Spring break is typically a time for college students to unwind, enjoy the weather, and take a break from the rigor of academia. But this year, 26 USF College of Nursing students packed their scrubs and took their studies international.
Participating nursing students were awarded scholarships to support their USF Global Nursing Experience. Made possible through the generous Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) partnership with Tampa General Hospital, the funding helped these students achieve their dreams of global education.
University of Chester in Chester, England
Eight nursing students traveled across the pond to test their skills in England. The University of Chester welcomed USF students for the second year in a row, along with Senior Associate Dean of Student Success Elizabeth Jordan, DNSC, RNC, FAAN, and research faculty member Ranjita Misra, PhD, FASHA, FESG, CHES.
Students learned from experienced providers throughout the trip, engaging in clinic visits and fully immersing themselves in an entirely different health care environment. They were exposed not only to new cultural perspectives but also to a holistic approach incorporating elements such as art and music into the clinical setting. Featured programs included Singing Mamas, supporting postpartum well-being, and Dementia Together for individuals with memory disorders.
“I chose to participate in this year’s global public health trip to broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding of health care systems beyond my own community,” said nursing student Carmen Wu. “This opportunity opened my eyes to a new health care system and allowed me to connect to a community outside my own. Through this experience, we were exposed to a different educational approach and learned information that can be applied within our own community and health care system.”
Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia
Sixteen undergraduate students and two Doctor of Nursing Practice students headed south for spring break, joining Assistant Dean of Global Engagement Karla Maldonado, DrAP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, and Assistant Professor Ivonne Hernandez, PhD, RN, IBCLC, in the tropical community of Barranquilla, Colombia. This marked the USF College of Nursing’s fifth consecutive year partnering with Barranquilla’s Universidad del Norte (UNINORTE) School of Nursing.
Prior to the trip, students were required to complete a Medical Spanish course, which they continued developing in-country. Their hands-on learning in Barranquilla included clinic visits, cardiovascular risk screenings, and prenatal care education. Students also visited Colegio Politécnico—engaging with learners in a school-based health setting—and found time to enjoy the vibrant culture, with plenty of reggaetón and salsa dancing.
“Barranquilla, Colombia, has been one of the best experiences of my nursing school journey,” said student Ciara Maesa. “I came to learn about health care in a different culture, but I grew so much as a person, too. Practicing Spanish, meeting new people, and seeing nursing from a different perspective made me more confident and open-minded. This trip reminded me that nursing is really about connection, compassion, and stepping outside your comfort zone.”
Both global nursing study abroad programs offered USF nursing students opportunities to expand their global perspective, hone their clinical skills, and understand health care delivery through a new cultural lens. These trips provided foundational experiences that will shape them as future Bull Nurses, preparing them to embody the core values of excellence, innovation, inclusion, and respect wherever their careers take them. Learn more about USF Health College of Nursing Global Nursing Experiences.