Students Study Abroad in Italy
Nineteen students interested in the health care field had an opportunity to visit Italy on a recent study abroad trip. Held from May 8-21, 2018, this travel experience provided students with a unique opportunity of combining a study of the Italian healthcare system with the Italian culture. Under the leadership of Waters College of Health Professions School of Nursing assistant professors, Ann Hallock, D.N.P. and Katrina Embrey, D.N.S., students visited Rome, Verona, Florence, Venice and Lake Garda.
During the trip, students visited historical sites, toured a diagnostic inpatient unit inside a modern hospital and spoke with nursing staff, viewed Green Cross, an Italian emergency care system, and spent time at a pet therapy center that integrates horse riding as therapy for multiple disorders. Attendees had an opportunity to meet nursing students and faculty as well as tour a school of nursing simulation and skills laboratory and participate in a discussion regarding the commonalities and differences between U.S. schools of nursing and the Italian model. In addition, students participated in excursions such as sailing lessons, cooking classes as well as a tour of organic farms and vineyards.
Senior nursing major, Stephen Gumann, recalled his best moments of the trip. “Nothing comes close to how breathtakingly beautiful and fun sailing Lake Garda was. Lake Garda is located in north central Italy and is where some of the best sailors in the world go to train,” noted the Columbus, Georgia native. “The pet therapy lab was also an enlightening experience. The relationships built between the horses and the clients were interesting and inspiring. It was great seeing a behavioral approach to helping people.”
The Italy health care study abroad has been in place for approximately ten years.
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