While working alongside nursing students at the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) in Quito, Ecuador, Shoreline College student Serena Wilber noticed some differences between nursing practices in Ecuador and the United States. Nurses in Ecuador, for example, often cared for more patients and had less access to advanced medical technology than their American counterparts. Yet despite the contrasts, what stood out were the similarities.
“Although nursing practice can look very different depending on the country and available resources,” said Serena, “the importance of teamwork, adaptability, communication, and compassionate patient-centered care remains universal.”
This past June, Serena was one of several nursing students who gained firsthand experience with global healthcare and nursing education through a Shoreline College study abroad program called Social Determinants of Health in Ecuador.
The program was developed in 2023 with funding from a State Department IDEAS grant (Increase & Diversify Education Abroad for Students), which supported the creation of a short-term, faculty-led study abroad experience addressing a United Nations Sustainable Development goal. This trip focused on the goal of Good Health & Wellbeing.
Designed specifically for nursing students, the program provides an international learning opportunity that fits within their demanding schedule of coursework and clinical training.
“We really tailored the program to be accessible to nursing students and also relevant to their academic and professional goals,” said Colleen Ferguson, Associate Director of Global Learning and Engagement at Shoreline College.
While the program is restricted to nursing students, it is not limited to students at Shoreline College. The program is open to nursing students throughout the region, and, since its launch, participants have included students from Olympic College and the University of Washington Bothell. Organizers hope participation will continue to expand.
“My goal is to make this a statewide opportunity for nursing students,” said Colleen.
The program’s central focus is to understand how social, economic, geographic, and cultural factors influence health outcomes. For this, Ecuador provides a compelling case study.
“The students are going to Ecuador because Ecuador made a conscious decision to change accessibility to healthcare in their country,” said Colleen. “And they were shockingly successful.”
Ecuador’s improvements are indeed impressive. Over the past two decades, they have dramatically improved the effectiveness of their healthcare system, earning international recognition for their progress. In a global ranking of healthcare efficiency, Ecuador moved up from 111th place to 20th in only 14 years.
Students explore this success story from multiple angles. They attend lectures, tour simulation facilities, and spend time learning alongside their Ecuadorian peers at UDLA. Participants also learned about traditional healthcare practices from a local healer; joined a physician on a rural healthcare brigade bringing care to communities without local clinics; and met with patients, families, and staff at a childcare center for children with Down Syndrome.
“I really enjoyed working with toddlers with Down Syndrome and taking part in a discussion with their parents,” said Shoreline student Molly Tibbott. “I could tell how much effort the parents give their children to create a brighter future for them.”
Alongside these experiences, students also visited several cultural and natural points of interest, providing additional context and insight into the unique challenges of delivering healthcare in Ecuador. For many participants, the trip provided a new perspective on their chosen career.
“I have a deeper appreciation for what it means to advocate for the vulnerable populations we work with, the power we have as healthcare professionals in making change for our communities and being creative in addressing the challenges and barriers our patients face in accessing care,” said nursing student Bimmy Kaur.
Given that Ecuador and the United States both face challenges related to economic inequality and disparities between urban and rural healthcare access, the experiences gleaned by participants in this program provide new perspectives, and possibly new solutions, to those challenges here at home.
“The healthcare experience I gained from this trip was eye opening,” said Molly. “To any nursing students considering the trip to Ecuador, I would say to go and see for yourself what there is to be learned from the culture, the history, and the people.”
The Social Determinants of Health in Ecuador program runs every summer, and scholarship are available to offset the cost. Interested students can visit the program webpage to learn more and find out about upcoming information sessions.
Costa Rica is a land of many natural wonders: Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, luscious rainforests, dense cloud forests, volatile volcanoes, and abundant animal and plant life. Immerse yourself in language and culture while surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and the warm, welcoming people of Costa Rica.
The Costa Ricans (Ticos y Ticas) are dedicated to promoting harmony between nature, community development, and economic growth. They have made a major commitment to protect the nation’s natural resources and beauty while preserving its long tradition of political democracy and stability.
While studying Spanish, enjoy the congeniality of the people along with the natural beauty and unique flora and fauna: All combine to make Costa Rica an idyllic place to live and study.
The Washington Community College study abroad program in Dublin is your ticket to extraordinary adventure. Explore, learn, and grow in Dublin, the lively capital city of the Emerald Isle.
Intro to Fiction – Haunted Dublin: The Gothic in Irish Literature This course asks, why have some of the greatest, most chilling gothic works come from Dublin writers? Using Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, we’ll visit the haunts of these authors, both physical and creative, to understand Dublin’s haunted past.
ENGL&101/102, English Composition I or II– Knowing the Song: Dublin’s Music as Gateway to Understanding
This split-level rhetoric and composition course will use the music of Dublin to understand place.
Humanities Special Topic: Irish Life and Culture
Make the most of your time in Dublin and get emersed in your new home with this required course which will explore a different theme of Irish Life and Culture each week, from Irish history and politics to Irish language, sports, music, dance, food and drink, and much more!
