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Copyright@ Australian Catholic University 1998-2025 | ABN 15 050 192 660 CRICOS registered provider: 00004G | PRV12008
Copyright@ Australian Catholic University 1998-2025 | ABN 15 050 192 660 CRICOS registered provider: 00004G | PRV12008
Eighteen second-year nursing students. Six unforgettable weeks in Rome. Four subjects to complete and many tutorials and engagement activities to attend. Countless sights to explore, flavours to enjoy, and memories to create.
There’s a lot to fit into an immersion semester at ACU’s Campus di Roma. And for those nursing students who took the leap and enrolled in the overseas program in 2024, it was an experience they’ll never forget.
“My time in Rome taught me the importance of balance in life,” says Braden Querido, a nursing student at ACU’s Brisbane Campus.
“The abundance of cultural and historical experiences constantly inspired me to step out the door and embrace every opportunity, and mastering time management became essential. I quickly learned the value of dedicating focused effort to my studies during the week, which allowed me to fully enjoy my weekends.”
In recent years, a growing number of Australian university students have taken part in overseas learning activities in many parts of the world.
Students at ACU are no different, but they have a unique opportunity to study at the university’s campus in Rome’s Monteverde neighbourhood, with easy access to the city’s main attractions. This allows them to engage in intensive study in their chosen field, while at the same time immersing themselves in Italian life and culture.
“Studying in Rome really intensified my passion for nursing and extended my knowledge on the great variety for future work opportunities the profession has to offer,” says Olivia Canadi, a nursing student at ACU’s Melbourne Campus.
“We were really lucky and grateful to have such supportive ACU staff on campus teaching us – it contributed to making the whole experience so much more memorable and enjoyable.”
For the first three weeks of the immersion semester, students were led by Dr Flora He, a senior lecturer in nursing at ACU’s North Sydney Campus, and Dr Helen Venables, who lectures at the Melbourne Campus.
It was Dr He’s first visit to Rome – and just like the students, she was in awe of the city’s iconic landmarks, captivating streets, and irresistible food.
“The history and atmosphere were just fantastic,” she says, “and I also found the Roman people very warm and easy-going. We all felt very welcomed and respected.”
With a busy study schedule, the students hit the ground running on their arrival on campus.
“I was pleased to see them thriving through this intensive mode of study,” Dr He says. “They’re learning new things every day and working together in a small group, so they get to know each other very quickly.”
Nursing students at ACU's Campus di Roma.
They were also community engagement activities, including a visit to an aged care facility, and another to a Roman university, where students learnt about the differences in nursing education in the respective countries.
“One of the most memorable activities was engaging with nursing students in Italy,” says Olivia, who enjoyed hearing about the differences in nursing education in Italian universities.
By the time the second pair of ACU lecturers arrived in Rome, the students were very much a unified group.
“What we noticed immediately was the cohesion between these students,” says Jan Roche, who lectures in nursing at ACU’s North Sydney Campus, and was joined by Luke Bendle, who lectures at the Ballarat Campus.
“It was lovely to see them collaborating and helping each other with their assessment tasks, and on the socialising side of things, they took it to the next level and really made the most of their experience.”
“That was one of the main benefits I gained from the Rome nursing immersion semester – the opportunity to meet and interact with new peers and lecturers,” says Braden.
“Building strong relationships with classmates and faculty, whether during academic discussions or while exploring places such as the ancient city of Pompeii, it was a truly memorable and enriching experience. These connections have not only enhanced my time in the program, but have also laid the foundation for lifelong friendships.”
A standout feature of the Rome nursing immersion semester was the five-day clinical placement at the Salvador Mundi International Hospital.
Students had the opportunity to observe a busy hospital in action, gaining valuable insights into the Italian healthcare system.
“I learnt so much about the differences present within the Australian and Italian healthcare systems,” says Olivia.
“It broadened my perspective on healthcare delivery around the world.”
Observing these differences was one of the many benefits of the placement, says lecturer Jan Roche, adding that the experience was “an eye-opener” for many students.
“It was really amazing for the students to see firsthand the different ways a healthcare system can be run – whether it’s things like healthcare ethics, or just the differences in nursing practice,” she says.
In encountering both patients and healthcare professionals who did not speak English, the students also learnt the importance of adaptability in healthcare.
“Cultural differences and language barriers often create challenges when studying abroad, pushing you to develop new skills and strategies to make the most of the experience,” says Braden.
“We had to rely on alternative communication techniques such as gestures, pictures, and tools like Google Translate to interact effectively. These experiences not only enhanced my ability to communicate, but also deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity in healthcare.”
Away from their course-related tasks, students had plenty of time to explore. Whether it was sampling Rome’s legendary pasta dishes, seeing the major sights, or going out to watch a local football match, the students embraced all the Eternal City has to offer.
Students on a visit to Vatican City.
“The opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture for six weeks is truly unique and invaluable – it’s an experience that will stay with you forever,” says Braden, and Olivia agrees.
“I learnt a lot about Italian culture through studying in Rome and instantly fell in love with it,” she says. “From the nature of the people to their deep love and pride for their delicious food, culture is so important to Italians, and I feel very grateful to have studied in such an amazing country.”
Keen to explore a career in nursing at ACU? Explore the options.
Learn more about studying at ACU’s Rome Campus.
Copyright@ Australian Catholic University 1998-2025 | ABN 15 050 192 660 CRICOS registered provider: 00004G | PRV12008
