Global Rounds: EKU Students Expand Nursing Practice Overseas

This summer, a record number of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Nursing students packed their scrubs and passports for a one-of-a-kind clinical experience abroad. Led by EKU Assistant Nursing Professor Dr. Beth Killian, 22 students spent four weeks in Tanzania, where they provided vital health services from placing IVs and catheters to even delivering a baby. 

“EKU leads the way in hands-on, high-impact learning, and it’s evident that our top-notch nurses make a difference not only at home, but across the globe,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Experiences such as these build clinical skills and serve communities in need, but also expand our students’ global perspective and compassion as future healthcare professionals.”

Coordinated through the EKU Study Abroad Office, students accepted for the opportunity received scholarships to help with travel and tuition expenses and attended multiple orientations covering everything from what to expect in Tanzanian clinics to navigating daily life abroad. Once on site, students spent full days in hospitals and clinics, gaining hands-on experience in obstetrics, NICU, pediatrics and emergency care. 

Killian delivered a baby for the first time in her nursing career, but her main goal was to support students in their learning experience on the trip. “I wanted to give them the space to do everything,” she said. “But when a nurse asked me to jump in, I was ready to help. Several students had the same opportunity. It was exciting for all of us.”

While working in an unfamiliar healthcare system came with challenges, students felt confident with Killian’s guidance.

“Our sense of community at EKU and the School of Nursing is because we work so closely with our professors,” said EKU Nursing Student Emma Picklesimer from Flatwoods, Kentucky. “It was really heartwarming to us to form even deeper connections and have Dr. Killian be such a supportive and active role in our journeys in Tanzania and nursing.”

But learning didn’t stop at the hospital doors. Students immersed themselves in Tanzanian culture—staying with host families, cooking traditional dishes, sharing meals every evening and participating in home visits with HIV patients to learn about their care journeys. They visited orphanages, played with children and closed the trip with a cultural celebration wearing traditional kangas.

“This trip grew my confidence and compassion in my future as a nurse and made me much more grateful and appreciative,” said EKU Nursing Student Whitney Brown from Lexington, Kentucky. “It was very informative, and we now have a new perspective on healthcare back in the United States.”

Once returning home, Brown used Swahili, which was learned during the trip, to help a patient.

“I work in an emergency room, so I work with a lot of different patients,” said Brown. “I really wanted to learn more in person about their backgrounds and cultural aspects and just jump right into it so that I could provide better care and understanding when I came back to the States.”

Kentucky continues to face a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Opportunities like the Tanzania study abroad trip reflect how EKU prepares students to meet those challenges—not just with strong clinical skills, but with the confidence, compassion and global perspective needed in today’s healthcare landscape. 

EKU Nursing is nationally ranked among the Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report. Through immersive classroom learning, skilled faculty and clinical experiences at home and abroad, EKU Nursing produces highly trained healthcare professionals for Kentucky—and the world. 

By A’Mya Kendrick