Actively promoting the internationalization of nursing education, the Department of Nursing organized a 16-day overseas learning and clinical practicum program titled "Transcultural Care and Spiritual Nursing," led by Associate Professor Yen-Chin Chen to the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP) and its affiliated University Medical Center (UMC). By integrating theory with practice, international clinical observation, and local cultural immersion, the program guided students beyond a monocultural framework to deepen their holistic care perspective and cultural sensitivity.

🌟 Course Highlights & Practical Learning

• Clinical Practicum at a Top Medical Center: Students rotated through the Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Thoracic Surgery wards at UMC, observing specialized care, smart healthcare apps, and QR-code patient identification systems, while actively measuring vital signs and interacting with patients under clinical supervision.

• In-Depth Comparison of Healthcare Models: The cohort conducted on-site comparative studies between Taiwan and Vietnam, examining institutional differences and strengths in nurse-to-patient ratios, medication safety mechanisms, wound care workflows, the Open Clinic model, and hospice care development.

• Immersive Transcultural & Spiritual Care: Exploring local history and daily life—including the Mekong River, the Independence Palace, and the War Remnants Museum—allowed students to understand how diet, faith, and robust family support shape health beliefs, revealing the deep physician-patient trust and spiritual comfort that transcend physical facilities.

• English Professional Presentations & Global Exchange: Immersed in an English-speaking environment, students delivered English clinical case studies and transcultural reflection reports at the closing ceremony, engaging in meaningful co-learning with UMP faculty and students.

💬 Student Reflections & Feedback

• Overcoming Language Anxiety to Build Professional Confidence: "I was initially worried about my English proficiency, but stepping into the wards taught me that the core of nursing communication lies in empathy and genuine care. Once you take that brave step to speak and adapt, meaningful connections follow. This journey completely pushed me out of my comfort zone!"

• Embracing Diversity to Deepen Holistic Nursing: "Witnessing the unwavering family presence and strong clinician-patient trust showed me that spiritual care is not about physical shrines, but about honoring a patient's familial and cultural context. This experience will help me care for multicultural populations with greater patience, warmth, and inclusivity."

• Early Clinical Exposure for a Broader Global Perspective: "Stepping out of the classroom as a freshman into an overseas medical center to observe clinical manifestations like jaundice and paracentesis firsthand bridged theory and practice, solidifying my dedication to future clinical training and nursing aspirations!"

The Department will continue expanding overseas exchange and practicum opportunities to cultivate outstanding nursing professionals equipped with clinical excellence, global mobility, and humanistic care.