Nursing students excel at international event

Students were supported with their travel by the Claire Chick Nursing Fund

Nursing students excel at international event

Students were supported with their travel by the Claire Chick Nursing Fund

12 May 2026

Nursing students from the University of Plymouth travelled to Austria for an ‘incredible’ opportunity to learn with, from and about other countries’ approaches to nursing.

Seven students visited Salzburg for the annual European Network of Nursing in Higher Education (ENNE) programme to explore how culture, policy, and healthcare organisation influence patient care in different countries.

Students gather around a baby mannequin at ENNE 2026

ENNE is an international collaboration of universities from 14 European countries that share a commitment to problem-based learning in nursing education, and the University of Plymouth is the only member from England.

Working in multinational tutorial groups, students used their skills to examine patient case scenarios covering areas such as palliative care, pain management, and community healthcare.

The students also enjoyed cultural experiences and exploring host organisation, Fachhochschule Salzburg: University of Applied Sciences in Austria.

Invaluable support

The exchange is a highlight in Plymouth’s nursing calendar and, to enable students to attend who might not otherwise have been able to, travel was this year supported by the University’s Claire Chick Nursing Fund.

Named in memory of a much-missed nursing lecturer and Associate Head of Internationalisation, the new fund provides travel bursaries, support for those facing financial or personal hardship, and other vital assistance to ensure that all nursing students – regardless of background or circumstance – can make the most of their education and go on to make a difference. A team from the University and local healthcare partners are taking on a fundraising run to ensure the fund continues for many years to come.

Learn more about the fundraising run

Claire Chick (photo edited so Claire appears in PhD robes)

I have really enjoyed participating in the ENNE programme and feel I have gained a lot from the experience.

I have developed a greater understanding of nursing across different countries, including how the role of the nurse and nursing education varies internationally.

This has also encouraged me to reflect more on nursing within the UK.

The funding from Claire’s Fund made this opportunity possible, and I am extremely grateful, as it allowed me to fully engage in an experience that I may not otherwise have been able to access.

It had a direct impact on my ability to attend and benefit from the programme.

Lucie Wells, a third-year student on the on the MNurs Adult and Mental Health course at the University’s Truro School of Nursing

The ENNE program in Salzburg provided a valuable intercultural learning experience, allowing us to collaborate with European nursing students to explore the differences in our education, training and practice.

It enhanced my leadership, communication, and teamworking skills, particularly through working in multicultural groups to manage tasks and present our work collaboratively. Throughout the week I made new friends and built professional relationships both within the University cohort and with other European nursing students and lecturers.

The funding from the Claire Chick Fund helped immensely to go towards covering the costs of the program, enabling me to participate in this incredible opportunity with less financial pressures. I feel so incredibly grateful to have been able to have this experience with the University of Plymouth and would highly recommend applying for the program to all students.

Stephinine Harris, a third-year Adult Nursing Student from the University’s Exeter School of Nursing

When I signed up to ENNE, I had no idea that it would be quite as culturally enriching as it would be. I grew massively, at it helped me learn not only about myself and my skillsets, but also how to work with people from cultures different to ours.

I realised quickly that we are all cut from the same cloth, and that we all have the same values, regardless of where we are from. Being a mature student didn't put me off either, and I quickly realised I had nothing to worry about.

It was a refreshing break from University study, and I am grateful for the Uni's support in helping us get there. The Claire Chick fund lived up to its name, and I am certain that we embodied the values of Claire when we were in Austria. I can see now why she supported ENNE and helping students with international engagement. I wish every student could go, and the fund can help people get there. I hope that this can continue long into the future, and I am proud that I am a member of the ENNE 2026 cohort.

Frank Floyd, Adult Nursing masters student

Plymouth has been part of ENNE since 2015 and the annual collaboration is a fantastic opportunity.

It aims to prepare future nurses for increasingly global healthcare environments by enhancing cultural awareness and developing an understanding of how nursing practice varies across Europe, while uncovering shared professional values.

As well as ensuring all of our nursing students have the skills they need to excel when qualified, we want to ensure they have a fantastic learning experience on the way.

Participation in ENNE reflects our commitment to providing students with international learning opportunities that enrich their education and support the delivery of compassionate, culturally responsive care within health and social care settings

Mrs Chloe Weekes-Dyer
Lecturer in Nursing

Find out more

Europe skyline detailed silhouette. Courtesy of Shutterstock

European Network of Nursing in Higher Education (ENNE)

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