MAKASSAR – The Faculty of Nursing of Hasanuddin University (FKep Unhas) is strengthening experience-based nursing education through the Global Health & Nursing Summer Program. The program brings together lecturers and students from three universities in Japan with the Unhas academic community in lectures, laboratory practicums, clinical practice, and visiting lectures.
The Japanese delegation comes from Kanazawa University, Okayama University, and Toyama University. The three institutions give participants the opportunity to learn about approaches to nursing education, exchange academic experiences, and understand healthcare practices through direct interaction with the learning environment at FKep Unhas.
Students from Japan take part in academic activities in the Unhas Nursing Study Program, laboratory practicums, and clinical practice at community health centers (puskesmas) and hospitals. The program is complemented by visiting lectures featuring lecturers from Kanazawa University and Okayama University. The combination of learning in academic settings and healthcare service environments enables participants to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience in different health systems.
Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FKep Unhas, Syahrul, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes., Ph.D., explained that the program opens space for exchanging knowledge and experience that supports the development of the academic community’s capacity.
“We hope the presence of delegations from three universities in Japan can broaden students’ learning perspectives while opening opportunities to develop more sustainable international collaboration,” Syahrul explained.
From the partner universities, Miho Shogenji, Ph.D., RN, a delegate of Kanazawa University, sees the program as an opportunity to broaden academic experience and open opportunities for joint research.
“This program gives us the opportunity to learn new knowledge and experience through academic interaction with FKep Unhas. We hope this experience can develop research collaboration that brings together perspectives from Unhas and the Japanese universities involved,” Shogenji explained.
Meanwhile, Prof. Yoko Aihara, Ph.D., a delegate of Okayama University, explained the importance of sustained academic interaction in developing institutional relations.
“Through this activity, we want to broaden our shared understanding and experience, while developing relationships that support collaboration in education and research,” Prof. Yoko explained.
The event was officially opened by Unhas Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Muhammad Ruslin, drg., M.Kes., Ph.D., Sp.B.M.Mf., Subsp.Ortognat.D. In Prof. Ruslin’s remarks outlined the importance of the program for Unhas’s international reputation.
“Through student exchange and joint research, this activity is also expected to broaden academic opportunities for the Unhas academic community and its partners, while opening space for sustainable cooperation,” Prof. Ruslin explained.
The Global Health & Nursing Summer Program offers nursing education expanded through cross-country experience. The initiative is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being through strengthening health sector capacity, SDG 4 on quality education through international learning, and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals through strengthening academic networks between countries.
The event took place on Monday (21 September) in the FKep Unhas Senate Room, Makassar. It was also attended by heads of study programs and lecturers of the FKep Unhas internationalization team. (*/fkep/mir)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.