Studying abroad offers students interested in healthcare and related fields a unique opportunity to gain global perspectives on medical practices, health systems and patient care, enriching their education and professional development. Immersing in diverse cultures also enhances communication skills, cultural competence and adaptability—key qualities in delivering high-quality, empathetic healthcare.
Study Abroad Fair on September 5
Learn how you can fit a study abroad program into your degree program at USI's annual Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 5 at the UC Breezeway. Meet with study abroad partners and enter to win great travel-related prizes! More details.
2025 Germany Trip Informational Meetings
Dr. Erin Reynolds and Dr. Zachary Ward are currently planning a return trip to Osnabrück, Germany in 2025 to give USI students an understanding of global healthcare and varied patient populations.
USI and University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule) Osnabrück (UAS Osnabrück) in Germany have had an exchange partnership since 1990. It grew out of the sister city relationship between Evansville and the city of Osnabrück and is one of the University's longest standing exchange programs with more than 200 American and German students participating since its inception.
In addition to Osnabrück, side trips to Amsterdam and nearby German cities are planned. Plan to attend one of the informational meeting for this upcoming trip! Meeting room TBD.
- Wednesday, September 11 at 1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 1 at 9 a.m.
- Tuesday, October 22 at 11 a.m.
- Wednesday, November 13 at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about this study abroad opportunity, contact Reynolds at ereynolds@usi.edu or Ward at zdward@usi.edu.
Germany 2024: A Transformative Journey
Two faculty members in the USI College of Nursing and Health Professions had no idea what they were getting into when they decided to lead a study abroad trip to Osnabrück, Germany, at the end of the Spring Semester, May 10-20, 2024. Little did they know that 18 students would sign up–possibly the largest group USI has ever taken to the University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule).
Dr. Erin Reynolds, Associate Professor and Chair of USI’s Health Services and Health Administration programs, is no stranger to international travel, having spent considerable time in Africa studying infectious diseases. But she admits she found it a bit daunting that so many students were interested and that many of them had never traveled outside the United States. Luckily, she had Dr. Zachary Ward, Assistant Professor of Health Administration, to help lead the students around Europe, which turned out to be an incredible experience with unique insights and learning opportunities.
Students learned about the German healthcare system from a local perspective and had conversations with German students that highlighted differences and similarities with the U.S. system. They discovered how medical insurance works in Europe and even toured a hospital in Münster, Germany, which included some surprise “behind the scenes” experiences, such as scrubbing in for surgery and observing a da Vinci robotic surgery on a liver.
Outside the classroom, the cultural immersion was equally rewarding. On their first day, they went shopping with German students, which proved to be a fun and practical way to start the trip and allowed students to bond and navigate the city together. They went sightseeing with their German guides and participated in several fun activities like the Maifest (Mayfest), which helped them understand the German culture in a broader context. The trip also included a one-day trip to Amsterdam and two days in Berlin, Germany.