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International Exchanges Enrich the Learning Experience by Carmen Matthews

Dr. Kyng Ja Hong, left, on a recent trip to the United States, visits with her mentor, retired Associate Professor Emeritus Doris Carnevalli.

In this world of rapid travel and mobile populations, health care and health issues have become global challenges. The School's many international exchange activities integrate a global awareness into student learning and engage faculty with colleagues around the world.

In addition to international students enrolled in degree programs, a growing number of doctoral nursing students in other countries are coming to the School of Nursing for part of their studies. Three nursing doctoral students from Chiang Mai University studied here during the 2000-2001 academic year; three more are here for the 2001-2002 year. Faculty advisors for these six students include Marjorie Muecke, Margaret Dimond, Basia Belza, Gail Kieckhefer, and Margaret Heitkemper. In addition, three nursing doctoral students from National Taiwan University spent last summer studying at the School under the guidance of Margaret Heitkemper, Gail Kieckhefer, and Donna Berry. These international graduate students learn about nursing in America and hone their research and dissertation writing skills. In turn, they contribute new perspectives on nursing and health issues to our students and faculty.

School of Nursing students and faculty also travel to other cultures to broaden their knowledge and experience. Hegyvary Citizens of the World scholarships provide funds for students to undertake immersion experiences in other countries or in different cultures within the United States. Many students make their own arrangements to visit places around the world. For the past six years, a nursing faculty member has led a small group of undergraduate and graduate students to Thailand for a summer study program. The faculty member teaches a short course at Chiang Mai University and our students carry out independent study projects under the guidance of Chiang Mai University faculty. These exchanges have developed a reciprocal network of teaching, learning and collaboration at both institutions.

This summer, the UW President's Office, the Alumni Association, and representatives of several schools and departments, including the School of Nursing, organized the first UW homecoming event for an international alumni group. Nineteen Korean alumni participated in activities that included a golf game on the UW course, tours of the University, social events, and visits to the departments and schools in which the participants had studied. The School of Nursing welcomed Dr. Kyung Ja Hong, who had not returned to the University of Washington since she received her MSN in 1972, and who is now a professor at Seoul National University School of Nursing. At a reception in her honor, nursing faculty and students, including several Korean nursing graduate students, greeted Dr. Hong. A special surprise for her was the presence of Associate Professor Emeritus Doris Carnevali, who served on Hong's thesis committee almost thirty years ago.

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