Nursing Student Aubrey James of Ferdinand Leads Wellness Program in England

2011 Oct 28

Ten University of Evansville senior nursing students studying at Harlaxton College - UE's British campus near Grantham, England - recently surveyed their peers at Harlaxton about health-related needs. The results showed that while studying abroad is a life-transforming opportunity, it also can create significant changes in students' everyday habits and routines.

To educate Harlaxton students about healthy lifestyle choices, the group of nursing students - including Aubrey James, a Forest Park High School graduate from Ferdinand - held a program called "Wellness Abroad" on October 28. The health fair consisted of seven booths, each with interactive activities exploring a different topic: nutrition, sleep, alcohol, fitness, safety, hygiene, stress management, and homesickness.

"Aubrey James and other senior nursing students should be very proud of their work in surveying their peers at Harlaxton and, based on the response, providing education on important health topics," said UE associate professor of nursing Kathy Lever, who is teaching this fall at Harlaxton. "By encouraging students to maintain their health, the Wellness Abroad program will help them make the most of their remaining time in England."

Harlaxton College, housed in a 120-room Victorian manor in England's East Midlands, has served as the University of Evansville's British campus since 1971. Nursing students who study at Harlaxton learn about the British health care system and experience nursing in another culture. Students from all majors enroll in an interdisciplinary core course, The British Experience, while choosing from a range of liberal arts and pre-professional classes.

Optional weekend trips to destinations such as London, Paris, Ireland, Wales, and the Lake District in northern England provide students with opportunities to engage the culture in Britain and beyond. While at Harlaxton, students may participate in the popular Meet-a-Family program, athletics, and other activities.

Harlaxton's British faculty is supplemented by visiting faculty members from American institutions. For the Fall 2011 semester, students and visiting faculty come from 13 U.S. colleges and universities in addition to the University of Evansville.