For a group of USF College of Public Health students, a month-long summer program in London offered more than just stamps in their passports, it provided a deep dive into global health issues through immersive, real-world experiences.
Led by Tami Shadduck, an instructor in the college, students explored the city while taking two adapted courses: Critical Issues in Public Health and Sex, Health and Decision Making. The curriculum alternated between classroom instruction and “London-as-classroom” excursions designed to reinforce public health lessons with practical, local context.
“Students gained baseline knowledge through lectures and the excursions helped them see those concepts in action,” Shadduck said. “They compared policies, practices and health outcomes between the U.S. and the U.K. I was so impressed by their curiosity, critical thinking and how they embraced new perspectives.”
Students exploring more than 400 years of immigration and cultural influence in London by mudlarking, the activity of searching river or foreshore areas for valuable or historically significant items, on the bank of the Thames River for their Critical Issues in Public Health course. (Photo courtesy of Shadduck)
One especially memorable stop: the site of the infamous Broad Street pump, the origin of Dr. John Snow’s pioneering work in epidemiology. Before the trip, BSHS student Kiara Perez-Cans received an insider tip from Dean Sten Vermund. When the group visited the location, she knew to ask the bartender at the nearby John Snow Pub to sign the guest book—a tradition that links modern-day students with public health history.
“When we entered the John Snow Pub and I asked for the book, the employees went upstairs to get a key and brought down a book signed by people from all over the world,” Perez-Cans said.
Students and instructor Tami Shadduck had the unique opportunity to sign the legendary John Snow book at the historic John Snow Pub, the very site tied to the groundbreaking 1854 cholera outbreak and the work of Dr. John Snow, one of the founding figures in public health. (Photo courtesy of Shadduck)
Another highlight for Perez-Cans was the Chelsea Physic Garden, a centuries-old apothecary training garden still cultivating medicinal plants.
“One of my favorite moments was when we visited the Chelsea Physic Garden for my Critical Issues in Public Health class,” she said. “It was particularly interesting to see plants used in cancer treatment, such as the Taxus baccata (yew tree), from which the chemotherapy drug Taxol is derived. This was especially meaningful to me as my career goal is to become an oncologist. We even saw a live Cannabis sativa plant (not grown for use) and a rope made from it.”
Students explored the Chelsea Physic Garden, a more than 350-year-old training grounds for apothecaries, where they saw many plants that are used for their medicinal value. (Photo courtesy of Shadduck)
Perez-Cans said the trip deepened her understanding of global public health.
“It made me realize how wide-ranging the world is. The environments vary significantly, which means that public health approaches may need to be adapted accordingly,” she said. “I also observed that basic public health and safety measures are quite similar, such as those associated with the underground transportation system. This reminded me of the subway systems in the United States.”
The cultural contrasts stood out to her as well.
“The main difference I observed was the emphasis placed on public health,” she said. “Recycling was a well-established practice and the caps on bottles were designed to prevent them from being fully unscrewed, which helps minimize litter. Trash cans had various options for different types of recycling. In comparison, simple public health practices are not as normalized in the United States.”
Alongside academic engagement, students experienced significant personal growth.
“I had never traveled far from home or been on this side of the world before,” Perez-Cans said. “Taking this trip felt like a leap of faith. I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed every moment of it. I grew as a global citizen and can confidently say this was just the beginning of my travels. I believe it’s essential to engage with different cultures and places outside of our comfort zone to better understand different populations. It will help me become a more compassionate and well-rounded health care professional.”
The London study abroad group touring one of the busiest sexual health clinics in the world. It is home to the world’s first on-site Infinity machine, which enables results to be processed within hours. (Photo courtesy of Shadduck)
Shadduck said she was equally proud to witness her students’ growth.
“It can be humbling to figure out public transportation in another country,” she said. “But by the end of the month, you could see their confidence grow. Their independence was stretched and their global perspective expanded.”
Several students left the trip considering careers they hadn’t envisioned before.
“After some of our guest speakers and site visits, I had students asking, ‘How do I make this into a career?’” Shadduck said. “It’s such a privilege to show them the many forms public health can take.”
For students considering the London program, Shadduck offers simple advice: “Go for it. Start saving now. Look into scholarships. Every birthday or holiday, ask if people will contribute to your study abroad fund. It sounds cliché, but study abroad really does change your life.”
Public Health in London
Study abroad summer 2026 with the College of Public Health! Join us for Summer B in the exciting city of London. Immerse yourself in this 6-credit, 4-week program designed to mix traditional class time with fun and educational excursions in the heart of London. The College of Public Health offers public health and health science taught by our experienced instructor team. Our London partner offers beautiful accommodations, unlimited public transit and unique full-group experiences - we hope you will join us!
