# Overseas Exchange Programme on Global and Sustainable Health - Savonia AMK

> Global and Sustainable Health project funded by Team Finland Knowledge (TFK).

## Project Background
Collaboration between universities can start from a small, tentative contact and grow into a multi-year partnership. Singapore Institute of Technology, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and JAMK University of Applied Sciences are currently implementing their second Team Finland Knowledge (TFK)-funded Asia project, aimed at strengthening international and interprofessional cooperation in social and health care. 

During the first project TFK (FUGA 2020-2022) a five-credit online course focusing on digitalization in rehabilitation was implemented. The COVID–19 pandemic fostered innovation in international learning and teaching using online platforms and webinars to offer international collaboration for students without travelling. The way of teaching and learning was in line with Kazley et al (2024) and the results of the first project were promising. In the next project round, the partners planned and implemented a multidisciplinary intensive course, first in Kuopio and next autumn in Singapore.

## Programme Overview
This enriching overseas exchange programme focused on global and sustainable health, bringing together a diverse group of students and healthcare professionals to explore and address pressing health issues. The programme included physiotherapy students, occupational therapy students, a speech therapy student, a nurse, and various healthcare administrators, creating a multidisciplinary environment conducive to learning and collaboration.

The intensive week at Savonia-UAS was part of a project funded by TFK to jointly develop a 5 ECTS course for students on Global and Sustainable Health. The main aim of the consortium is to develop and implement two courses, each worth 5 ECTS credits, at EQF level 7. Each partner HEI recruits 5 students per course. Upon successful completion, students receive certification and course accreditation. At Savonia, TUAS, and Jamk, these courses are electives for Master of Health Care students. At SIT, they are available to final-year undergraduates in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy.

## Course Structure
The first edition of the course consisted of a virtual part and an intensive week at Savonia-UAS in Kuopio:
*   **Virtual Part:** Introductory lecture and course information, followed by independent study and a learning task.
*   **Intensive Week:** Lectures by various experts, group work, and joint presentations.
*   **Post-Intensive:** Independent work on the course theme in the form of a learning assignment.

## Primary Objectives
1.  **Identify and Discuss Global Health Issues:** Participants engaged in workshops to understand the complexities of global health challenges, health advocacy, diplomacy, and the roles of global health actors.
2.  **Explore and Compare Healthcare Strategies:** The programme provided a platform to compare healthcare strategies for the ageing population, including policies, practices, and innovations from different countries.
3.  **Evaluate Potential Areas of Rehabilitation Sustainability:** Participants evaluated sustainable rehabilitation practices through hands-on experiences and exposure to innovative techniques.

## Nature and Cultural Immersion
A highlight of the programme was the exposure of students from Singapore to nature rehabilitation and Finnish culture:
*   **Nature Rehabilitation:** Students participated in Nordic walking sessions to Puijo tower, highlighting the importance of outdoor activities in rehabilitation.
*   **Finnish Culture:** Students experienced traditional Finnish saunas, swimming in lakes, and local cuisine.
*   **Environmental Factors:** Participants witnessed the auroras in Kuopio, emphasizing the role of environmental factors in health and well-being.
*   **Environmental Physiotherapy:** The course introduced environmental physiotherapy, focusing on how air quality, water quality, and access to green spaces influence physical and mental well-being (Maric & Nicholls 2019).

## Authors
*   **Lee-Moling Mauricette**, PhD, Assistant Professor, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
*   **Katajapuu Niina**, PhD, Principal lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland
*   **Sihvonen Sanna**, PhD, Principal lecturer, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Finland
*   **Äijö Marja**, PhD, Principal lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

## References
*   Kazley, Abby Swanson et al. “International and Interprofessional Collaboration: An Innovative Week of Learning Across Three Professions, Three Universities, and One Ocean.” *Nursing education perspectives* 45.3 (2024): 192–193.
*   Maric F, Nicholls D. A call for a new environmental physiotherapy-An editorial. *Physiotherapy Theory and Practice* (2019): 35(10) 905–907. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2019.1632006