Through WVU Education Abroad, students from the WVU School of Nursing had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona and Valencia in May. The participating students immersed themselves in the culture of Spain while they learned about healthcare, nursing, nutrition and environmental influences on health.
While abroad, students visited the University of Barcelona's School of Nursing, where they met with nursing students and healthcare professionals to gain firsthand insight into Spain's healthcare system. They also explored the country's rich history and culture through visits to landmarks such as Park Güell, La Sagrada Família and the Picasso Museum, while learning how art, food and the environment all play a role in overall health and well-being.
For Jacob Dilly, a nursing student at the Beckley Campus located at WVU Tech, seeing another country's healthcare system in person was one of the most impactful parts of the experience.
"I feel as if going to another country and seeing their healthcare face-to-face is a truly eye-opening experience because we never really understand what it's like in a different country until you're truly there," Dilly said.
One of the biggest differences students noticed was Spain's emphasis on treating the whole person. From hospital design to patient independence, healthcare professionals encouraged healing in ways that extended beyond medical treatment.
"They treat them more like people rather than a patient with a problem," said Sarah Wenstrand, a senior nursing student at the Morgantown Campus. "I've definitely been more attentive to my patients, and I'm able to empathize with them a little bit more."
Students also discovered that nutrition is deeply rooted in Spanish culture. Through a cultural cooking class, visits to local markets, and a traditional paella dinner, they experienced the Mediterranean diet and learned how healthy eating contributes to overall wellness.
For Dilly, the shared meal became more than just an opportunity to try authentic Spanish cuisine.
"Whenever we had the paella dinner, it honestly made me feel a true deeper connection with the people around me," he said. "It helps build connections, establish relationships and support emotional well-being."
Wenstrand noticed that healthy living extended beyond the classroom and hospital settings.
"Most of their food, even the fast food that we got over there, was better, of higher quality," she said. "They're healthier because they're fighting it on the front end. They're eating good things and they're moving all the time."
The students also explored Albufera Natural Park, where they learned about the relationship between nature and health. The experience reinforced the idea that wellness is influenced by more than medicine alone.
"Nature is something that we genuinely take for granted and do not show enough appreciation for," Dilly said. "It helps rewire and relax the mind."
Outside of learning about healthcare, the trip challenged students to navigate a new country, adapt to another culture and step outside their comfort zones.
"It kind of gave me a little more confidence," Wenstrand said.
Both students said the experience changed the way they think about nursing and the care they hope to provide in the future.
"I feel as if it'll definitely help me be a more cultural nurse as well as understanding better where they're coming from as a whole individual," Dilly said.
Looking back, both students encourage others to take advantage of study abroad opportunities if they have the chance.
"This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Dilly said. "It will make them a much better nurse when it comes to understanding your patient and understanding where they're coming from."
"I would 100% recommend it," Wenstrand said. "I think traveling is so important to see different parts of the world and see that where you live isn't everything."
For more information about study abroad opportunities, please contact Dana Friend, Coordinator of Global Programs, at dfriend@hsc.wvu.edu.
-WVU-
bc/8/18/2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu