European Network of Nursing in Higher Education (ENNE)
An opportunity to engage with European nursing students
- Archana Shaji Devadas (ENNE Co-ordinator) - archana.shajidevadas@plymouth.ac.uk
- Chloë Weekes-Dyer - chloe.weekes-dyer@plymouth.ac.uk
School of Nursing and Midwifery
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
Telephone: +44 1752 583322
The European Network of Nursing in Higher Education (ENNE) was founded in 1998 and is a network that consists of representation from nursing departments in higher education institutions in 14 European countries where problem based learning (or a form of problem based learning) is used within the curriculum. One institution per country is permitted within the network and our School of Nursing and Midwifery (SNAM) became a member in November 2015.
The main purpose of ENNE is to promote teacher and student exchange. The student exchange takes place through a five day Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) held in April each year for approximately four second/third year nursing students per participating institution. This presents an exciting opportunity for students wanting to broaden their experience and knowledge of health care systems in different European countries.
The Blended Intensive Programme
The blended intensive programme is hosted by one of the member institutions and enables students to develop their intercultural competencies around an understanding of:
- the social determinants of health in different European countries
- the impact of globalisation on health
- policy-making processes and approaches to policy analysis and evaluation across different health and social care systems
- different models of organisation and delivery of health and social care services
- the principles of nursing care and the role of the nursing profession within health and social care practices in different European countries
- the design of nursing curricula, and the organisation of nursing within different European countries.
The programme is organised using problem-based learning principles in which students work together in tutorial groups of eight to ten students of mixed nationalities.
A patient case scenario is used to enable students to share knowledge, practice and experiences in planning the care for the patient. Professional areas and themes in the scenarios include palliative care, pain management and community care.
Students are expected to prepare a presentation about their own country in advance; and discuss topics such as the general characteristics of their own health and social care system, nursing curriculum; and cultural characteristics (food, lifestyle, family patterns, etc.). The programme includes visits to health and social care providers, and social and cultural activities all designed to promote intercultural understanding.
On completion of the programme, students will:
- gain awareness of nursing competencies and values in different European health care systems
- gain greater awareness of their own and different cultural competencies in nursing and develop further these competencies
- be able to identify and describe similarities and differences in the nursing profession across health and social care settings in Europe
- be able to develop a ‘European care plan’ using the knowledge gained from the tutorial group discussions
- enhance their communication and language skills
Completion of the programme will be reflected in the student’s Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR).
Process for applying
Normally four second and/or third year students can attend from each member institution. Applications will be considered by the SNAM ENNE Co-ordinator and all decisions will be final. Preference will be given to students who have not had to repeat any element (e.g. repeat a year/module/placement). If more applications are received than places available, students will be selected randomly but ensuring proportionate representation from the three nursing fields and the students based in Exeter and Truro.
Applications for the 2026 programme in Salzburg, Austria are now open. Please see the announcement in the DLE for application form. If you have any questions please contact Archana Shaji Devadas – archana.shajidevadas@plymouth.ac.uk and Chloë Weekes-Dyer – chloe.weekes-dyer@plymouth.ac.uk to discuss. If you are accepted on to the programme, you must follow the guidelines for recording hours for extracurricular events. Please note that you are permitted to take a maximum of 37.5 hours for extracurricular events during the course of your programme. You must also be aware that attendance at the intensive programme will not be grounds for extenuating circumstances.
The deadline for submitting the application is 23/12/25.
Costs
Attendance costs are kept to a minimum by the ENNE Co-ordinators and are around €270 for accommodation for five days, subsistence and all activities scheduled throughout the programme, but travel to and from the venue is extra.
You must discuss your proposed application with your personal tutor and obtain their support.
University of Debrecen in Hungary – image courtesy of Getty Images
Intensive Programme Plymouth 2024
We were thrilled to host the exchange in 2024 and welcomed delegates from 16 European countries to experience campus life in Plymouth.
Intensive Programme Pori 2018
Matthew Lumsdaine, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) student:
“I only have good feedback to give! The whole week was delivered in such a comprehensive, professional yet relaxed manner. The collaborative environment meant that I was able to learn so much through the comparisons between the health care and education systems of the attending countries.”
Felicity Allman, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) student:
“There aren’t words to describe how incredible the experience was! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I learnt so much about nurse education and training in different countries, about the roles that nurses play across Europe, and about other cultures in general.”
Intensive programme Barcelona 2017
Keziah Wood, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) student:
“The ENNE programme was one of the best things I've done. I would recommend the programme to anyone seeking to learn about nursing from a European perspective, to meet new people from across Europe and to challenge themselves.”
Stefan Bryant, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) student:
“On a personal level the programme was a brilliant social week where you can learn a lot from a variety of different cultures. You can also learn or practice your conversational skills in other languages. It was a good confidence booster for presentations and group work.”
Intensive programme Barcelona 2016
Zoe Young, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) student:
“ENNE was a unique opportunity to explore the culture of nursing across Europe in a friendly, positive and thought-provoking environment. I would encourage any nursing student to seize the opportunity of engaging in ENNE!”
Levi Allen-Bennetts, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child Health) student:
“The programme was certainly intensive but we had a fantastic week on the ENNE packed full of discussion, debate, networking, and laughter!”
