Worldwide Healthcare Experience

Nine students from nursing and health leadership programs embarked on an enrichment experience to the Dominican Republic over spring break.

The purpose of the trip was to learn different healthcare strategies and deliveries in international settings. Students spent time in a nursing home and toured a hospital to familiarize themselves with the on-field sensations and observe the theory put into practice.

Julia Cowell, a graduate student in the Dual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) & Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), expressed that she learned how a progressive developing country delivers healthcare with limited resources.

“This study abroad trip also helped me learn more about culturally competent care. I can apply many of those concepts to my patients where I work,” Julia says.

The students also had the chance to apply their nursing and leadership skills in the community of San Jose de Occa by visiting private homes to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels for community members. Beyond that, they toured a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the colonial zone, and learned about the country’s history.

“One of the most memorable experiences was painting an elderly woman’s nails at the nursing home. The instructor brought extra bags of nail polish with her, and it was a special part of the nursing home visit,” Julia says. 

MSUM offers a multitude of study abroad programs, ranging across the world and implemented as group or individual journeys. This year the School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership offered two study abroad opportunities, Dominican Republic, and Ireland. Every year the faculty puts their efforts together to provide worthwhile experiences for students.

“I would absolutely do it again. It was truly a life-changing experience for me,” Julia says.