10 Nursing Students, 2 Faculty from Japanese University to Participate in 2-week Immersive Experience at Minnesota State Mankato
Mankato, Minn. – Ten nursing students and two faculty members from Kansai Medical University in Osaka, Japan, will participate in a new two-week international exchange initiative at Minnesota State University, Mankato, beginning Monday, March 17.
During their visit, the visiting students will engage in English language coursework and participate in nursing-focused educational experiences and cultural immersion through homestays.
The Kansai Medical University students are visiting through a partnership with Minnesota State Mankato’s Center for English Language Programs and Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society.
(NOTE TO EDITORS: Media are invited to attend a welcome breakfast for the visiting students and faculty on Monday, March 17 from 8-10 a.m. in the Heritage Room of the University’s Centennial Student Union. To arrange media interviews at the breakfast or other times, please contact Lynn Kuechle, coordinator at the Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society, by phone at 507-389-1165 or by email at lynn.kuechle@mnsu.edu.)
“This joint initiative represents an exciting partnership for the Center for English Language Programs,” said Paolo Infante, the Center’s director. “The two-week program will provide nursing students from Japan opportunities to develop their academic and communication skills through intensive English coursework, partake in social and cultural events, and foster bonds with members of our campus and Mankato community.”
Through this initiative, Kansai Medical University nursing students will gain specialized English training while broadening their understanding of U.S. nursing education and healthcare practices through specialized lectures, clinical observations and simulation-based training. Minnesota State Mankato nursing students will partner with the visiting Japanese students as language and nursing partners. This program aligns with Minnesota State Mankato’s commitment to expanding global learning opportunities for future healthcare professionals.
“This program provides a unique opportunity for nursing students from Kansai Medical University and Minnesota State Mankato to learn and collaborate with future colleagues from another country,” said Hans-Peter deRuiter, director of the Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Nursing and Society. “Initiated through a partnership between the Glen Taylor Nursing Institute, the School of Nursing and the Center for English Language Programs, this collaboration helps students and faculty deepen their understanding of family and societal nursing within a global context.”
Minnesota State Mankato’s School of Nursing and Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society are part of the University’s College of Allied Health and Nursing.
Minnesota State Mankato’s Center for English Language Programs is part of Global Education at the University.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,251 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.
