Partner University: Berea College (US) and Chung-Ang University (Korea).
Course theme: Cross-Cultural understanding, Global leadership, Rural nursing.
Course aim: to promote knowledge of the health care system of Japan, Korea and the U.S; to apply leadership principles to local actions of rural health nurses; to enhance cross-cultural competence though discussion with nursing students of other countries.
In 2018, we accepted 6 students each from Berea college (BC) and Chun-Ang University(CAU). We implemented a program for COIL pre-learning as “Nursing Education” conducting 4 classes, and 80 students from Kagoshima University (KU) and 101 students from BC and CAU participated in it. In addition to that, we held a “National Seminar” inviting professors of BC & CAU to participate. 81 KU students and professors also took part. We utilized 5 health and welfare facilities like City Health Center as a resource for our field work, and then we had a collaborative learning through practical training at a university hospital and participation in classes and exercises at the university.
In 2019, we accepted 6 students each from BC and CAU to KU and KU sent 6 students each to BC and CAU. We implemented a program for COIL pre-learning as “International Nursing”. 4 COIL classes were held, and 31 KU students and approximately 97 students from BC & CAU participated. Although the program of acceptance was in accordance with the 2018 fiscal year, we added Mishima-Village to our field work itinerary and we have planned a 2 days training (staying overnight) program to Ioujima-Island.
As for a subject of “Nursing Theory Exercise “, one BC student and one CAU student were assigned to a group with 6 or 7 KU 2nd year students who were expected to be able to participate in the international exchange program in the following year. They did group work and made presentations for ‘Joint Active Learning in English’ activity.
During the dispatch training in the United States, they went to the birthplace of community nursing in the mountainous frontiers. And in South Korea, students visited a health center in Ganghwa Island near the border with North Korea, and deepened our understanding of the role of nurses who are working in remote areas autonomously. In addition, they participated in practical training, classes, and cultural exchange with students from the U.S. and South Korea, and although we overwhelmed by the self-confidence of the overseas students, we managed to deepen the bonds between the two sides, transcending cultural differences and differences in way of thinking, and engage in exchange activities that transcended political issues. By knowing the situation overseas, we have deepened our understanding that the situation in Japan will come into view and that working globally will provide clues to what kind of activities are required in the community. We firmly believe that we have achieved the purpose of the project.