In this ten-week program based in Miyazaki, Japan, you will join of a cohort group of up to 21 students from Community Colleges across the State. A four-night trip to Tokyo and a three-night trip to Osaka are included in the program.
To learn more, join us for this free info session:
Japan offers a rich environment of arts, culture, and history where centuries-old traditions exist in contrast with ultra-modern lifestyles. Miyazaki is known for its cultural heritage and natural splendor. The city’s historical sites, such as Miyazaki Jingu shrine, stand as testaments to Japan’s deep-rooted cultural legacy, inviting exploration into centuries-old customs and beliefs. In Tokyo, you will encounter sumo wrestling, Kabuki Theater, ancient castles, and temples dating back to the days of Samurai warriors. The modern side of Tokyo includes trendy and eccentric street fashions in the Harajuku district, the latest in high technology, electronics, and gadgetry, as well as anime in a city that never sleeps. Osaka is known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and incredible street food. It is home to Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s past, and the bustling Dotonbori district, famous for its neon lights, restaurants, and entertainment.
The Fall Quarter, 2026 study abroad program in Dublin is your ticket to extraordinary adventure. Explore, learn, and grow in Dublin, the lively capital city of the Emerald Isle. Endless opportunities await you!
Both your classes and housing will be in Dublin city center, making it easy to discover the city’s unique neighborhoods and famous sites on foot. Classes will be held at the Goethe-Institute, which is located on the historic Merrion Square, and the student residence will most likely be on the northern side of the river Liffey, near to O’Connell Street. Study Irish literature, composition through Irish music, and Irish life and culture in this 15-credit study abroad program.
The Gilman Program is now accepting Gilman-McCain Scholarship applications! The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides $5,000 awards for child and spousal dependents of active or activated duty military personnel who receive any type of Title IV Federal Financial Aid to study or intern abroad.
Student Deadline: Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:59pm Pacific Time
This cycle encompasses Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and academic year 2026-2027 programs with eligible program start dates of February 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026. All applicants will be notified of their final status in February 2026.
Student applicants to the Gilman-McCain should be in-progress of applying for a specific study or intern abroad program.
For assistance in researching a good-fit program, email studyabroad@shoreline.edu
Berlin is a vibrant and historically layered city that offers study abroad students a unique opportunity to engage with the past while experiencing a forward-thinking, multicultural metropolis. As Germany’s capital, Berlin is known for its dynamic blend of old and new—where remnants of the Berlin Wall stand near cutting-edge art galleries, and centuries-old architecture coexists with modern design. Students can walk through history in neighborhoods like Mitte and Kreuzberg, explore global perspectives through the city’s diverse communities, and participate in a thriving academic and cultural scene.
Studying abroad in Berlin means living in a city that constantly reinvents itself, making it an inspiring setting for learning, exploration, and growth.
Costa Rica is a land of many natural wonders: Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, luscious rainforests, dense cloud forests, volatile volcanoes, and abundant animal and plant life. Immerse yourself in language and culture while surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and the warm, welcoming people of Costa Rica. Study Spanish and experience these beautiful environments – all built into this unique study abroad program.
Study and live in two locations: Heredia – a historic and thriving small city, outside the capitol of San Jose. Heredia is compact and walkable, with a year-round average temperature of 78 F. The second location, Playa Samara is located on the Pacific Ocean. Samara is a hot, quiet, and beautiful beach town.
Japan offers a rich environment of arts, culture, and history where centuries-old traditions exist in contrast with ultra-modern lifestyles. Miyazaki is known for its cultural heritage and natural splendor. The city’s historical sites, such as Miyazaki Jingu shrine, stand as testaments to Japan’s deep-rooted cultural legacy, inviting exploration into centuries-old customs and beliefs. In Tokyo, you will encounter sumo wrestling, Kabuki Theater, ancient castles, and temples dating back to the days of Samurai warriors. The modern side of Tokyo includes trendy and eccentric street fashions in the Harajuku district, the latest in high technology, electronics, and gadgetry, as well as anime in a city that never sleeps. Osaka is known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and incredible street food. It is home to Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s past, and the bustling Dotonbori district, famous for its neon lights, restaurants, and entertainment.
Costa Rica is a land of many natural wonders: Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, luscious rainforests, dense cloud forests, volatile volcanoes, and abundant animal and plant life. Immerse yourself in language and culture while surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and the warm, welcoming people of Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans (Ticos y Ticas) are dedicated to promoting harmony between nature, community development, and economic growth. They have made a major commitment to protect the nation’s natural resources and beauty while preserving its long tradition of political democracy and stability.
Barcelona is simply a spectacular city in which to study and live. It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and the most modern city in Spain. Situated on the Mediterranean, it is a city of contrasts, mixing the best of old and new, traditional and trendy, religious and secular, conservative and progressive. As such, this vibrant city offers you the unique opportunity to both surround yourself with Spanish language and tradition while at the same time taking advantage of its mixture of Spanish and Catalan cultures. With Barcelonans fluent in both languages, you can perfect your Spanish while also learning some Catalan! People in Spain are passionate fans of football (soccer), delicious food, family, and celebrating and enjoying life to its fullest.
