International Activities - Japanese Red Cross Hiroshima College of Nursing

Developing International Nursing Capabilities

Language and Communication

Learning a foreign language has much in common with Human Caring: arts, relationship, skills and
knowledge; all have a role to play in bridging the gaps between people and cultures. One of our
goals is to provide language education that incorporates genuine cross-cultural understanding. We
work hard to create opportunities for learners to improve their communication skills, whether they
aim to participate in international relief efforts or simply serve the needs of foreign patients in
Japanese hospitals. Learning with native-speaking language teachers and participating in overseas
study programs broadens our students’ horizons and helps them to acquire a greater awareness
of the world. With this in mind, we are constantly seeking new opportunities for international
communication with overseas students.

Preparatory Course for International Relief Nursing

In 2009, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology awarded our college a
prestigious 3-year grant to set up an International Relief Nursing Preparatory Program. Qualified
nurses wishing to take part in international relief operations, such as those carried out by ICRC and
IFRC, need to complete Japanese Red Cross Basic Training Course for International Relief Activities.
Entry-level requirements for this course are English proficiency (TOEIC 730 points) and completion
of three years clinical experience. However, for many nurses, motivation to study English declines
during the time spent gaining clinical experience. In order to address this issue we designed a
program to bring students’ English proficiency up to TOEIC 550 points by the time of graduation.
This elective program is offered in conjunction with students’ Basic Nursing Education, and offers
the opportunity to observe Red Cross delegates observation in the Philippines, visit the
headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland, and study
English in England.

Our Courses Relate to our Role in the Global Arena

International Society and Politics

This course addresses issues related to international society, international relations, politics and
culture. Students discuss questions such as “What is our role as health care workers?” and “As
citizens of Hiroshima, Japan, what can we do for world peace?”

International Society and Health Care Activities

This course looks at global issues and international co-operation. Students learn about health care
issues and the needs of developing countries through case studies of international nursing
activities.

Overseas Study Programs

Our international nursing programs aim to prepare our students for a variety of diverse nursing
perspectives, such as health care, social welfare, and natural or technological disasters in the global
community. This is particularly important for Red Cross Nurses, who are specially educated based
on Red Cross Humanitarian principles, to understand the global needs of health care and respond
to them adequately. We are actively working to prepare nurses to assume responsible roles in any
international activities, particularly in International Disaster Relief.

International Red Cross and the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

Since 2010, our overseas nursing study program has included the "International Red Cross and
United Nations program." Participants have an opportunity to visit international organizations in
Geneva such as 'The International Committee of the Red Cross' (ICRC) and the 'World Health
Organization' (WHO). Participants can learn the history of the International Red Cross Movement
and the roles of these organizations in international health by listening to lectures and taking part
in guided tours. Participants are also expected to study health issues from the global perspective.

International Primary Health Care Study in the Philippines

In 2008, our overseas nursing study program expanded to include an International Primary Health
Care program exploring health, nursing and medical issues in the Philippines. Through field visits
with Japanese Red Cross delegates, lectures with the Philippine National Red Cross, and by
studying local health institutions, students learn about primary health care from an international
viewpoint. By observing the lifestyles of local people, participants can gain cultural understanding
and experience the actual conditions of international community nursing projects.

English Study Abroad in Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

Our English study programme has, since March 2012, offered students the opportunity to improve
their English language skills, while also experiencing life in a different culture. The two-week
homestay programme is based in the beautiful, historic city of Canterbury, a short train ride from
the sights of London.Students have lessons throughout the week in the English Language Centre
of Canterbury Christ Church University, and enjoy exploring England in their free time.

Red Cross Relief Activities and Education

In contrast to many other RN Nursing programs, disaster nursing has been an important part of our
curriculum since the college was established, and we encourage our students to acquire the skills
they will need in the event that a disaster occurs. As part of their basic course requirement, students
learn from the experiences of nurses who have engaged in disaster relief activities, engage in triage
training and group work, and participate in simulated disaster drills conducted by hospitals. We
hope that our students will play important and extensive roles as nurses in case of future disasters.

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