McMaster and Norway Forge Stronger Ties Through Learning Exchanges

This week, as part of the ongoing collaboration between McMaster University and University College of Southeast Norway (USN), the Global Health Office welcomes a delegation from USN for a two-week learning exchange. The two institutions have been working together to tackle global issues specific to Arctic regions, and to create opportunities for student and faculty exchanges.

“The visit helps to strengthen McMaster’s connection to USN as the MSc Global Health program continues to expand our global partnerships,” says Andrea Baumann, Associate Vice-President, Global Health, and director of the Global Health program. 

The delegation of professors and scholars from USN are participating in the visit to expand their knowledge of graduate health sciences education in Canada. They have met with key members of the McMaster University’s health sciences graduate programs and clinical faculty.

The three master’s scholars will stay on for a two-week observational clinical experience with Shalom Village, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, and Willogrove LTC.

The partnership between McMaster and USN dates back to 2015, when the two institutions were jointly awarded four-year funding from the High North Fund, administered by the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU).

Since then, the Global Health program has launched a new concentration, jointly developed with USN, titled Global transitions within local communities. Small places, big changes, and has sent a total of seven global health graduate students to USN to complete the concentration or participate in field practicum positions.

In the spring of 2016, graduate students from USN had the opportunity to visit McMaster and complete two-week observational clinical placements – with one student placed at St. Joseph’s Healthcare and the other at Shalom Village.

 Global Health News