A group of Washington State University College of Nursing students will soon begin an immersive study abroad experience in Zambia, where they will explore global health care delivery, cultural perspectives on wellness, and the realities of nursing practice in a different part of the world.
Led by Teaching Assistant Professor Rosana Brooks, the trip offers students an opportunity to step outside the classroom and engage directly with health care systems, communities, and experiences that may differ significantly from what they have encountered in the United States. The experience is designed to encourage cultural humility, adaptability, and a broader understanding of nursing’s role in global health.
Throughout the trip, students will share reflections, photos, and daily updates through the College of Nursing blog, offering family members, classmates, alumni, and the broader WSU community a window into their experience abroad. Posts will highlight what students are learning, the people they meet, and the moments that shape their understanding of nursing across cultures.
For many students, international travel tied to nursing education is a rare opportunity to connect academic learning with real-world global practice. Experiences like this can deepen understanding of health equity, public health challenges, resource stewardship, and the importance of culturally responsive care.
As the group prepares to depart, anticipation is building for the lessons ahead, both expected and unexpected. Follow along as WSU nursing students document their journey through Zambia in the days ahead.
Brooks said, “this experience gives students the opportunity to see health care through a different lens, while learning about culture, community, and the many ways nurses make an impact around the world.”
Students will begin sharing updates shortly after arriving in Zambia, offering firsthand reflections, photos, and stories from the experience as it unfolds. Family, friends, alumni, and members of the WSU community are invited to follow along and see the trip through the students’ eyes on the International Program landing page as new posts are published throughout the journey.
