Mark Gidley, Francesca Mullan, Emma McAlister, Claire Ritchie, Elizabeth Roeves, Lucy Handley, Newcastle University; Scott Papineau, Stuart Schrader & Joan Kowolik, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, USA
Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences and Indiana University School of Dentistry, USA, offer a unique reciprocal undergraduate educational exchange programme. The programme involves preparatory online seminars comparing the different locations, cultures and healthcare systems. Students are offered a 10-day exchange visit to the partner institution. Students can also participate solely as hosts in recognition of the financial burden of international travel. Visiting students observe student clinics, undertake outreach activities and experience the host city.
Feedback was collected from Newcastle and Indiana students participating in the programme in 2023 and 2024 to understand the benefits for students and the impact on preparedness for clinical training and future careers. This indicated that the advantages of participating are not necessarily obvious and revealed the bi-directional benefits of participating in this transatlantic partnership. For example, as well as gaining an understanding of healthcare systems in the host country, Indiana students felt that their visit to Newcastle increased their knowledge and confidence going into clinical training in their home country, in addition to benefitting from observation of patient interactions. Both Newcastle and Indiana students reported how their communication skills developed. Establishing connections with future international healthcare providers was another benefit, and feedback suggested that this exchange programme enlivened the educational environment for all.
Overall, feedback showed the impact of this programme in developing professional identity and preparedness for future careers in global healthcare.
Conference themes: Student-Staff Partnerships; Community Engagement; International Partnerships