A delegation from Arellano University – International Nursing Program (AU-INP), led by AU Chairman and CEO Francisco P.V. Cayco, visited Perth, Western Australia to engage in a series of academic and cultural tours from May 23 to May 30, 2024.
The AU-INP nursing program involves two years of study in Arellano University, after which the students transfer to AU’S partner school, Edith Cowan University in Australia, for their final 2 years to earn an Australian Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
The delegation, made up of Dr. Emerita C. Mendoza, INP Director, Professor Carla Gonzales, INP faculty members, student representatives, parents and guardians, explored Perth’s vibrant culture with a tour aimed to familiarize its prospective students with the local environment.
A gathering of AU-INP alumni in Australia was also organized to strengthen the network of AU-INP’s current and prospective students. The event reflects the growing community of ECU graduates in Perth, each sharing their unique experiences of perseverance and success. Dr. Tania Beament, Associate Dean (Strategic Partnerships and Work Integrated Learning) within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at ECU attended the gathering.
The highlight of the tour was an in-depth visit to ECU’s Joondalup Campus, where they had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Carol Crevacore, ECU’s Director International, and faculty members. They explored the facilities of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the Health Simulation Center, the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, a leading tertiary hospital for cancer care in Australia and a teaching hospital where students from various schools, including ECU, undergo their clinical placement. They also visited Perth Children’s Hospital, a specialist pediatric care center, the neighboring King’s Park and Botanic Garden, concluding their tour with a leisurely walk at the lush expanse of these urban bushlands.
Another exciting part of the visit was the comprehensive orientation about the new Edith Cowan University Campus located in Perth’s Central Business District. This significant investment in modern education reflects the university’s commitment to the preservation of its culture and the advancement of learning for local and international students.
The AU-INP delegates visited the ECU Village at Mt. Lawley campus to have a glimpse of what campus living looks like, showcasing the various accommodation styles available for international students.
The eight-day visit was a resounding success marked by both academic enrichment and cultural immersion.
- Carla May C. Gonzales, RN, MAN
