The University of Notre Dame Australia has welcomed students from Saint Louis University (SLU) in the United States for a two-week study visit exploring Australia’s healthcare and community service sectors.
The visit comes after Notre Dame last year announced a new partnership with SLU to deliver interprofessional learning for its Nursing and Health Sciences students.
Hosted by the National School of Health Sciences, the SLU students met with peers from Notre Dame’s Occupational Therapy and Exercise and Sport Science programs, sharing perspectives and learning from one another.
They also spent time with academics, researchers and community organisations in Sydney and Perth, gaining valuable firsthand insight into Australia’s healthcare system and its support for vulnerable communities.
A key part of the visit was a project undertaken with Ruah Community Services exploring the organisation’s outreach work with people experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.
Notre Dame’s Pro Vice Chancellor Innovation and Communities, Julian Smith, said the visit highlighted the value of exposing students to different healthcare systems and approaches to care.
“Experiences like this help students understand healthcare from different perspectives while developing the collaborative skills that are essential for contemporary practice,” he said.
“Our partnership with Saint Louis University is creating unique opportunities for students from both institutions to learn from one another and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare in a global context.
“We’re excited to continue building this partnership and look forward to welcoming more students in the future while also giving Notre Dame students the chance to learn abroad.”
The SLU students had a session with Notre Dame’s Institute for Health Research, where they learnt about important projects addressing homelessness, public health and health equity.
They experienced a taste of Australian culture through visits to local landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, a trip to Rottnest Island to meet the quokkas and an Australian Football League match between the Fremantle Dockers and Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium.
Saint Louis University’s Director of Interprofessional Education, Professor Anthony Breitbach, said the partnership with Notre Dame provided students with meaningful learning experiences that had enriched them both personally and professionally.
“Collaborating with the University of Notre Dame Australia and Ruah Community Services to co-create these interprofessional experiences has produced personal and professional opportunities that go far beyond the classroom and impact the care they provide as future healthcare providers,” he said.
“Saint Louis University looks to continue to grow our relationship to benefit both universities.”
Next semester, Notre Dame’s first cohort of students will travel to Missouri to visit SLU and take part in its world-leading Interprofessional Education program.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au