At Shimane University’s Faculty of Medicine, international education is not merely an opportunity—it is a vital component in nurturing globally competent healthcare professionals. Since 2009, the university has organized a New Zealand Study Program for medical and nursing students, offering a unique blend of English language training, healthcare education, and cultural exchange. Over the past 16 years, more than 286 students have participated in this transformative program, which continues to shape their professional development.
Program Overview
Held annually in collaboration with the Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC) in Hamilton, the two-week program combines English language instruction with healthcare-related lectures and site visits. Students attend specialized English for Health classes in the mornings and visit local hospitals, aged care facilities, and birth centers in the afternoons. Homestay accommodations further enrich the cultural experience. This structured yet flexible approach enables students to develop practical communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare delivery in a multicultural society.
Educational Goals and Outcomes
The program is built around three core objectives:
- Enhancing English Proficiency– Daily lessons focus on medical communication, including patient interviews, case discussions, and healthcare-specific vocabulary.
- Exposure to International Healthcare– Students observe clinical practices, compare healthcare systems, and reflect on the differences between Japan and New Zealand.
- Developing Global Competence– Through interactions with local healthcare professionals and host families, students cultivate empathy, intercultural communication skills, and self-confidence.
Survey results from 2009 to 2024 consistently show that participants report increased motivation to study English, a better understanding of global healthcare, and a heightened interest in future international opportunities.
Voices from the Field
Participant feedback underscores the program’s impact:
- “Visiting a New Zealand hospital showed me how communication and teamwork differ from Japan.”
- “I realized that language learning is more than grammar—it’s about understanding people from different backgrounds.”
- “The homestay experience gave me confidence and made me want to work overseas in the future.”
These reflections highlight the program’s success in linking language learning with real-world application and personal growth.
Implications for Medical English Education
As educators seek effective ways to improve English communication skills and global awareness in medical curricula, the Shimane-Waikato partnership offers a practical and effective model. By integrating language education with clinical exposure and intercultural experiences, the program bridges the gap between classroom learning and the realities of global healthcare.
The program also informs curriculum development at Shimane University. Insights gained from student experiences are incorporated into medical English and global health communication courses.
Looking Ahead
The long-standing collaboration with WINTEC continues to evolve, with plans to introduce hybrid learning modules and joint projects involving New Zealand students. Shimane University remains committed to providing students with opportunities to grow into healthcare professionals who are not only clinically skilled but also globally minded.
For further information or collaboration inquiries, please contact:
Jun Iwata
Department of Medical English Education
Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University
Email: j_iwata@med.shimane-u.ac.jp