Twenty Molloy University students recently traveled from New York to India where they spent ten days meeting with students, exploring colleges and universities, and helping to address the general healthcare needs of local populations. Eighteen of the twenty students were nursing majors, one was a business major, and one was a pre-med student. The group visited the Indian states of Kerala, Delhi, and Agra.
The trip was organized by The International Education Department in collaboration with Dr. Anna George, Associate Professor, The Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences. “This trip had been in the works for a long time as we knew that visiting a country that has a very different culture from the United States would be an incredible once in a lifetime experience for our students,” shared Dr. George.
While in Kerala, India, the group presented donations to: St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, Lourdes College of Nursing, Holy Cross Community Health, and Academy of Magical Sciences. Molloy University donated $500 to each institution. “The money given to the institutions will be very helpful in providing scholarships to students who are struggling to pay their fees for their education,” said Dr. George. “They will also use the money to enrich their community nursing programs.”
Dr. George has many contacts in India, and it was through those contacts the visits to the various institutions were arranged. The principals of the schools they visited were willing to accommodate Molloy’s students, providing them with the rich experience of visiting their colleges while showing them the culture and heritage of India. “They allowed our students to go with their students into the community,” said Dr. George. “Educating them on what they do for community nursing and how they provide health care to the people in the community.”
“This trip and the visits to the various colleges were very enriching for the students,” said Dr. George. “It has been an eye-opening experience to see how efficiently these colleges conduct the various programs and provide services to their community, even though the resources are limited.”
According to Dr. George, the students had to travel long distances to visit the rural areas, but it was worth it for them to see the communities and the living conditions. Molloy students were able to go and assist students from the Holy Cross College of Nursing to provide care to people living in remote villages.
Regine Monteau, a senior nursing student who traveled with the group, was particularly moved by the work of the students from Holy Cross College of Nursing with low-income patients. The experience helped her realize that she wants to do the same in her career. Healthcare disparities are something she’s interested in, and this trip transformed her thinking. She worked with a nursing student and one patient and was even able to help further diagnose the patient.
“While on the trip, I was given the opportunity to present at an International Nursing Seminar,” said senior Shannon Boyle. “At the seminar we spoke about different technologies that are available in the American Healthcare System. This was such a wonderful experience. I felt it fully rounded out my education. I am such a strong advocate for international travel in college and I would recommend it to other students as it has been such an influential aspect of my college experience.”
“Observing our Molloy University students experience all that India has to offer was a truly satisfying experience, said Dr. Kimberly A. Langenmayr, Director, International Education. “From the Taj Mahal to the remote villages, Molloy students grew with each interaction and pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones each step of the way. It brings the team from the Office of International Education and me great joy to witness the change in each of our students because of visiting incredible India.”
“The trip helped me broaden my understanding of the world as a whole,” said senior Camryn Knorr. “It reinforced the idea that we have so much to learn from other parts of the world and other cultures. When we went to visit a community hospital it was enlightening to see the different ways there are of providing comprehensive and holistic care. I would recommend that every student, if they are able, takes the opportunity to study abroad. It taught me so many life skills, including responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and independence. I would plan a trip back in a heartbeat!”
The students brought back special gifts from India including a miniature replica of the Taj Mahal for the Molloy University community. They presented them to President James P. Lentini, D.M.A. and Vice President for Advancement Edward Thompson, J.D.
The group believes it would be a wonderful idea to return to these colleges and continue to develop a relationship with them in the future.