Arnell Garrett
UMBC Faculty-Led: International Health Policy in Switzerland – Spring Break 2026
Majors: Public Policy, PhD
Introduction
I am very excited about this UMBC study abroad opportunity. The trip is part of the
International Public Health Policy graduate course in the UMBC School of Public Policy,
taught by Dr. Nancy Miller and led by Professor Katie Birger. This experience in Switzerland
represents an opportunity to combine academic learning, cultural exploration, and personal
goals. As a doctoral student studying public policy, I am particularly interested in how
different societies design institutions, deliver social services, and address complex public
policy challenges.
This trip will allow me to observe international governance institutions, cultural initiatives,
and social services in practice. I hope to learn from Switzerland’s approach to elder care,
mental health programming, and global cooperation, while documenting my experiences for
the UMBC community, especially for students who may be considering studying or traveling
abroad in the future.
Academic Aspirations for the Trip
One of the most exciting aspects of this trip is visiting the United Nations headquarters in
Geneva. I am particularly interested in touring the Palais des Nations and seeing the
diplomatic gifts that have been donated by member nations. These gifts represent the
cultural identity of different countries and symbolize international cooperation.
From a public policy perspective, observing the environment where international
negotiations take place provides valuable insight into how global governance operates.
Seeing the physical spaces where diplomacy occurs can help connect theoretical policy
discussions with real-world institutions.
Interest in Aging and Elder Care
I am also very excited about the opportunity to visit a Swiss nursing home. Switzerland is
known for maintaining high-quality long-term care systems and strong social support for
older adults.
This visit is especially meaningful to me because I previously worked with the UNC Institute
on Aging and studied the sociology of aging and issues related to long-term care. Observing
how another country approaches elder care may provide insights into how policy design,
healthcare systems, and cultural expectations shape the quality of life for older adults.
Mental Health and the Living Museum
Another highlight of the trip will be visiting the Living Museum. The Living Museum is a
therapeutic art space where individuals experiencing mental health challenges create and
display artwork. The concept emphasizes creative expression as a form of healing and
empowerment.
This visit is particularly inspiring to me because I hope to organize a community mental
health art exhibition in my own community in the future. Seeing how a Living Museum
operates may provide ideas about how art can be used to promote healing, reduce stigma,
and build community.
Packing for Switzerland in March
Traveling to Switzerland in March requires careful packing because temperatures are still
quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. My professor advised our group to
bring warm clothing but to also pack light since we would frequently be carrying our
belongings while navigating public transportation. Taking that advice seriously, I focused on
packing lightweight items that could be layered for warmth. I purchased a Travel 25
backpack from REI and managed to fit everything I needed into that single bag. My clothing
strategy centered on layering, so I packed five pairs of spandex leggings, two pairs of
jeggings, one pair of pants, wool socks, seven thin sweaters, two base-layer shirts, and two
base-layer pants to help retain heat. To stay organized, I sectioned everything into large
Ziploc bags. For outerwear, I brought a lightweight insulated jacket from Patagonia that
provides warmth without adding extra weight. I also packed practical essentials such as
pads, cold medicine, and upset stomach medication, along with my iPad so I can read, take
notes, and document my experiences during the trip. Everything fit neatly into my
backpack, and because it is designed with waist and chest support straps, the weight is
distributed evenly across my body, making it surprisingly comfortable to carry.
Technology and Documenting the Experience
To help capture this experience, I purchased Meta smart glasses and translation earpieces
before the trip. The glasses will allow me to take photos and short videos from my
perspective while visiting different sites and institutions.
The translation earpieces may also be helpful when interacting with people who primarily
speak German. Switzerland has multiple national languages, and having translation tools
available makes it easier to communicate and navigate unfamiliar environments.
Travel Delays and Missed Experiences
The trip did not begin exactly as planned. My flight was delayed, which caused me to miss
the first two days of the program. Fortunately, the university purchased travel insurance for
the trip, which means I will be reimbursed for the days that I missed.
Unfortunately, the delay meant that I missed two activities I was especially looking forward
to: a Swiss chocolate tour and a cheese tasting tour. Switzerland is internationally known
for both of these culinary traditions.
I am hopeful that I may still be able to fit these experiences into the remaining days of the
trip if scheduling allows.
Housing and Accommodations
During the trip, our group will be staying at two locations: the City Hostel in Geneva and the
Ibis Styles Zurich City Center. One noticeable difference is that Swiss hotels tend to position
beds much closer together than we typically see in the United States. These
accommodations provide convenient access to the cities where our academic activities and
cultural visits will take place. Staying in a hostel environment also offers opportunities to
interact with travelers and students from around the world, which adds another dimension
to the learning experience.
Looking Ahead
Although the trip began with an unexpected delay, I remain excited about the opportunities
ahead. International travel provides a chance to step outside familiar systems and observe
how other societies address social challenges such as healthcare, aging, and mental health.
My goal is to learn as much as possible from these experiences and reflect on how these
approaches might inform future work in policy, community programs, and research.