Meet Our Students
Read the stories of some of our study abroad students, their motivations for choosing a global clinical placement and their experiences of international education.
If you are a current student of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and interested in learning more about the opportunities to study overseas through one of our international scholarships, check out our international programme scholarships.
Global Patterns of Health and Illness at Duke University 2025
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.
TCD School of Nursing and Midwifery University of Sydney Clinical Scholarship 2026
Being awarded the opportunity to partake in placement in the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney was an incredible and memorable experience. I was allocated to the Cardiology and CCU ward which provided opportunities to learn about cardiac conditions, investigations, procedures and pre and post operative care. A highlight for me was being able to watch an angiogram in the catheterisation laboratory.
From a nursing perspective, I found it interesting using the pyxis dispensing machine which helped reduce medication errors. In addition, having all documentation computerised made it efficient to view multidisciplinary input and gain a better understanding of patients’condition. Personally, having access to both Cardiology and CCU helped me observe differences in patient acuity, the intensity of treatment, levels of monitoring required. The exposure to these two different yet unique environments sparked my interest in specialising in this area in the future. As Children’s student nurse, I was grateful getting a tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), paediatric wards, and other departments such as the adult burns’ unit and the emergency department. This provided insight into a variety of specialised clinical settings within the hospital.
From a cultural perspective, the multicultural environment within the hospital created opportunities to learn about patients’ diverse life stories and experiences. I really appreciated the supports available for patient centred communication including interpreter services and the use of Google Translate. Sydney itself had so much to offer from beautiful landmarks such as the Opera house to beaches, botanical gardens, vibrant city life and a warm sunny weather. At the end of my placement, getting the extra time to explore around Australia made the overall experience even more rewarding and something I am very grateful for.
Hong Kong University Summer Exchange Programme 2025
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”.
