La Trobe’s School of Nursing and Midwifery recently hosted a unique two-week cultural immersion program, welcoming 42 undergraduate nursing students and two academics from partner universities in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
The initiative offered participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Australian culture while gaining firsthand experience in Australian nursing education and practice.
During the first week, students engaged in intensive hands-on training, honing their acute nursing skills through advanced simulations and lab work. The program also featured the exchange of diverse nursing perspectives, and workshops on primary healthcare, mental health, care delivery models, and the management of chronic health conditions.
The second week provided a deeper understanding of Australian Indigenous culture through a visit to the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Students also participated in field trips to key healthcare institutions including the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, Alfred Clinical School and a tour of the Rural Health School at La Trobe’s Bendigo campus.
“The success of this pioneering cultural exchange not only enriches the student's educational experience but also strengthens the global connections and partnerships of our School,” says Dr Gulzar Malik, Associate Dean of International Partnerships in the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
“We look forward to expanding this program in the coming years, continuing to foster a deeper understanding of nursing practices and cultural diversity on an international scale."
