As a nursing student from Universitas Gadjah Mada, participating in a mobility program at International Hellenic University became a journey that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and experience a completely different environment, culture, and way of learning. Coming from Indonesia, where my perspective on nursing had mostly been shaped by local experiences and healthcare practices, living and studying in Greece opened my eyes to a broader and more global understanding of healthcare and education. Through this program, I not only gained academic knowledge, but also developed greater independence, adaptability, and confidence.
Before joining the mobility program, I imagined that studying abroad would mainly focus on improving academic knowledge and experiencing a different educational system. I expected to encounter language barriers, cultural differences, and a more independent lifestyle, but I believed these challenges would only affect my daily activities. I also assumed that nursing education and healthcare practices in Greece would not be very different from what I had learned in Indonesia. In addition, I initially thought that adapting to a new environment would be difficult because of differences in communication styles and social interactions. However, I soon realized that studying abroad was not only about academic learning, but also about changing the way I viewed myself, other people, and the role of healthcare in a global context.
One of the most memorable parts of this mobility program was the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) activity which is an opportunity to experience a new culture and interact with people from different backgrounds. Living in Greece exposed me to different ways of thinking, communicating, and adapting to daily life. I learned to appreciate cultural differences, from simple everyday habits to broader perspectives on education and social life. In addition, meeting international students from various countries helped me realize how diverse people’s experiences and viewpoints can be. Through conversations, group discussions, and shared activities, I became more open-minded and learned the importance of respecting different cultures and perspectives. These interactions not only improved my communication skills, but also helped me grow more confident in connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Through these experiences, my perspective on nursing and healthcare gradually began to change. Interacting with people from different cultural and educational backgrounds made me realize that healthcare is not only a local issue, but also a global one that requires collaboration across countries and professions. I began to understand the importance of global cooperation in addressing health challenges, sharing knowledge, and improving patient care. In addition, meeting individuals from diverse backgrounds helped me become more aware that every patient has unique cultural values, beliefs, and experiences that can influence the way they perceive healthcare. This understanding strengthened my belief that nurses must not only provide clinical care, but also practice empathy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication when caring for patients from different backgrounds.
Beyond academic learning, this mobility program also contributed significantly to my personal growth. Living and studying in a foreign country pushed me to become more independent in managing daily life, solving problems, and adapting to unfamiliar situations. Over time, I became more confident in expressing my opinions, participating in discussions, and interacting with people from different backgrounds. My communication skills also improved as I learned how to overcome language barriers and communicate more effectively in multicultural environments. In addition, adapting to a different culture, educational system, and social environment taught me to be more flexible and open-minded. These experiences helped me grow not only as a nursing student, but also as an individual who is more prepared to face future challenges.
Through this mobility experience, the meaning of becoming a “global nursing student” has changed significantly for me. I now understand that being global is not only about studying or traveling abroad, but also about having an open mindset, understanding different healthcare systems, and being able to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This experience made me realize that nursing is closely connected to larger issues such as healthcare management, policy, and leadership. Observing different healthcare approaches in Greece increased my interest in nursing management and healthcare systems, especially in how policies and organizational structures can influence the quality and accessibility of patient care. In the future, I hope to contribute not only as a clinical nurse, but also in areas related to healthcare policy and leadership, where I can help improve healthcare systems and create a more effective and inclusive healthcare environment.
In conclusion, this mobility program has been a valuable journey that transformed both my academic perspective and personal development. Through the challenges, cultural experiences, and interactions I encountered in Greece, I learned to become more confident, adaptable, and open-minded as a nursing student. More importantly, this experience inspired me to think beyond local boundaries and view healthcare from a global perspective. In the future, I hope to continue my education abroad and deepen my knowledge in nursing management, healthcare systems, and policy leadership. I believe that gaining broader international experience will allow me to contribute more meaningfully to healthcare development in Indonesia and create a positive impact on my country’s healthcare system and nursing profession.
Greece, 2026
Sausan Qothrunnada