While many students spent spring break lounging on the beach, USF Health College of Nursing students traded bathing suits for scrubs, embarking on Global Nursing Experiences in Chester, United Kingdom, and Barranquilla, Colombia. Throughout the week, they immersed themselves in hands-on learning and cultural exchange, broadening their perspectives on global health care.
In December 2024, 24 nursing students were awarded scholarships to fund their Global Nursing Experience. Generously funded through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) partnership with Tampa General Hospital, these scholarships transformed students’ dreams of global learning into a reality.
University of Chester in Chester, England
This year marked USF’s inaugural global nursing experience at the University of Chester. Eight nursing students, accompanied by Senior Associate Vice President of USF Health and College of Nursing Dean Usha Menon, Senior Associate Dean of Student Success, Betty Jordan, and Interim Assistant Dean of Global Partnership and Engagement, Jennifer Kue engaged in clinical site visits, simulation sessions at Bowmere Trust and even attended the University of Chester’s Commencement ceremony.
A standout experience was a creative health clinical session with Singing Mamas, where students connected with mothers navigating postpartum challenges — underscoring the significance of integrating creative health into nursing education.
“One experience that truly impacted me was participating in the Singing Mamas group, stepping out of my comfort zone and witnessing the emotional connection and healing firsthand strengthened my passion for nursing,” said Caitlyn Rosenberg, a USF undergraduate nursing student. “Learning about the UK's approach to healthcare — especially social prescribing — deepened my understanding of how to support patients’ overall well-being.”
The week concluded with a cultural excursion to Liverpool, providing students a rich glimpse into the region’s vibrant heritage.
Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia
Meanwhile, 1,271 miles from Tampa — Community-Based Learning & Civic Engagement Director, Ivonne Hernandez and Executive Director of Simulation and Experiential Learning, Mitzy Flores led a group of 16 Bull nursing students to the Universidad del Norte for the fourth consecutive year. There, students collaborated with faculty and peers from the UNINORTE School of Nursing, engaging in hands-on experiences such as clinic visits and health assessments at Colegio Politécnico.
As part of their fieldwork, students conducted cardiovascular screenings and growth and development assessments during home visits in the community of Salgar. Their itinerary was enriched with Caribbean Rhythms dance and cooking classes, a tour of Barranquilla's lively cityscape and a visit to Cartagena. In addition, students toured the Universidad del Norte Hospital, gaining insight into how the health care systems in the U.S. and Colombian differ and influence nursing practices.
“This experience combined my passion for patient education with hands-on learning, pushed me to broaden my understanding of global healthcare, and inspired me to grow both personally and professionally as a nurse,” said Sapna Patel, an undergraduate nursing student at USF. “This global health clinical has had a profound impact on my future in nursing, and I’m incredibly grateful to TGH and the USF College of Nursing for making it possible.”
By stepping out of their comfort zones and immersing themselves in global health care settings, these future Bull Nurses returned with a deeper understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities globally and their role amid the interconnected world of nursing.
Learn more about the USF Health College of Nursing Global Nursing Experiences.