Dr. Caroline Porr thinks first-hand interaction is the best teacher when it comes to getting nursing students thinking about building therapeutic relationships with patients who have different cultural health beliefs and cultural traditions.

That’s why the School of Nursing assistant professor invited several of Memorial’s international students who come from countries around the world, such as China, Iran, India, Nigeria and Belize, to chat with first-year bachelor of nursing students.

Dr. Porr wants students to actively engage with people from other cultures while learning about global traditions described in their textbooks. This is the third consecutive year she has created the "international classroom."

“The international students tell me how much they enjoy sharing with nursing students and the students are fascinated with the stories that reflect different traditions and customs surrounding birth and death,” she said.

Dr. Porr says the session provides an opportunity for students to ask questions about, for example, ceremonies during pregnancy and birth in India. Dipping a gold ring in honey and placing it on the newborn’s lips is one example of a Hindu tradition carried out to welcome and name a baby.

“Overall there is fabulous engagement with tremendous respect and appreciation,” said Dr. Porr. “It’s a powerful opportunity for nursing students to learn what is important to remember when building therapeutic relationships with patients who may be celebrating a child’s birth or grieving the loss of a loved one.”