Erasmus internship: Nursing

In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, it is essential for future healthcare professionals to develop their linguistic and cultural skills. It is with this goal in mind that the Erasmus nursing internship provides nursing students with the opportunity to experience unique training abroad.

What is the Erasmus program?

The Erasmus program (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is a European initiative aimed at promoting the mobility of students and teachers between higher education institutions within the European Union. Established in 1987, this program has enabled millions of students to study or intern abroad, thereby fostering their personal and professional development.

Advantages of the Erasmus nursing internship

The Erasmus nursing internship offers numerous benefits for nursing students:

• Improvement of language skills: Undertaking an internship abroad allows students to enhance their knowledge of foreign languages, which is particularly useful in a professional context where communication with patients and colleagues is crucial.
• Discovery of new professional practices: Each country has its own methods and protocols in nursing care. Interning abroad provides an opportunity to learn new techniques and broaden one’s skill set.
• Development of adaptability: Adapting to a new environment, culture, and language is a real challenge. Overcoming these obstacles strengthens students’ self-confidence and adaptability, essential qualities for their future profession.
• Strengthening professional networks: Interning in another country allows students to establish contacts with local healthcare professionals, which can be beneficial for their future careers.

How to find an Erasmus nursing internship?

To participate in an Erasmus nursing internship, it is necessary to follow key steps:

1. Inquire with the Institute of Nursing Training (IFSI): IFSIs are typically partners with several foreign universities and can assist students in finding an internship that meets their expectations.
2. Prepare the application dossier: To apply for an Erasmus internship, a comprehensive application dossier is required, including a CV, a letter of motivation, transcripts, language certificate (if necessary), and the Erasmus scholarship application form.
3. Search for an internship in a healthcare facility abroad: Various specialized websites, such as ErasmusIntern or AIESEC, facilitate the search for internships abroad. Students can also approach embassies and consulates of countries of interest.
4. Submit the application dossier: Once the internship is found, it is necessary to send the application dossier to the hosting institution to receive a positive or negative response. It is advisable to apply to multiple internships to maximize chances of success.

The Erasmus nursing internship must meet certain conditions:

• The minimum duration of the internship is 2 months, and the maximum duration is 12 months.
• The internship must be carried out in a healthcare institution located in a European Union member country or in a country participating in the Erasmus program.
• The internship must be recognized by the original Institute of Nursing Training (IFSI) and result in the attainment of European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits.
• Students must receive an Erasmus scholarship to fund their stay abroad. The scholarship amount varies depending on the host country and the duration of the internship.

Recognition of Erasmus nursing internships by IFSIs

To ensure the recognition of the Erasmus nursing internship by the IFSI, it is necessary to follow a set of procedures:

1. Draft a detailed Learning Agreement outlining the internship program, objectives, and skills to be developed.
2. Have this agreement validated by both the original IFSI and the host institution.
3. At the end of the internship, obtain a certificate of completion and an evaluation report from the host institution.
4. Present these documents to the original IFSI to validate the internship and obtain the corresponding ECTS credits.

In summary, the Erasmus nursing internship represents a unique opportunity for nursing students to gain international training, improve their linguistic and professional skills, and experience a enriching human experience.