Three students from the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa (SONAM-EA), are currently participating in the Erasmus+ mobility programme at the University of Gävle, Sweden. This exchange initiative began in August 2025 and will run until mid-November 2025.
Erasmus+, an initiative of the European Union, supports international academic exchanges that promote learning, innovation, and intercultural collaboration. The programme provides students with opportunity to broaden their knowledge, establish professional networks, and receive exposure to other healthcare systems, all of which enrich nursing education and practice.
Representing SONAM-EA are Prisca Tarimo, Kisimbi Mressa, and Isaack Mwambe, all pursuing the Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing (MSc APN) in Tanzania. The students are engaging in advanced coursework, research activities, and professional exchanges designed to enhance their academic and clinical competence.
For Prisca Tarimo, the Erasmus+ scholarship is more than a travel opportunity, as it is a chance to grow as a nurse leader. “Exposure to diverse health systems strengthens our ability to adapt, innovate, and implement evidence-based practice,” she said. Her goal is to become a change agent who influences policy and improves clinical outcomes in Tanzania.
Kisimbi Mressa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of learning from developed healthcare systems. “Global exposure strengthens, not replaces, local commitment,” she noted. This experience is deepening her skills in thesis writing, peer review, and academic collaboration, preparing her to mentor others and promote research culture within SONAM-EA.
For Isaack Mwambe, the opportunity represents an important step toward his vision of leadership in advanced practice nursing. “It’s a platform to learn, share, and contribute to global health care,” he said. “Through this exchange, I’m gaining skills in research, clinical leadership, and innovation that I hope to apply in strengthening healthcare systems in Tanzania and East Africa.”
Each student navigated a rigorous application process: crafting motivation letters, securing recommendations, and articulating their vision for nursing leadership. Balancing academic, clinical, and research responsibilities was a common challenge, but all three overcame it through time management, mentorship, and a clear sense of purpose.
At the University of Gävle, they’re engaging in dual supervision, clinical field visits, and interdisciplinary collaboration, core elements of the Erasmus+ experience. These activities are enriching their understanding of patient-centred care, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice.
The trio is also committed to translating their international experiences into local impact. Through mentorship, curriculum development, and collaborative research, they aim to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery across East Africa.
Mressa highlights another important takeaway: cultural competence. “Connecting with students from Ethiopia, nurses from Gävle hospitals, and peers from other parts of the world has broadened my understanding and improved my communication and teamwork skills,” she said.
As they continue their journey in Sweden, the three students carry with them a shared vision: to return with new knowledge and renewed purpose.
