For Trenyce Pierre, Cierra Greenfield and Shenica Jerome鈥攖hree 樱花视频 students in the (COPH)鈥攁 one-week study abroad trip to Quebec, Canada became a defining moment in their academic journeys. It was an immersive experience that expanded their global perspectives and deepened their public health understanding in ways that textbooks simply couldn鈥檛. The three were among a group of students who participated, making the opportunity all the more meaningful.
Pierre, a Haitian American from Broward County, transferred her lifelong passion for theater into a newfound dedication to public health after enrolling at the COPH in January 2023.
鈥淚 always dreamed of a study abroad experience and was excited to learn about the opportunity for a weeklong study abroad program,鈥� Pierre said. 鈥淲hen I found out about this more affordable option, I realized this could be my chance to check off the experience on my college bucket list.鈥�
Trynce Pierre visited Mount Royal in Montreal overlooking the city landscape while on the trip. (Photo courtesy of Pierre)
Greenfield, who grew up in St. Petersburg, Fla. and is graduating this semester with a, heard about the trip through emails from director of the Office of Student Success and Well-Being and also the trip鈥檚 faculty instructor.
鈥淚t felt like the perfect opportunity to explore health care systems from a different lens,鈥� Greenfield said.
Jerome, a third-year student pursuing degrees in , was first introduced to the trip by a friend who participated in it two years earlier. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and a first-generation Haitian American, Jerome is actively involved in community health through her work with the and several student organizations that center the health needs of specific populations and youth wellness.
While each student came to the program with unique perspectives, the COPH鈥檚 study abroad trip to Canada brought them together through shared learning. Pre-trip online modules prepared them for the journey while post-trip reflections allowed them to process the meaningful insights gained from hospital tours, cultural activities and cross-cultural dialogue.
Trynce Pierre (left) alongside fellow COPH students Ce'Mya Brooks and Ava Mosbaugh got a taste of French-Canadian culture during a hands-on culinary workshop at Madame Germaine, a Quebec-based organization that offers cultural and culinary experiences, where they prepared traditional Quebecois meatballs. (Photo courtesy of Pierre)
Pierre recalled a powerful moment visiting St. Mary鈥檚 Hospital. 鈥淲e had the opportunity to ask questions to the doctors and nurses about their day-to-day operations,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e also toured the maternal and children鈥檚 floors and even learned about oncology services.鈥�
Greenfield cited the hospital visits as her favorite part of the trip. 鈥淚t gave me a firsthand look at how care is delivered and how policies and access differ compared to the U.S.,鈥� she said.
Jerome echoed those sentiments, adding that the variety of health care facilities they visited鈥攊ncluding a minor emergency clinic and long-term care home鈥攇ave her a holistic view of the health care system in Quebec. 鈥淚t helped me reflect on how we can improve in the U.S., especially in terms of accessibility,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 saw how interpreters and patient-centered resources were prioritized, and how health care professionals operated collaboratively and intentionally.鈥�
Shenica Jerome enjoyed the view of the beautiful city from the top of Mount Royal. (Photo courtesy of Jerome)
One particularly eye-opening moment for Greenfield came during a visit to a safe drug injection site. 鈥淚t connected public health theory to practice, from harm reduction strategies to community-level outreach,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his experience made me think more critically about balanced health outcomes, access and prevention.鈥�
Pierre was equally struck by the day-to-day realities of life in Quebec. 鈥淚t was great to learn about another culture and its customs. It made me reflect on how different our systems are,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut even with universal health care, Quebec faces challenges.鈥�
Jerome shared that cultural immersion was also a vital component of the trip. From cooking classes at La Tabl茅e des Chefs, where they prepared meals for local elementary schools, to learning the roots of Qu茅b茅cois cuisine at Madame Germaine, every hands-on experience underscored public health鈥檚 connection to community and service. 鈥淭hese moments brought together public health, cultural understanding and personal growth,鈥� she said.
The group tried a spin on the traditional Canadian dish, vegetarian poutine, at Le Chic Shack in Old Qu茅bec. This contemporary adaptation of the classic meat-based meal which originated in Quebec in the late 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Jerome)
鈥淭he entire group visited the Sugar Shack, which was one of the most memorable parts,鈥� Greenfield added. 鈥淲e celebrated maple season, went up into the mountains to learn how maple syrup is made, danced and enjoyed an authentic Canadian family-style dinner.鈥�
Pierre agreed. 鈥淚t was a night filled with music, laughter and good food. And we even crossed paths with 樱花视频鈥檚 Muma College of Business students who were there for their own program.鈥�
Students also had the opportunity to explore Old Quebec City, where they learned about its rich and fascinating history. Walking through the cobblestone streets and historic landmarks gave a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical roots of the region.
For all three students, the trip became more than just a class. 鈥淎fter that trip, I realized I want more experiences like this,鈥� Pierre said. It even inspired her to continue her education with a after graduation.
Greenfield echoed that impact. 鈥淚 still plan to become a pediatric oncology physician assistant, but now I know I want to continue traveling and learning about health care systems around the world. It only strengthens my ability to provide compassionate, informed care,鈥� she said.
Cierra Greenfield had the opportunity to explore Old Quebec City, where they learned about its rich and fascinating history. Walking through the cobblestone streets and historic landmarks gave a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical roots of the region. (Photo courtesy of Greenfield)
Jerome shared that the experience also solidified her plan to pursue a master of public health. 鈥淚t sparked my interest in health policy as a potential path to make a meaningful impact,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 through a combined MD/MPH program or doing an MPH first, I know I want public health to remain central in my future.鈥�
Pierre left Canada thinking about the intersection of her two passions: theater and public health. 鈥淚n Montreal, I saw how much they respected art and culture. It inspired me to think seriously about my dream of starting a business that uses theater as a tool for public health education,鈥� she said. 鈥淐reative exercises like improvisation can help build skills and improve information retention. It鈥檚 a whole different way to connect with communities.鈥�
All three students expressed deep gratitude for the support they received. 鈥淚鈥檓 especially grateful to Dr. Burke,鈥� Pierre said. 鈥淪he gave me the chance to experience something life changing.鈥� Greenfield and Jerome agreed, with Jerome adding, 鈥淭he trip broadened my understanding of how health systems reflect values like health access and collaboration鈥攁nd those are lessons I鈥檒l carry with me.鈥�
This study abroad course is always a highlight of my year,鈥� Dr. Burke said. 鈥淚t's a privilege to learn alongside such curious and creative future health professionals鈥攖heir passion and insight make the experience truly unforgettable.
Greenfield said, 鈥淭he trip reinforced everything I鈥檝e learned at 樱花视频 and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.鈥�
On their final day in Quebec, the group enjoyed the luge at Le Massif resort. (Photo courtesy of Pierre)
Their week in Quebec may have been short, but for Pierre, Greenfield and Jerome, the experience was nothing less than transformative. It was proof that public health is a global language best understood not just by reading, but by living it.
The COPH has planned three study abroad trips in 2026 for Canada, Japan and Panama. For more information about study abroad opportunities, contact the COPH Office of Experiential Learning at fehelp@usf.edu.