[Faculty of Global Nursing] International Global Nursing Practicum III held at Yonsei University in Korea

For five days from November 10th to 14th, six third-year students from Faculty of Global Nursing participated in "International Global Nursing Practicum III" at Global Nursing at Yonsei University in South Korea. The purpose of the program was to deepen their understanding of diversity and consider nursing that is in line with each culture.

On the first day of their training, the students visited the Simulation Center at Global Nursing and a museum showcasing the history of nursing education at Yonsei University. The students were delighted to find their names on the welcome board at the main entrance, and were thrilled to discover the name of Otemae University on a world map at the museum. Lectures by Global Nursing from Yonsei University also cultivated a global perspective, covering healthcare systems in South Korea, Mongolia, and Chicago. Students from our university gave presentations on elderly care in Japan and nursing using AI.

On the second day, the students visited Severance Hospital, a world-class university hospital, where they received an explanation about the latest medical equipment and facilities, followed by a tour of the extensive facility. In the afternoon, they interacted with students from Yonsei University and attended lectures on demographic issues and postpartum care (sanhujori) in Korea. The students considered postpartum care while focusing on the demographic trends and social structure of both Koreas, and actively interacted and asked questions.

On the third day, the students visited the Korean History Museum to learn about Korea's development in light of its war history with Japan, and also visited a facility for experiencing the elderly. They experienced the physical functions of an 80-year-old and gained a deeper understanding of elderly care. They also visited the International Campus and interacted with international students.

On the final day, the students gave presentations in English about what they had learned over the week and received feedback from Yonsei University staff.
Before participating in the internship, the students received guidance on crisis management and cross-cultural understanding, among other things, and made thorough preparations for their trip, which allowed them to complete the one-week internship without any problems.

Here are some comments from participants of the training.
・Through my internship in Korea, I was exposed to cutting-edge, efficient medical care that utilizes AI, and it was an opportunity to objectively reconsider the differences between Japan and Korea. I realized that even though countries and cultures differ, nurses share a common attitude of caring for patients, and I realized the importance of building relationships of trust. This internship made me realize that interactions between young nurses can lead to international understanding and peace.
(Saiki, third-year student)

・Through this international nursing training in Korea, I learned the importance of understanding not only the differences in medical systems and nursing methods, but also the culture and history behind them. The hospital tours and lectures exposed me to nursing expertise and the use of ICT, and the experience of working with the elderly gave me a real sense of empathy. Through learning at the museum, I also understood how social changes affect people's views on health. I would like to use this experience to aim to provide nursing with an international perspective.
(Wanda-san, third-year student)

・Through my internship in Korea, I realized that differences in culture and systems have a significant impact on nursing methods and patient care. I learned the importance of nursing that involves viewing each individual from multiple perspectives while understanding different backgrounds and values. I also learned about ways to improve work efficiency by utilizing AI, which allows for more time to interact directly with patients, and the importance of providing careful nursing that only humans can provide, such as by understanding patients' needs and communicating with their families.
(Hirano, third-year student)

(Source: Faculty of Global Nursing)