Studying abroad

I had the opportunity to undertake my placement in the A&E department at the Montfort Hospital in canada. This was a particularly rewarding experience, as it allowed me to work in a healthcare system different from the one I was familiar with, while immersing myself in a new culture. At a personal level, this placement helped me to become more independent, gain confidence and improve my ability to adapt. Professionally, I was able to develop new skills, broaden my knowledge and discover different healthcare practices.

My time abroad was a valuable learning experience and will remain an important milestone in my career.

I believe that an international placement, wherever the destination, is a unique opportunity for both for personal and professional development.

Sofaïa

During the autumn of 2025, we had the opportunity to undertake a work placement in Brussels, from October to December, at two social and healthcare centres for people with addictions: the MASS and the Lama Project.

We spent most of our placement at these facilities, where we took part in nursing assessments, the distribution of harm-reduction materials and the provision of substitution treatments.

This experience also allowed us to explore other aspects of nursing work in the fields of addiction and harm reduction. For example, we accompanied a nurse on a visit to a prison, took part in outreach work on the streets, visited drug consumption rooms and attended several conferences.

Beyond the professional experience, this placement was also very rewarding at a personal level. We were made to feel very welcome by the Belgian teams, who were always kind and approachable. We felt safe throughout our stay and really appreciated the quality of life in Brussels.

Being able to walk to our placement locations was a real bonus, allowing us to unwind after our working days.

We also made the most of the city’s cultural and culinary offerings. Finding accommodation, however, proved to be a challenge, as flats were relatively expensive and sometimes difficult to find.

We have fond memories of this experience, both professionally and personally, and we strongly encourage students to take the opportunity to undertake a placement abroad.

Amélie

I had the opportunity to undertake my placement abroad in the autumn of 2025 in Senegal, in the paediatric intensive care unit at the Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim National Hospital in Touba.

This experience was particularly rewarding, both professionally and personally. I experienced a healthcare system that differs from the one we are familiar with in Switzerland and encountered conditions that are rare in our context, such as severe malaria, sickle cell anaemia and severe acute malnutrition. Working in an environment where resources are sometimes limited taught me to become more adaptable, resourceful and improve my ability to prioritise care.

Beyond the clinical experience, this placement also gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a very different culture. I was struck by the warm welcome from the local people, the strong sense of solidarity among the healthcare teams and the human values that are central to patient care. This experience has broaden my out-look, my humility and my confidence as a future healthcare professional.

I highly recommend this placement to students who wish to step outside their comfort zone, experience healthcare in a very different context and broaden their horizon.

Michel

Going to Tahiti for a placement abroad was a truly extraordinary experience for me.

This opportunity gave me an opportunity to experience a different culture and gain a valuable cross-cultural perspective.

Undertaking this placement abroad also gave me the chance to learn about new treatment techniques and deepen my knowledge of various tropical diseases, which are rarely encountered and are less known in our part of the world.

Aurélie

Summer schools enable students from all universities of applied sciences in Vaud to:

• Learn about different working methods

• Experience a different culture

• Build an international personal network

• Gain experience of working in a different professional context

• Develop skills for working abroad

• Build communication skills in a new environment.

Completion of a summer school programme earns ECTS credits.

Teaching staff can also benefit from taking part in a summer school. This gives them the opportunity to explore new teaching methods by teaching alongside colleagues from other countries.

• Be enrolled on a nursing programme at a higher education institution in the Canton of Vaud

• Submit a personal statement explaining your motivation

• Have a good command of English, as the summer school is conducted in English.

The number of places available varies and the eligibility requirements are set for each programme.

A summer school for two to three weeks. The programme is developed in conjunction with international partners and focuses on current issues in nursing.

These sessions include a wide range of educational activities, and recreational activities. The programme comprises classes, workshops, seminars and visits to healthcare facilities, as well as a range of leisure activities designed to build connections between participants and to give them an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the host country.