A meaningful Erasmus+ experience in Belgium
Five General Practice Nursing students from the Alytus Faculty of Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution have returned from an inspiring Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme held on 9–13 of March at Haute École de Namur-Liège-Luxembourg (Hénallux) in Belgium.
Together with Coordinator of International Activity Inga Neciunskaitė and lecturer Kristina Škarnulienė, the students participated in the programme ‘Meeting Additional Care Needs of Disadvantaged Women and Girls’, which became an important professional and personal experience.
From the very first day, the students were immersed in an intensive and engaging learning environment. Through lectures, practical workshops, and collaborative activities, they explored complex and sensitive topics related to the healthcare needs of socially disadvantaged women and girls. The programme encouraged them not only to strengthen their nursing knowledge but also to broaden their perspective by understanding the social factors that influence health and well-being. Gradually, it became clear that in such contexts, nursing requires not only professional competencies but also empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to see each patient as a unique individual shaped by diverse life experiences.
A particularly strong impression was left by visits to organisations working with vulnerable groups. The students had the opportunity to observe real-life practices in institutions supporting mothers facing substance dependency, as well as in community-based healthcare services. These experiences helped them better understand how closely interconnected medical, psychological, and social aspects of care are. For many, this became an important moment of realisation that high-quality healthcare goes beyond treatment and relies on collaboration between different professionals and comprehensive support systems.
Working in international teams was also a significant part of the experience. The students shared ideas, engaged in discussions, and learned to approach challenges from different cultural and professional perspectives. This helped to strengthen their communication and teamwork skills and increased their confidence in participating in an international academic environment. At the same time, their sense of responsibility and understanding of the future role of a nurse in a modern, diverse society continued to grow.
Participation in this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme reflects the commitment of the Alytus Faculty commitment to creating meaningful international learning experiences that connect theory with practice. The week in Belgium was intensive and at times emotionally challenging, but this is precisely what made it so valuable. It served as a reminder that healthcare is not only about knowledge and skills, but above all about humanity, understanding, cultural awareness, and the ability to respond to each person with respect and compassion.
