International Learning Experiences

Through the Global Guarantee, the university promise that all undergraduates at Carolina can have a global experience.

UNC SON offers several global opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. The school offers several scholarships, including the Cronenwett Global Health Scholars Fund and the Griffin Global Nursing Scholarship both support global experiences for undergraduate students. All students must apply to the Global Initiatives Office to take advantage of these opportunities. Please note the form which can be accessed here is used to both apply for a global opportunity and scholarship support.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Australia + -

A smiling woman with blonde hair stands next to a koala eating leaves on a branch, in front of a green fence and a sign.

Chloe Yarbrough, ABSN 2023
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“The study abroad trip I had the pleasure to be a part of was the UNC School of Nursing Australia study abroad experience. The purpose was to be exposed to another healthcare system and to include another realm of culturally competent care to bring back to our healthcare system in the USA.

One of the most impactful things that I learned from this experience is to make sure that you are providing culturally competent care to everyone that comes through the door. In Australia, everyone has insurance. Nobody is labeled as homeless, poor, etc. While in America it is apparent, as we put a label on patients who are homeless or do not have insurance. I also learned how to be more resourceful, and to work with what you have.”

Madrid + -

Two people in blue scrubs and orange face masks stand closely together in a hallway with white walls and a bright yellow door, smiling and posing for the camera. Leticia Ruby Garcia, BSN 2023
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“Working alongside nurses at the Hospital Universitario del Sureste provided me with valuable insight into global nursing care. I learned that Spain emphasizes preventative care, which has influenced my approach to promoting wellness and early intervention. This experience broadened my global perspective and deepened my appreciation for diverse healthcare systems and has given me the confidence to provide better and culturally sensitive care to patients, their families, and communities.”

A group of thirteen adults poses together indoors, smiling at the camera. The background features yellow walls and windows with blinds. The group includes people of diverse genders and ethnicities. Lauren Lorenzi, BSN 2024
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“One of the most important things that I learned that I will carry with me is that each person has their own unique relationship with their healthcare system. When, how, and why you become a patient is different for each person, even down to the definition of what it means to be a patient. There are pros and cons to every system, but I took note of many things that seemed to work well for patients and providers in Spain, such as better work-life balance for providers and more affordable outpatient care.“

Two women in blue scrubs and face masks stand indoors, smiling and making peace signs with their hands. One holds clothing; the other carries a phone. A restroom sign and a yellow door are visible in the background. Alexa Quiroz, BSN 2024
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“I traveled to Madrid, Spain. The purpose of this study abroad trip was to explore and practice in a foreign healthcare system in order to further enhance ours here in the U.S.

Our system is unsurprisingly very different from theirs in regard to patient-centered care, infection prevention, and overall standard practice. I noticed that our healthcare system is very driven by both the safety and satisfaction of our patients which I value and learned to appreciate a lot more when practicing in Madrid.“

Pamplona + -

A patient lies in a hospital bed with an oxygen mask, covered by a white blanket. A healthcare worker stands nearby operating medical equipment, and other people are visible through a window in the background. Olivia Aldridge, BSN 2024
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“I learned about the healthcare differences and similarities from students around the world. Many of the things I learned about at UNC are similar to what students from other countries learn. From this experience, I have learned how to provide patient-centered care and recommendations for diabetes, specific to family situations.”

A group of nine smiling young women pose together outdoors in front of a stone wall, with green hills and blue sky in the background. Some wear sunglasses and casual clothing, and all have name tags or lanyards.

Mary Fleming, BSN 2024
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“This experience taught me a lot about cultural humility. I reflected on my own culture and cultural beliefs while being able to learn about a different culture. I was able to tour the hospital in Pamplona and hear stories from the students about nursing in Spain. It was interesting and insightful to learn about how their system compares to ours in the United States. Having this experience allowed me to appreciate nursing on a larger scale and appreciate the work we do globally.“

Aerial view of a medieval stone castle with towers and battlements, partly covered in ivy, under a cloudy sky. Surrounding the castle are fields, vineyards, and distant buildings. Kayla McFarland, BSN 2024
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“I learned a lot about how Spain offers universal health care and how this heavily impacts the outcome of their population’s health in a beneficial way. I also learned the importance of patient-centered care and how involving a patient and their family in their care plan can heavily benefit their goals and outcomes. This experience has impacted me in regard to the language barrier and how hard it was for me to try to communicate due to my lack of Spanish-speaking skills. I realized how important it is to utilize translation services in the hospital so patients can truly understand the care they are receiving if they are not native English speakers.”

Six young women sit smiling at a table in a bright, busy cafeteria, enjoying meals together. The background shows other people eating and large windows revealing greenery outside.

Haley Turner, BSN 2024
2023 Linda R. Cronenwett Award for the Study of Global Health Recipient

“On this trip to Pamplona, Spain, I was offered the opportunity to learn from students from the U.K., Spain, and other U.S. students. We worked together to engage in conversations about ethical and structural situations without global health care.

This trip reinforced the need for cultural competency that was discussed in my courses. I saw firsthand how important it is to consider your patient’s specific needs by talking with the Spanish students about how different their culture is.“