Learning beyond borders: Nursing student discovers healthcare in Indonesia

Seeing nursing from a different perspective

The major highlight of the program for Rhiannon was experiencing nursing and healthcare in another country. It also gave her a greater appreciation of the opportunities and resources available to students in Australia.

“It was great to get an experience of nursing in a different country and see how their systems work and what's involved in their aged care facilities and hospitals in general.”

“I'm more aware of the opportunities we have here, being able to reach out and actually use what we have. I noticed Indonesians are very resourceful within themselves and they're doing things personally, whereas we have a lot of infrastructure that we can use to our advantage.”

Finding her feet in Indonesia

With an Indonesian husband and strong Indonesian language skills, Rhiannon felt comfortable communicating throughout the program.

“Those [other students] who couldn't speak Indonesian still found it quite easy because the staff we were travelling around with could speak quite good English”, she said.

Like any overseas experience, the trip also came with some unexpected challenges.

“I had vertigo. A couple of others were unwell with tummy problems and things like dehydration. But that's something you experience when you go to another country”.

Preparing for a different culture

Being married to an Indonesian and having travelled there several times, Rhiannon already had a good understanding of the country and what to expect.

"I had an idea because I've been to Indonesia and outside of Bali", she said. However, she believes future participants could benefit from more guidance before travelling, particularly around local culture and expectations.

“I know there was a bit of a culture shock for some students but by the end of the trip they had a much better understanding of the culture.”

Building friendships along the way

Travelling as part of a large group brought students together, while also requiring them to navigate different ages, interests and preferences.

“It was good. There were a couple of big age differences between group members, but we became friends, so that's been nice.”

She said adjusting to shared spaces and different preferences was part of the experience but ultimately, the experience created new connections.

A chance to learn, travel and grow

While family and other commitments can make opportunities like this harder to pursue, Rhiannon says the experience was well worth it and encourages other students to take the opportunity.

“I'd say go! It's such a great opportunity", she said. 

“Family and other commitments can sometimes get in the way, but if you have the chance, just do it. It's fun, it's good and you'll learn a lot.”

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Learn more about the program and register your interest. If you have questions about studying overseas or need help with your application, email studyabroad@federation.edu.au.