Nursing & Health Care School

Emily Sheridan and Sara Packer undertook the leadership course with the Honours students and a 12 week clinical placement. Both students integrated well with the fourth year class, who made them very welcome. Feedback from the clinical areas made it clear that both students were a credit to their institution. The ‘OZ’ students thoroughly enjoyed their time here, and saw a lot of the country, despite the weather! We wish them well on their return to Australia to complete their studies.

“My time abroad on international exchange was quite possibly the best experience of my life. I spent six months of my fourth and final year of a nursing/midwifery degree in Glasgow, Scotland. My subjects at Glasgow University focused on leadership and management in the health industry; a subject I was not able to take at my home university in Queensland, Australia. The majority of my studies were practical based at a hospital, working beside Registered Nurses in Oncology, developing skills that would prepare for my upcoming completion as a nurse/midwife. I was really lucky to good mentors and I’m proud to say I’m currently applying for graduate programs in oncology units for next year. Aside from the university experience, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, live in a new city and explore a different culture. It has allowed my career opportunities to widen and also offered the opportunity to travel widely through an amazing section of the world. My bucket list for the trip included climbing Ben Nevis. It was a massive challenge, but I made it to the summit despite the snow! I was also lucky enough to be able to travel around some of Europe, visiting Switzerland, Hungary, Croatia and Italy, just to name a few! The best part was travelling with the new mates I had made during my time at Glasgow Uni. My tip tips for future exchange students would be pretty straight forward. Firstly, good on you for taking the initiative in the first place: study abroad is such an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Secondly, you will get out what you put in, so get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, try new things and set yourself a bucket list of things you want to achieve while you’re away. Finally, take time out to appreciate the amazing city you’re in, before jumping on the next EasyJet flight. Explore locally and get to know the culture. Have fun!”

First published: 2 December 2014