International Experiences

Bachelor of science degree students in the General Nursing option have the opportunity to study abroad. Some of these opportunities are offered by Nursing faculty; others can be arranged through the University Office of Global Programs.

Not all international experiences presented through the School of Nursing are offered each year. Please check with the School of Nursing to see if the program you're interested in is being offered.

Note: Due to the nature of the curriculum, Nursing students who study abroad with programs outside the School of Nursing can do so only during the summer or other breaks. Doing so during the fall or spring semesters will place students a year behind in the curriculum.

Ecuador

Two to six Nursing students are chosen each year to accompany other volunteer health professionals on a pediatric cardiac surgery mission to Ecuador. This ten-day trip takes place each fall semester. Serving Ecuadorian children who do not have access to specialized services, the volunteers provide pediatric care at the Hospital de Niños Dr. Roberto Gilbert Elizalde in Guayaquil. Financial sponsorship may be available for select students.

Hong Kong

An educational experience in Hong Kong is available to Nursing students during the spring semester of their senior year. Ten students will be selected to participate in the ten-day program. This experience enhances the student’s ability to experience a different culture and to learn about the health care system and nursing education system in Hong Kong. Students will participate in both classroom and clinical observations. To be considered for this experience, please register at the University Office of Global Programs website during early fall semester of your senior year.

South Africa

Four senior Nursing students are selected to accompany a faculty member on a trip to South Africa to work in health care clinics in Cape Town and outlying areas. The trip is two to three weeks long and occurs in the summer. Because this is a service trip and costs are high, financial assistance may be available from the School of Nursing. Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International may award funds. Schreyer Scholars may apply for Schreyer Travel Grants.

Sweden

The School of Nursing participates in a student exchange program with the University of Jönköping, in Jönköping, Sweden. Four to six junior Nursing students are selected to participate. The students register for 3 Penn State credits of Nursing 496, Independent Study, fulfilling the Nursing elective requirement. The four-week course on children’s health issues begins the second week of May, so students must take spring semester final exams before departure. Students are responsible for Penn State tuition (3 credits), airfare, housing, and food costs. Students who opt for weekend sightseeing trips will incur additional costs. The Penn State employee tuition discount applies to tuition. Schreyer Scholars may apply for Schreyer Travel Grants.

Honduras

This 3-credit experience for Nursing students is precepted by Penn State and CURE International. Nursing students spend approximately nine to twelve days during the summer providing care for children with curable disabilities in a developing nation.

Need Additional Information?

For additional information on any of these School of Nursing travel opportunities, contact Elizabeth Cutezo, Global Studies coordinator for the School of Nursing.

NOTE: Penn State monitors the international situation very carefully. All programs abroad have an on-site coordinator who is available to Penn State students for advice and to deal with any emergencies. However, students are ultimately responsible for their personal safety. Education Abroad is guided by the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory system (composed of Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts) as principal factors in determining whether the University will allow education abroad programs to run under its auspices. The aim of Travel Warnings is to advise American citizens to avoid travel to designated countries. Travel Alerts are intended to alert travelers to specific conditions, usually of short-term duration, that pose a risk to international travelers. Penn State's general rule is not to sponsor Education Abroad programs in countries under active Department of State Travel Warnings. Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts are posted on the Department of State website.