The international clinical placement experience involving Nursing students from Rwanda represents much more than a study programme abroad. Through the collaboration between Between INES-Ruhengeri University, the Catholic University of Rwanda and the University of Parma, the students are benefiting from an important opportunity for professional, personal, and intercultural growth, engaging with new models of care, clinical settings, and social contexts. The testimonies collected highlight how the value of this experience extends beyond technical learning, contributing to the development of essential transversal skills for future healthcare professionals.
Students emphasised that the placement is providing learning opportunities not only related to clinical practice but also to adaptability, problem-solving, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Engaging with patients, healthcare professionals, and different care settings represents an important opportunity to strengthen clinical reasoning and better understand the value of collaboration within care pathways. They also highlighted the importance of international exchange between students and health and social care professionals. In an increasingly interconnected world, the opportunity to learn about different healthcare systems and share professional experiences is essential for broadening perspectives and developing the competencies needed to address global health challenges.
The international experience has also been particularly meaningful from a personal growth perspective. Arriving in a new country and adapting to a different language, environment, and culture initially presented challenges, which gradually became opportunities to develop autonomy, adaptability, and openness to new realities. It is a journey that has encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones and gain greater confidence in their own abilities.
Attention was also drawn to the future impact of the knowledge and skills acquired during the placement. The competencies developed in Italy can be transferred and applied upon returning to Rwanda, contributing to improvements in the quality and safety of care within their professional contexts. For these students, the experience is fostering the development of communication skills, professional competencies, and critical thinking. Daily interaction with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, combined with the opportunity to observe advanced technologies and procedures, provides valuable stimulus for professional growth and the ability to manage complex situations.
Finally, the students described how their time in Italy is contributing to both their professional and personal development. Living in an international environment has enabled them to discover new perspectives, become more independent, and appreciate the value of cultural diversity within healthcare systems. This is particularly relevant in a profession that requires strong relational skills, inclusivity, and a person-centred approach to care.
“Students’ testimonies confirm that international mobility programmes represent an important educational opportunity for future healthcare professionals. The exchange between cultures, healthcare systems, and organisational models promotes the development of advanced professional competencies, as well as the relational and intercultural skills that are increasingly required in contemporary health and social care settings” stated Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Science and President of the Master’s Programmes in Healthcare.
The experience of the Rwandan students in Parma fully reflects the international vision promoted by the University of Parma, contributing to the development of educational pathways based on dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. It highlights the awareness that health and care are global challenges that require competence, openness, and the ability to work together beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.
THE VIDEO TESTIMONIES OF THE STUDENTS FROM RWANDA ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING CHANNEL.