This programme was amazing, and I would recommend it to any student that wants to enhance their knowledge on global health, epidemiology, the social determinants of health, why each connect and are important to our nursing practise.

As a third-year student, transitioning into fourth year, the topics discussed in this programme allowed me to understand the role nurses play in healthcare and how we are not just nurses. But take on a huge role in patient care and education. Additionally, the assignments given allowed me to reflect on the different lecture topics and experiences outside the classroom.

The lecturers and facilitators were great in producing engaging lectures and activities, where we got to understand the health disparities and inequalities experienced globally and among everyone’s countries. Moreover, outside of the classroom, we got to go on trips together. These included a trip to a baseball game, ‘Waitress’ the musical, ‘Trosa’ a rehabilitation centre and partaking in a windshield survey around Durham.

Overall, this experience not only furthered my knowledge but allowed me to gain lifelong friendships with all the individuals I met on the trip and improve my research abilities.

Going to Duke for the Global Patterns of Health and Illness program was one of the most powerful experiences of my life as a student nurse. From the very first lecture, I felt inspired. We explored social determinants of health, epidemiology, population dynamics, digital health, and the Sustainable Development Goals. These weren’t just academic topics, they showed me how nurses can shape care on a global scale, advocate for communities, and bring evidence into practice.
The lecturers were outstanding. Each brought not only knowledge but also stories of advocacy and change from around the world. They reminded me why nursing is about so much more than bedside care. It is about leadership, research, and giving people the tools to take control of their health.
What touched me most was the people. Meeting students from across the globe, sharing experiences and ideas, created a sense of unity. We may come from different countries, but our values as nurses are the same, to care, to lead, and to make a difference.
I went to Duke as a student nurse, but I came back with the mindset of a leader. This program gave me confidence, purpose, and a renewed passion for nursing. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so grateful I took it.
To any student considering this journey, take the leap. It will change you forever.

I am extremely grateful for the incredible opportunity to have travelled to Australia to undertake a four-week clinical placement in Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. It was truly an amazing experience and a trip I will cherish forever!

Moya and I arrived in Sydney on January 11th, giving us a full week to settle into our apartment and recover from the long journey and inevitable jet lag. We began with our Orientation Day at the University of Sydney, where we completed our clinical skills training in preparation for placement. It was really interesting to learn the differences in clinical procedures and documentation compared to those at home in Ireland. Our placement began a few days later on 6B, a surgical cardiothoracic ward. This ward received patients directly from the Intensive Care Unit following major heart surgery and most of the patients required high dependency care. We worked Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 15:30 PM which was a refreshing change from the typical 12-hour shifts we’re used to!

I thoroughly enjoyed placement here as I learned so much about cardiology and had the opportunity to witness numerous emergency situations that I had never encountered before. The nursing staff were very welcoming and supportive, making both Moya and I feel instantly comfortable as we settled into the ward.

Each day we would work individually with our preceptor where we got to complete medication rounds, lots of wound dressings, ECG’s, patient notes, assisting with chest drain removal, preparing patients for theatre and looking after them post-operatively. I learned so many valuable skills working on this ward.

We were also supported by our wonderful clinical facilitator Karina who really went above and beyond for us every day. We also had the opportunity to visit various units across the hospital, including the Emergency Department, four distinct Intensive Care Units, the Burns Unit, the Maternity Ward and Paediatrics. A particular highlight for me was visiting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  It was really an amazing experience to see how the Australian healthcare system works firsthand.

In the afternoons after placement, we had so much time to do whatever we wanted. We usually went straight to the beach after placement which was a very different experience then back home. On the weekends we went on many different trips such as the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, Palm Beach and lots of other great places too. We really had the best time, and it made it so hard for us to leave.

This placement was truly a once-in a lifetime experience and I really encourage every Student Nurse to apply for this incredible scholarship!

As a mental health nursing student, I recently had the profound privilege of participating in a collaborative exchange between Trinity College Dublin and Hong Kong university, immersing myself in the rich traditions and culture of Hong Kong. HKU’s School of Nursing & Midwifery, known for its excellence in clinical innovation and technology, had both staff and students to warmly welcome me into its community.

At HKU, I took part in seminars and clinical classes that emphasized holistic, person-centred mental health care, blending theory with modern technology, including the fascinating use of AI and VR, with real-world practice. The integration of reflective workshops and clinical assessments, aligned with Trinity’s rigorous Nursing & Midwifery programme, reinforced my understanding compassionate practice .

Engaging with the students and faculty of HKU expanded my appreciation for how Asian healthcare prioritizes professional values, empowerment, recovery, and inclusive care across diverse settings. I had the opportunity to explore the school’s international outlook, with over 380 global partnerships.

The cultural exchange extended far beyond clinical walls. Exploring the islands of Hong Kong allowed me to feel the legacy of Hong Kong’s global engagement and intellectual heritage, strengthened further by these initiatives bringing together Eastern and Western perspectives. I was brought to community settings such as youth centres and libraries, nursing homes and wet markets, as well as to private hospitals and the HKU school of Chinese medicine. I was able to immerse myself in the culture in an enriching and fulfilling way, helped along by HKU students who could translate and answer my ever-growing list of questions.

I visited beautiful beaches, markets and temples, upon the recommendations of HKU staff and students, who were unfathomably helpful and kind. 

I feel beyond lucky to have taken part in this exchange and to have experienced Hong Kong in this way. This dual-institution experience enriched my professional skills, cultural competence, and reflective practice. I return to my nursing practice profoundly inspired—eager to cultivate collaboration between Trinity and Hong Kong University in mental health nursing, advocating for global exchange as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and compassionate care. I could not recommend this exchange programme enough for anyone who wants to better themselves professionally and grow personally, to improve confidence and broadening horizons. There is always much more to learn! “Sapientia et Virtus”- is the motto used by Hong Kong University, meaning “wisdom and virtue”.