College of the Rockies nursing students embarking on Geneva field trip

Though primarily an educational experience, students will also have the opportunity to explore the city of Geneva.

by Keith Powell — February 25, 2019

This field trip will bring to life the learning students are engaged in this semester in their global health coursework, and aims to help them to become more familiar with the role of particular agencies within complex global health processes. — Photo courtesy College of the Rockies

Seven College of the Rockies Bachelor of Science in Nursing students are heading to Geneva, Switzerland for a week-long field trip. Kerry Brinkert, Manager, International Projects and Partnerships at the College, will accompany the students as they visit the headquarters of leading global health influencers and agencies.

“Geneva is the hub for global health,” said Norma Sherret, Dean of Health and Human Services. “Taking part in this extraordinary opportunity allows students to gain a better understanding of the role of nurses as partners in global health. As nurses of the future, our students will come to appreciate the impact nurses have on people’s experiences of health in the face of increasingly complex global health challenges and issues.”

While in Geneva, students will meet with representatives of the World Health Organization, the International Council of Nurses, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), UNAIDS, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations, and other international and non-governmental organizations.

Though primarily an educational experience, students will also have the opportunity to explore the city of Geneva and surrounding region. Brinkert will be an invaluable resource for this aspect of their trip.

“I worked in Geneva for almost 14 years on the impact of landmines on social and economic development, health, and human rights,” Brinkert said. “I am very familiar with the area and look forward to being able to share that with our students. We have organized the field trip to provide time for them to experience the culture and history of one of the world’s most international cities.”

“I’m very excited to have an opportunity to travel to Switzerland,” said BSN student Courtney Donald. “I grew up in Cranbrook and have never been to Europe before. I’m nervous and excited to experience the different culture, food, and lifestyle. I’m also looking forward to meeting with the various global health agencies there and applying what I learn from them in my clinical practice at East Kootenay Regional Hospital.”

The Geneva field trip participants will depart on February 23 and return on March 3.

About College of the Rockies

For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 2,300 full-time equivalent students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.