For Trenyce Pierre, Cierra Greenfield and Shenica Jerome—three USF students in the College of Public Health (COPH)—a 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’t. 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.
“I always dreamed of a study abroad experience and was excited to learn about the opportunity for a weeklong study abroad program,” Pierre said. “When 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.”
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 bachelor of science in health sciences, heard about the trip through emails from Dr. Somer Burke, director of the Office of Student Success and Well-Being and also the trip’s faculty instructor.
“It felt like the perfect opportunity to explore health care systems from a different lens,” Greenfield said.
Jerome, a third-year student pursuing degrees in cellular and molecular biology and psychology, 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 USF BRIDGE Clinic 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’s 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’s Hospital. “We had the opportunity to ask questions to the doctors and nurses about their day-to-day operations,” she said. “We also toured the maternal and children’s floors and even learned about oncology services.”
Greenfield cited the hospital visits as her favorite part of the trip. “It gave me a firsthand look at how care is delivered and how policies and access differ compared to the U.S.,” she said.
Jerome echoed those sentiments, adding that the variety of health care facilities they visited—including a minor emergency clinic and long-term care home—gave her a holistic view of the health care system in Quebec. “It helped me reflect on how we can improve in the U.S., especially in terms of accessibility,” she said. “I saw how interpreters and patient-centered resources were prioritized, and how health care professionals operated collaboratively and intentionally.”
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. “It connected public health theory to practice, from harm reduction strategies to community-level outreach,” she said. “This experience made me think more critically about balanced health outcomes, access and prevention.”
Pierre was equally struck by the day-to-day realities of life in Quebec. “It was great to learn about another culture and its customs. It made me reflect on how different our systems are,” she said. “But even with universal health care, Quebec faces challenges.”
Jerome shared that cultural immersion was also a vital component of the trip. From cooking classes at La Tablée des Chefs, where they prepared meals for local elementary schools, to learning the roots of Québécois cuisine at Madame Germaine, every hands-on experience underscored public health’s connection to community and service. “These moments brought together public health, cultural understanding and personal growth,” she said.
The group tried a spin on the traditional Canadian dish, vegetarian poutine, at Le Chic Shack in Old Québec. This contemporary adaptation of the classic meat-based meal which originated in Quebec in the late 1950s. (Photo courtesy of Jerome)
“The entire group visited the Sugar Shack, which was one of the most memorable parts,” Greenfield added. “We celebrated maple season, went up into the mountains to learn how maple syrup is made, danced and enjoyed an authentic Canadian family-style dinner.”
Pierre agreed. “It was a night filled with music, laughter and good food. And we even crossed paths with USF’s Muma College of Business students who were there for their own program.”
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. “After that trip, I realized I want more experiences like this,” Pierre said. It even inspired her to continue her education with a master of public health after graduation.
Greenfield echoed that impact. “I 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,” 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. “It sparked my interest in health policy as a potential path to make a meaningful impact,” she said. “Whether it’s through a combined MD/MPH program or doing an MPH first, I know I want public health to remain central in my future.”
Pierre left Canada thinking about the intersection of her two passions: theater and public health. “In 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,” she said. “Creative exercises like improvisation can help build skills and improve information retention. It’s a whole different way to connect with communities.”
All three students expressed deep gratitude for the support they received. “I’m especially grateful to Dr. Burke,” Pierre said. “She gave me the chance to experience something life changing.” Greenfield and Jerome agreed, with Jerome adding, “The trip broadened my understanding of how health systems reflect values like health access and collaboration—and those are lessons I’ll carry with me.”
This study abroad course is always a highlight of my year,” Dr. Burke said. “It's a privilege to learn alongside such curious and creative future health professionals—their passion and insight make the experience truly unforgettable.
Greenfield said, “The trip reinforced everything I’ve learned at USF and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.”
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.