Healthcare workers in England demand higher pay, and they're making their case on picket lines. Junior doctors walked out in August, and senior physicians have strikes scheduled for September and October. Political science major Nora Diede '25 had a front row seat for the dispute.
Originally, Nora thought she might study abroad for a full semester, but when her friend, Rachel Gifford '24, announced her plans for a summer experience in London, Nora pivoted. The conversation went like this:
Nora: "You're going to London for a month? Can I come with you?!"
Rachel: "Please do!"
The Saints took a three-week sociology of London course at the University of Roehampton. The classroom included students from Hong Kong, Morocco, and the United States, and much of the course compared health care systems in their respective countries with England. Nora is a political science major and found it fascinating to explore international politics through the lens of her classmates' lived experiences.
"It's interesting. I always thought socialized medicine is a much better system, but strikes are happening in England (below, middle) because doctors are under paid. And for the patients, the wait time to see a doctor is insane."
Nora found it enlightening to compare America's health care system, with all its flaws, against a system she assumed was superior. It's one thing to read about it; it's a different perspective altogether to be in the middle of it. And for a political science major, the perspective is invaluable.
Of course, there was plenty of time for fun and sightseeing as well. Nora and Rachel spent a long weekend in Paris (the flight was about $100), and made the two-hour trip from London to Canterbury to visit Nora's aunt.
"I think this experience has been the best thing I've done through Siena. It was an incredible opportunity, and I would highly recommend it. It was great."