Global Perspectives in Practice: Iowa State Nursing Expands International Partnership with OsloMet

The Iowa State University College of Nursing is strengthening its global impact through an innovative partnership with Oslo Metropolitan University, creating meaningful opportunities for nursing students to learn, collaborate, and grow across international boundaries.

Each spring, nursing students from Norway travel to Ames for a five-week immersive experience. During their time in Iowa, OsloMet students join Iowa State nursing students in population health clinicals, working side-by-side in community settings throughout Central Iowa. This hands-on experience allows students to engage directly with diverse populations while exploring the unique healthcare needs of Midwestern communities.

Beyond clinical learning, students experience the culture and community of Central Iowa—building connections that extend beyond the classroom. From local community engagement to regional exploration, the exchange fosters both professional and personal growth.

What makes this partnership especially impactful is its emphasis on global collaboration in nursing practice. Students from both institutions come together to examine the evolving healthcare landscape, share perspectives, and deepen their understanding of how cultural differences influence patient care and population health outcomes. Through this exchange, students gain insight into global health systems while developing the cultural competence essential for today’s nursing workforce.

The experience continues in May, when Iowa State nursing students travel to Oslo for a 10-day study abroad program. There, they reconnect with their Norwegian peers and participate in population health experiences, cultural immersion activities, and comparative healthcare exploration. This reciprocal component strengthens the partnership and reinforces the shared goal of preparing globally minded nurses.

This collaboration is more than a study abroad opportunity—it is a model for global nursing education. By bringing international perspectives to Ames and extending learning beyond U.S. borders, the partnership is expanding the reach and impact of nursing education in Central Iowa and beyond.

As healthcare continues to evolve on a global scale, initiatives like this ensure that the next generation of nurses is prepared not only to provide care—but to lead, collaborate, and innovate across cultures and communities.