Workshops on “Internationalization of Nursing Education” at Faculties of Nursing in Scottish Universities

In light of Mansoura National University’s strategic orientation toward strengthening its international presence and activating the principles of academic internationalization—one of the core pillars of quality and excellence in higher education institutions—the Faculty of Nursing participated in a series of activities and workshops hosted by colleges and universities in Scotland during the period 20–24 October.
This participation took place under the patronage of Professor Dr. Sherif Youssef Khater, President of the University, with the aim of exploring avenues for international cooperation, exchanging academic programs, and building strategic partnerships with prestigious universities that facilitate the exchange of expertise, students, and faculty members, and support the development of academic programs in accordance with global standards. The Faculty was represented during these activities by Professor Dr. Raefa Refaat Allam, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing.

Objectives of the Visit and Workshops

1. Supporting the University’s direction toward internationalizing higher education through establishing international academic partnerships.
2. Discussing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at exchanging academic and training expertise.
3. Exploring best practices in simulation-based education and practical training in Scottish nursing colleges.
4. Examining the feasibility of establishing dual and joint degree programs granting accredited degrees from both institutions.
5. Studying mechanisms for accrediting professional programs and joint degrees in line with British standards.
6. Expanding the scope of joint research collaboration in nursing and health-related fields.

Workshop: “Internationalization of Nursing Education”

The workshop was held with the participation of several distinguished Scottish universities in the field of health and nursing education and addressed the following themes:

1. The transition toward international nursing education and its impact on improving the quality of academic outcomes.
2. Scottish models for preparing and qualifying nursing students through integrating theoretical and practical education.
3. Successful experiences in academic exchange between British nursing colleges and their counterparts worldwide.
4. Future opportunities for cooperation in developing joint curricula and training programs based on advanced clinical simulation.
5. The workshop also served as an effective platform to showcase Mansoura National University’s experience in developing its academic programs and its efforts to align university education with the actual needs of the local and international healthcare labor market.

Visit to the University of the West of Scotland (UWS)

Objectives and Outcomes:

1. Reviewing various academic programs in nursing and health specialties.
2. Touring training laboratories and clinical simulation facilities dedicated to developing students’ practical skills.
3. Holding an official meeting with the International Relations Coordinator to discuss executive steps for activating cooperation between the two institutions.
4. Discussing the establishment of a Dual Degree program granting students joint Egyptian–British degrees in advanced nursing fields such as critical care nursing and public health nursing.
5. Exploring possibilities for mutual recognition of courses and unifying academic assessment standards.

Visit to New Lanarkshire College

The visit focused on discussing a Memorandum of Understanding that includes:

1. Exchange of faculty members and academic programs.
2. Reviewing and accrediting the Professional Diploma in Dental Nursing to be mutually recognized by both institutions.
3. Exploring ways to benefit from the British college’s expertise in developing similar professional programs at Mansoura National University.

Visit to the University of Dundee

Main Objective:

Discussing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange of faculty members and students in nursing education and scientific research.

Key Discussion Topics:

1. Establishing a framework for academic exchange between the two universities, including short-term research visits.
2. Designing joint student training programs within healthcare units and university hospitals.
3. Reviewing Dundee’s experience in Evidence-Based Nursing Education and Nursing Practice.
4. Exploring opportunities for joint supervision of Master’s and PhD theses.

Overall Outcomes of the Visits

1. Expanding the University’s international academic collaboration network.
2. Reaching preliminary agreements on developing joint programs and dual degrees.
3. Enhancing the educational infrastructure of the Faculty of Nursing through the integration of global standards.
4. Strengthening the University’s presence in international academic forums.
5. Supporting the University’s plan to attract international students and researchers from different countries.
6. Opening new opportunities for faculty members to participate in international research projects.

Recommendations

1. Accelerating the formal signing of Memoranda of Understanding with the three universities during the upcoming academic semester.
2. Establishing a permanent executive committee at Mansoura National University to follow up on international cooperation agreements.
3. Developing a comprehensive student exchange plan specifying numbers, durations, and clear assessment mechanisms.
4. Incorporating these partnerships into the University’s international academic excellence performance portfolio.