International Placement Opportunities
Erasmus+ exchange
The School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health has Erasmus+ exchange agreements with the following universities:
There are opportunities for exchange in each of these universities.
Get ready to embark on the ultimate adventure in your academic journey with the Erasmus+ exchange programme. Imagine breaking free from the ordinary and diving headfirst into a whirlwind of excitement, learning, and cultural discovery. Erasmus+ is not just a study abroad opportunity; it’s a passport to a world where every day is a chance to explore, connect, and grow. Picture yourself living in a new city, making friends from all corners of the globe, and gaining a fresh perspective on your studies. Whether you’re craving the buzz of a vibrant city or the tranquillity of a picturesque town, Erasmus+ opens doors to endless possibilities. Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your college years into a thrilling global adventure – join Erasmus+ and redefine your education in the most unforgettable way!
The Erasmus+ exchange programme at the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health is open for application to all 2nd year nursing students and takes place in semester 1 of 3rd year. It is a minimum of 9 weeks and is a placement only exchange. This means you will be on placement in a service/hospital and this placement will align with your placement requirements here at DCU.
Niamh Gavin (BNG year 3)
‘I never thought I would have the opportunity to study abroad. Erasmus for me was an experience that shaped my thinking and changed my perspective as I did clinical placement and travelled simultaneously. It opened me up to new thoughts, culture, language, travel, and of course, clinical experiences.’
Niamh Gavin (BNG year 3)
Tanzania
The School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health at DCU presents students registered on the Bachelors in Childrens and General Nursing with a unique opportunity to undertake a 6-week practice placement in the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. This placement is facilitated by a strong partnership between the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health at DCU, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Childrens Health Ireland (Global) and the charity Their Lives Matter (TLM).
This programme is open for application from students currently in 2nd year and who are registered on the Bachelors in Childrens and General Nursing. It consists of a practice placement in the paediatric oncology service in the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar Es Salaam.
Ellen Canavan and Leah Hanley at Muhimbili Children’s Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2024.
“If you have a sense of adventure and an open mind you should do it. It is something that will stick with you for the rest of your career in nursing and life. It is tough but you will not get a more eye-opening experience than this. You will learn so much about yourself and the world around you.”
Ellen Canavan BNCGN Year 3 2024)
Leah Hanley and Ellen Canavan at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam Tanzania 2024.
" It will be tough and extremely sad on the wards as the children are very very ill but it is genuinely the best experience I’ve ever had in my life, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity so just make the most of it!"
(Leah Hanley BNCGN Year 3 2024)
Ellen Canavan and Leah Hanley at Muhimbili Children’s Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2024.
"Communication was probably one of the most difficult aspects of placement and took the longest to adjust to. It was hard not being able to comfort the children or even talk to the parents as none of them had English. ""There was a playroom on Upendo where we were able to spend some time with the kids. I found that communication through play was a lot easier and made bonding with them come quicker."
(Ellen Canavan BNCGN Year 3 2024)
Lourdes
The School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health at DCU presents an exciting opportunity for students registered on any of the nursing programmes to particpate in a 2-week long practice placement in Lourdes, France.
This is facilitated by a partnership between the Irish Association of Lourdes Volunteers and The School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health. Students will undertake a placement supporting people with a variety of health needs to travel to and from Lourdes and provide nursing care, under supervision, during the placement period.
Joe McNally (BNID year 3)
‘We supported assisted pilgrims both inside and outside of the Accueil Notre-Dame (hospital setting). It was the most amazing experience and would urge anybody who is offered the opportunity to avail of this placement to grab it with both hands. It was rewarding on so many levels.’
Joe McNally (BNID year 3)
Application process
Students will be invited by email to apply for the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme, Internatonal placement and Lourdes placement in the first semester of year 2 of the BNG, BNCG, BNID and BNPY study programmes. A closing date for receipt of applications will be set towards the end of Semester 1 of Year 2.
Students will be asked to complete an expression of interest application and to self-assess against the following criteria:
- All academic modules passed on the first attempt.
- All clinical placements completed with no outstanding time.
- All clinical learning outcomes and competencies passed on the first attempt.
- No more than one week of uncertified absence from practice placement.
Students should also have demonstrated a good level of engagement with their programme of study and have engaged well with lecturers, colleagues, peers and practice placement staff. Shortlisted students will invited to submit a personal statement outlining their motivation and purpose in participating in the exchange programme.