Nursing program welcomes visiting Korean students

July 30, 2026 — DENTON — Outreach efforts from TWU’s College of Nursing got some real extension this summer. As in halfway around the world.

The college welcomed 13 undergraduate nursing students from four South Korean universities for an immersive program that offered clinical observations, simulation experiences, leadership development and cultural exchange while expanding the university's international partnerships.

The annual program builds on TWU's longstanding relationships with nursing schools in South Korea while introducing new experiences and collaborations this year designed to broaden students' understanding of nursing education and practice in the United States.

"The program was a tremendous success," said Mikyoung Lee, PhD, RN, who directs the initiative. "The students were highly engaged, curious and enthusiastic throughout the visit. It was rewarding to see meaningful connections develop among the visiting students, TWU students, faculty and healthcare professionals."

This year's program welcomed students from two newly established partner universities. The program also strengthened TWU's clinical partnerships with UT Southwestern Medical Center and Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where nurse leaders introduced students to their healthcare systems, nursing excellence initiatives and professional leadership. The cohort also participated in one-on-one clinical observation experiences.

"These opportunities allowed students to gain firsthand insight into nursing practice, healthcare systems and professional nursing leadership in the United States," Lee said.

Several experiences were new to the program this year, covering artificial intelligence, leadership, cultural exchange and networking.

At TWU's Health Sciences Center, the Korean nursing students explored generative AI conversational technology, virtual reality headsets and high-fidelity simulation, giving them firsthand exposure to emerging technologies shaping healthcare education.

The cohort also visited the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership, where students explored different approaches to leadership, and toured the university's new Florence Nightingale Collection.

Another new addition connected the visiting students with members of the North Texas Korean Nurses Association, providing opportunities to begin developing mentor-mentee relationships with Korean nurse leaders practicing in the United States.

Beyond the classroom and clinical settings, the program fostered relationships among TWU students as well.

TWU nursing and occupational therapy students participated in student panels and cultural exchange activities, discussing nursing education, campus life and cultural perspectives. Lee said the Korean students especially appreciated the opportunity to interact with students from another healthcare discipline because interdisciplinary learning opportunities are limited in many of their nursing programs.

"Through these interactions, students found common ground through their shared passion for healthcare and developed meaningful connections," Lee said.

Lee said the experience gave participants a broader understanding of nursing education in the United States, healthcare innovation, interprofessional collaboration and professional nursing roles while creating relationships that will extend beyond the program itself.

"This program reflects TWU's commitment to preparing nurses who can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world," Lee said. "I hope our Korean students returned home with new knowledge, lasting friendships and the confidence to continue growing as nursing professionals."

Page last updated 11:43 AM, July 30, 2026