"King's College London has given me another view of nursing."
Mónica Zarraluqui, a third-year nursing student at the University of Navarra, has taken the second semester course at the prestigious British university.
PHOTO: Manuel Castells
What has your exchange consisted of?
I have taken part of the second semester of third year at the King's College London. The great advantage I had was that I was the only non-English speaker in the classes and this forced me to immerse myself in language and to adapt quickly to the English way of participating in class .
On the other hand, I had to adapt to a system educational very different from ours, where the classes are a complement: what is really important is the individual work of research that each student does. This system has its advantages and disadvantages, but for me it has helped me to be more self-confident and to have more initiative.
What made you decide to do it?
I found it a very enriching experience, both at staff and at a professional level. I was attracted by the fact of getting to know another vision of nursing and another culture. I also saw it as another opportunity to improve my English.
What would you highlight about King's College London and the program in general?
Firstly, I would highlight the prestige of the center. It has one of the best nursing Schools in the UK and Europe, with a great track record and experience and with a wide variety of postgraduate programs. It is also well known for the quality of its professors.
Secondly, I would like to highlight the welcome of the teachers who have been attentive to my integration in the classes and the evolution of my work from research. They have guided and helped me at all times.
Thirdly, the location of the university. London is an exciting, multicultural city.
Would you encourage the rest of your classmates to do a exchange?
Yes, not only for the academic enrichment but also for the cultural aspect. In this sense, I encourage them to improve their level of English because it is important to follow the classes and communicate. It is one of the keys to success to make the most of this experience.