Dancing, discovery and devotion

For third-year ACU students Jessica Mcleod and Eva De Groot, stepping out of the classroom and into the vibrant, complex world of healthcare in India was more than just a study trip – it was a life-changing journey of compassion, cultural understanding and professional growth.

As Short-Term International Study Experience (STISE) participants for nursing and midwifery, they joined 11 other ACU students in early 2025 for a two-week immersion in India, led by program lead Kathryn Sainsbury and funded by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan.

The program was designed to deepen students’ understanding of global healthcare delivery and midwifery practices.

And while the itinerary was packed with workplace learning opportunities, it was the people – and their stories – that made the biggest impact.

Dancing with joy, learning with heart

For Jessica, who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine at ACU’s Brisbane Campus, the standout moment came during a visit to a palliative care centre and orphanage for children living with HIV.

“We got to spend the day with the kids – they performed a few dances for us, then we danced for them,” Jessica said. “It was a truly inspiring day.”

Kathryn admitted this experience as one of the trip’s most significant highlights. 

“Students were able to learn about the management of HIV and demonstrate compassion through fun and diversional activities,” Kathryn said. 

A motto for care

The students also undertook clinical placements at two major hospitals, gaining exposure to healthcare approaches very different from Australia’s.

“The first key achievement of this STISE was a successful three-day observational placement at St. Teresa’s Hospital, part of the Catholic Health Association of India,” Kathryn said. 

“It provided students with excellent insights into the organisational and clinical challenges that the Indian healthcare system faces.”

They also participated in a three-day placement at Fernandez Hospital, which included collaborative exchange sessions between hospital staff and ACU students.

“Fernandez Hospital was inspirational,” said Eva, a nursing/paramedicine student at the Ballarat Campus. 

“Their research, knowledge and eagerness to continuously improve and learn, as well as the overall care for women, was amazing to see.”

Jessica agreed, recalling a speech by a woman who had dedicated her life to improving quality care in Indian hospitals, “making progressive, safe maternity care more accessible”. 

“This was the motto for all nurses and midwives to follow in the hospital,” she said. 

“It was incredibly motivating for my future career.”

Discovering a global perspective

Beyond hospital placements, students also visited Warangal Community Health Centre, where they explored the role of sustainable farming, rural midwifery and community development programs in shaping health outcomes.

“This program gives nursing students a unique opportunity to observe the positive impact of community public health initiatives in an underdeveloped country, along with exposure to a variety of inpatient settings in private and public hospitals,” Kathryn said. 

“It also provided a chance for midwifery students to observe the care of pregnant women in private and public hospitals and to reflect upon the importance of culturally safe care.”

According to Kathryn, students also gained valuable experience in critical reflection, cultural competence and an understanding of global healthcare priorities. 

“They showed a well-developed understanding of the importance of collegiality, kindness, compassion and teamwork,” she said. 

“They were able to reflect on how their own nursing knowledge could improve future practice such as the management of sharps and medication safety in under resourced hospital.”

An inspiring leader

Much of the program’s success came down to the leadership of Kathryn herself, who made a strong impression on the students.

“She consistently took the time to explain things, debrief and ask the questions we may have been too afraid to ask,” Jessica said. 

“If people ask me what I want to be in the future, the answer may honestly be Kathryn.”

Eva also appreciated Kathryn’s presence.

“Her experiences, humour and life are just inspiring.”

Lifelong lessons and lasting friendships

Eva summed up the experience as professionally enriching and personally transformative.

“The connections and friendships I built will definitely be long term ones,” she said.

“I would recommend doing any STISE as it gives you a look into other cultures and their norms or ideas. I think this only strengthens you in any career you go into especially because Australia is such a multicultural country.”

Jessica echoed the sentiment. 

“It was an eye-opening experience that I truly learned endless amounts from,” she said. 

“I have returned more devoted to my studies then before, with inspiration and many more ideas about what I would like to do in the future.”

Keen to make a difference through a career in nursing or midwifery? Explore the options.

Find out more about the New Colombo Plan.