Nurses from Davenport University are preparing to embark on an unforgettable journey to Istanbul, Turkey, as part of the College of Health Professions’ Study Abroad Program.

The group, consisting of sixteen students, three alumni and three faculty members, leaves January 30 for eleven days of educational and cultural exploration. They will compare health systems in the United States and Turkey, develop cultural competence, gain a greater understanding of global health challenges, and observe the role of Turkish nurses, particularly their scope of practice and educational pathways.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to travel abroad this year,” said Amanda Alemdar, nursing instructor, “And what’s even more exciting is that we have student representation from three of Davenport’s four campuses: W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids, Lansing and Great Lakes Bay.”

Deborah Bosworth, Davenport’s nursing program director, said the desire to study abroad came from senior nursing students during a routine reflection of the program’s curriculum.

“During students’ senior year, we facilitate a structured in-class activity focused on a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of our nursing program compared with other programs in our region,” said Bosworth. “One theme that consistently emerged during our last SWOT analysis was that, while Davenport’s program is strong academically and clinically, it lacks an international nursing experience, so now we’re making it happen.”

Following the SWOT analysis, Bosworth and Alemdar began laying the framework for a nursing study abroad trip. That framework focused not just on travel but on creating a meaningful and academically grounded experience that would emphasize nursing practice comparisons, health system differences, cultural humility, global citizenship and professional development.

This trip to Turkey will undoubtedly check all of those boxes. 

Students will engage in a combination of guided learning experiences and independent exploration designed to promote personal growth, cultural humility, adaptability and the development of professional identity within a global health care context.   

 “We have a wonderful trip planned with numerous educational and cultural components,” said Bosworth. “We will be touring universities, public and private hospitals and health care facilities, and learning from their leaders,” said Bosworth.

According to Alemdar, the Turkish health care system is well developed, incorporating universal health coverage and advanced technology in its hospitals. “While Turkey leads the globe in tourism medicine, it also faces challenges related to refugee and migrant care, cultural and religious values and vulnerable populations, which is similar to the United States,” said Alemdar. “Giving our nursing students an opportunity to experience this environment through guided hospital and health care tours as well as cultural immersion will enhance their global awareness and professional identity.”

The students will also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Turkish culture and learn about Istanbul’s rich history. They will experience daily life in the ancient city of Ephesus and visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market and sample local cuisine.

This trip, Bosworth said, will help students develop cultural competence, strengthen their ability to care for patients from varied backgrounds and reaffirm their commitment to be exemplary health care professionals.

Bosworth and Alemdar are grateful to the donors who graciously support Davenport’s Study Abroad programs each year. “Many of our students balance family and work obligations while paying tuition, making a trip like this out of reach,” said Bosworth. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, several students who would not have been able to attend will be able to participate in this international experience.”