Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
This summer, 15 nursing students from Chang Gung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan completed Cal State San Bernardino's second Nursing Immersion Program, capping four weeks of coursework, clinical learning and cultural exchange.
Hosted by CSUSB’s Department of Nursing, in partnership with the College of Extended and Global Education (CEGE), the short-term program was designed to give visiting students a working understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and the education and career pathways that shape the nursing profession in the United States.
Beyond the classroom, students learned alongside CSUSB nursing faculty in the nursing skills lab and experiential simulation sessions, as well as toured community facilities and healthcare settings across the region. They also connected with CSUSB nursing students through discussions and cultural exchange activities, including a Taiwan Night hosted by the visiting cohort.
The program, held July 13-Aug. 6, concluded with student presentations reflecting on their four-week experience. Students spoke about differences between the two healthcare systems, how nurses are educated and practice in each country, and the ways cultural expectations shape care.
Feedback from the cohort was strongly positive with students describing the experience as eye-opening and confidence-building.
"Before I came, I only knew how nurses work in Taiwan, and I had nothing to compare it to," said a student. "This program expanded my horizon, and I understand both healthcare systems better than I did before."
Students also described becoming more confident and outgoing over the four weeks, and they credited CSUSB faculty with giving them the encouragement to speak English with confidence.
Jie Yu, professor of nursing, and faculty from the Department of Nursing coordinated the program in close collaboration with CEGE, which managed logistics for the visiting cohort and continues to support the partnership with Chang Gung University of Science and Technology.
For more information about the Nursing Immersion Program, contact Yu at jie.yu@csusb.edu.
