Hong Kong – study abroad

Global Nursing Perspectives:
Study Abroad in Hong Kong

This study abroad course introduces undergraduate BSN students to global healthcare systems, cultural influences on nursing, and international clinical practice. Through clinical site visits, discussions with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) nursing faculty and students, and cultural immersion activities, students will gain a comparative understanding of nursing education and healthcare delivery in Hong Kong. This experience will strengthen students’ cultural competence, communication skills, and ability to adapt to diverse healthcare settings.

Dates: February 15 – 26, 2027
Approximate cost: TBD
Travel Organization: TBD

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe key aspects of the Hong Kong healthcare system and compare them to the U.S. system.
2. Identify cultural factors affecting patient care, health beliefs, and nursing practice.
3. Observe and reflect on clinical nursing roles, patient care models, and healthcare policies in Hong Kong.
4. Engage with CUHK nursing students to discuss nursing education, professional roles, and challenges.
5. Analyze global health issues and ethical considerations in cross-cultural nursing practice.

Course Schedule & Activities:

1. Day 1: Orientation & Introduction to Nursing in Hong Kong
   • Morning: Day after arrival, campus tour of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
   • Afternoon:
     • Lecture: Overview of Hong Kong’s Healthcare System & Nursing Education at CUHK
     • Introduction to nursing licensure and practice standards in Hong Kong
   • Evening: Welcome dinner with CUHK nursing students & faculty
2. Day 2: Clinical Nursing Practice in Hong Kong
   • Morning: Hospital Observation at Prince of Wales Hospital (Teaching Hospital of CUHK)
     • Shadow nurses in general medicine, ICU, or pediatric units
     • Observe nurse-patient communication, electronic health records, and interdisciplinary
       collaboration
   • Afternoon: Nursing education workshop
     • Compare BSN curriculum in Hong Kong vs. the USA
     • Hands-on demonstration of nursing simulation technology at CUHK
3. Day 3: Community & Public Health Nursing in Hong Kong
   • Morning: Site visit to a Government General Outpatient Clinic (GOPC)
     • Learn about primary care, vaccination programs, and chronic disease management
   • Afternoon:
     • Visit to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinic
     • Lecture: Integration of Western Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nursing Practice
   • Evening: Student-led debriefing & reflection discussions
4. Day 4: Cultural & Ethical Considerations in Nursing
   • Morning: Cultural visit to Man Mo Temple & Tai Kwun Heritage Site (Understanding
     cultural influences on health beliefs)
   • Afternoon:
     • Seminar: Ethical Challenges in Global Nursing Practice
     • Case study analysis: End-of-life care in Hong Kong vs. the USA
   • Evening: Group project preparation: Presentation on Key Learnings & Cultural
     Reflections
5. Day 5: Final Presentations & Course Wrap-Up
   • Morning: Student presentations: Comparing Nursing Practices & Healthcare Systems (USA vs. HK)
   • Afternoon: Course reflection session
   • Evening: TBD

Assessment & Grading (Pass/Fail Basis):

• Daily Reflective Journal (30%) – Document observations, cultural experiences, and clinical insights.
• Participation & Engagement (30%) – Active involvement in discussions, hospital visits, and cultural activities.
• Final Group Presentation (40%) – Comparative analysis of Hong Kong vs. USA healthcare & nursing practices.

Course Materials & Pre-Departure Preparation:

• Pre-trip readings on Hong Kong’s Healthcare System and Global Nursing Practices
• Case studies on nursing ethics, end-of-life care, and public health strategies

More details to come.

Learn More:

Connect with Natalie Barlick-Reed via email at nab5316@psu.edu.