’ve also gained valuable insights into the roles of my coworkers, and it has benefited my cultural intelligence and communication skills. This journey has truly been a wonderful opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and grow both personally and academically.
Week 5: Discovery
Every day brings a new adventure, and this week has truly underscored the joy and excitement of discovery in London and beyond!
This week has been a wonderful journey of discovery, both academically and personally. I had the opportunity to visit the Chelsea Physic Garden for my nursing class, where I learned about the medicinal properties of various plants. Learning how natural remedies have historically been used to treat ailments and the role they play in modern medicine.
After my internship hours, I made sure to find fun activities like the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. I learned about the Prime Meridian and how Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) has been a cornerstone in the history of timekeeping. Taking time to reflect is crucial, and visiting new parks like Greenwich Park allowed me to unwind and think about my experiences.
One of the highlights of the week was exploring Edinburgh. The city’s rich history and stunning architecture provided a perfect backdrop for reflection and learning. It is wonderful to travel and discover new places!
Week 6: Milestone
As I near the end of my journey, this week has been a time to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones achieved during my time.
It has been amazing to see how far I have come. I am truly grateful for the support I have received. It would not have been possible without the many people who believed and supported me. It has been amazing to get together not only with my new friends in my program but longtime friends who have also celebrated with me! It is amazing to see how much one can grow in such a short time.
It has been so great in the last 6 weeks to see how far I’ve come, particularly my academic progress. Finishing my courses and internship and having new knowledge and skills feels incredibly rewarding. The hands-on experiences, particularly in the nursing and midwifery classes, have deepened my understanding of the field. Highlights included going to the Foundling Museum and an apothecary. I have seen how much caring has evolved over such a long time not only medically but in society as well.
Week 7: Reflection
As I reach the end of my journey, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences and growth I have gained during my time. It has been amazing to immerse myself in a new culture, to learn, and to grow in ways I never imagined. Sharing my experiences has been a joy, and I am grateful for the privilege of studying abroad, and the immense support I received. This final week has been a blend of wrapping up my academics and internship as well as savoring the last moments in this vibrant city. Taking final walks through central London has allowed me to appreciate the beauty and history. My internship has continued to offer new perspectives and invaluable learning experiences as I hear the stories of patients and understand their journeys. In my last nursing class, attending a session at the Royal Society of Medicine was particularly impactful. We discussed the importance of research and explored the contributions of pioneers in the field, gaining insights into how medical practices have evolved over time. This experience underscored the importance of continual learning and innovation in healthcare. Overall, this journey has been an extraordinary chapter in my life. The knowledge, friendships, and experiences I have gained will stay with me forever, furthering both my nursing career and personal development in countless positive ways. For that, I am grateful!
