In October, Dr. Dorothy Nulty and two RN-BSN students visited the Universidad El Bosque in Bogota, Colombia for the College of Nursing’s first international community practicum experience. Following an interview process, Cailey Walsh, a full-time online student, and Christine Danaher, a full-time face to face student, were selected.

The students worked with a high school affiliated with the university during their visit and learned about issues faced by the youth. After conferring with high school administrators, it was determined that a program on safe sex measures and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases would be meet a growing concern among the youth.

During this visit, Cailey and Christine met daily with the students to build a rapport and to address any other educational needs they may have on this subject. The week culminated with the SPC students providing 4 educational sessions for a total of 80 high school students. The sessions were very well received by the students and they actively participated in the games and exercises.

Additional learning experience were provided in which the students interacted with community members and other UEB nursing students. Cailey and Christine commented that this experience gave them many new things to consider which they plan to incorporate into their personal and clinical practice. Our colleges of nursing are looking forward to continuing a wonderful collegial relationship between our teaching institutions.