Atlantis Project Review

The Atlantis Project was easily one of the most rewarding experienced of my college career. I don't know of any other program that allows you to not only shadow doctors and nurses but also experience a whole new culture and health care system. Our day to day was always full of different activities ranging from exploring the beaches of Gran Canaria to visiting the different villages and cities on the islands full of history and culture. Monday through friday the day would start with going to the hospital, where we would stay until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I got to shadow in pediatric emergency and nephrology, which were both great experiences! The doctors and nurses were all very welcoming and willing to let us observe their day to day and teach us about their jobs. The hospital was also the best place to practice the language, since a lot of staff felt more comfortable speaking in their own language and patients usually did not speak any english. After shadowing, we would either have a few hours of free time to explore Las Palmas or go to the beach or we would teach Base5 classes. Base5 was great because it gave us a chance to give back by teaching the hospital staff english. It also wasn't a huge commitment, since we would only teach two classes a week so that left lots of time to do other things. Our afternoons were usually filled with group dinners or excursions, where we got to explore the island and try some amazing Spanish and Canarian foods. The excursions and dinners were all optional, so any fellows who wanted to explore the island or city on their own could do so. Transportation was easy with so many city buses available and was fairly cheap. Our transportation to the hospital was also payed for and we were provided with most meals through breakfast at the residencia and lunch or dinner during excursions. The cost of food was pretty low, so buying your own meals was not expensive and most fellows chose to do so and try different foods.
Overall, the Atlantis Project offers an amazing opportunities for american students interested in healthcare to gain international experience while having a fun and enriching experience abroad. I would definitely recommend it to anybody looking for some international experience in healthcare.