Fostering Nursing Leaders in Japan and Laos: Exploring the Synergy between Research and Clinical Practice

In April 2019, the Otemae University Faculty of Global Nursing and the Institute of Global Nursing have concluded academic exchange agreements with nursing universities and hospitals in eight countries. These agreements provide Global Nursing practice and training opportunities for faculty and hospital staff. To date, over 160 third‒year students from the Otemae University Faculty of Nursing have participated in the Global Nursing Practice in overseas locations. These students have experienced diverse medical care, nursing practices, cultures, and values. They have also developed nursing skills that have deepened their understanding of the importance of communication and the provision nursing care in line with diverse cultures. This has led to the development of a human resources department that can approach nursing in Japan from a glocal perspective. To achieve balance, programs are offered to overseas academic partner schools and hospitals to enhance students’ knowledge of medical and nursing care in Japan. Approximately 100 students have completed their training in Japan. Through these programs, the university is promoting international brain circulation, including training and joint research among faculty and staff, both in‒person and online. The Global Nursing Practice provides an opportunity for our students to engage in ongoing exchanges with students from other countries, and we believe these exchanges are highly beneficial. However, due to economic factors, some of our overseas academic partner universities and hospitals, including those in Laos, are having difficulty accessing training in Japan. We recently applied for the Sakura Science Program, a science and technology exchange program offered by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Our program was selected, and we have implemented an invitation training program for Laotian nursing faculty, nursing students, and nurses. The program took place from February 24 to March 2, 2025. Eight trainees, consisting of nursing faculty, nursing students, and clinical nurses, participated in the program. It provided an excellent opportunity for faculty and students from Laos and Japan to interact, share information on nursing education and practice, and deepen their understanding of diverse cultures through cultural exchange. Furthermore, we believe that this program improved nursing education, practice, and research capabilities in Japan and Laos, fostering future academic exchange.