Starting the day off we had our site visit to the Universidad Austral and its hospital. Hearing from an alumni of the university who was a part of the first nursing class and a teacher at the university we got to delve into learning how nursing personnel are the pillar of healthcare systems worldwide and represent a key player in health promotion, disease prevention and health management. Since the hospital is considered a private hospital, we got to know that nurses tend to choose to work in the private healthcare sector because their salary tends to be higher and it’s a better work environment for them. Taking a tour of the hospital, we visited multiple levels and got to see the emergency rooms, pediatrics and much more.

While providing constant care to patients it came to our attention that as the economy fluctuates private hospitals tend to become more financially difficult to afford on the patients end. Many people have lost their social security and can no longer afford care in private hospitals. This disparity within the private healthcare sector highlights how access and quality of care can vary greatly depending on a person’s financial resources and insurance coverage. Despite financial barriers and challenges, it was evident that the healthcare professionals at Universidad Austral are deeply committed to providing high-quality care. Before leaving the university, I also had the chance to speak with two business students from there. It was insightful to hear how their classes are preparing them and how it overlapped with our course work. To end the day on a cultural note, some of us explored the bustling streets around the fashionable Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It was a good time to unwind and just appreciate the beauty of the city. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Fact of the day: El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores in the fashionable Recoleta neighborhood. We decided to venture out and find it in the Recoleta neighborhood. Even before entering you could see it was absolutely stunning since it was once a grand theater. With multiple levels you got to see the gorgeous early 20th century craftsmanship and delicate artwork all around you.