Exchange Programme

International student exchange is a unique concept initiated by the Department of higher Education, state of Vaud, Switzerland with partnering Institutions of HESAV, LA SOURCE, Switzerland & PSG College of Nursing, and Coimbatore, India. As part of this agreement, we have “Indian Experience” in the month of January and “Summer University” during the month of June in Switzerland every year since 2012 onwards. The Indian experience 2019 was hosted by PSG College of Nursing from 7th to 30th of January 2019. About 30 students, 15 from PSG College of Nursing, 9 from La source & 6 of them from HESAV, Switzerland with 4 faculty participated. The Co-ordinators of the program were Mrs. Rajeswari. S, Associate Professor & Mrs. Sofiya Princess Hema, Assistant Professor, PSG College of Nursing.

The theme of this year was “Current trends and approaches in health care delivery system for vulnerable population”

The programme started on 7th of January 2019. Various lecture sessions and Panel Discussion were organized based on the theme by the experts. Students were given a topic for seminar presentation. This helped them to gain an insight into the care of vulnerable population. Students have visited various organizations like, Thaayagam –a home for destitute women, families for children- an organization for providing welfare services for special children, Juvenile delinquent home,(run by Government of India) Cheshire home- a home for mentally challenged adults, IRC –a school for children of deaf, Blind Centre offering educational services for visually challenged individuals, Prashanty Academy –which provides extra ordinary rehabilitative services with high tech approach for children with autism, Down syndrome and mentally challenged, Mother Teresa old age home & Shanti Ashram-centre for collaboration providing community health services to the downtrodden people. This gave them a chance to explore and enrich the diverse health services in India, thereby to improve the quality and compassionate nursing care for vulnerable population in their practice. Visit to Indian Ayurvedic Hospital was arranged to gain an insight into the alternative system of medicine in India.

Students had an opportunity to witness the nursing experience through clinical postings in the medical, surgical, emergency, paediatric & psychiatric areas and had a discussion in the area of pediatrics and OBG from experts. They presented case scenarios too. They had an opportunity to visit simulation lab in PSG Hospitals. They also had an opportunity to witness the solemn ceremony of our 25th Lamp lighting ceremony and founders day celebration.

Dinner with Trustee was arranged on 22.01.2019 for Swiss & Malaysian students and faculty. The students also travelled in double tucker bus in view of Kovai vizha-2019 from V.O.C park to prozone mall.

The Nursing Students of College of Nursing organized traditional welcome for them to cherish the experiences of Indian cultural events & cultural exchange. Swiss students enjoyed the art and festivals of south India, the pongal celebration in PSG Tech, PSG CAS, PSG Medical Campus, Anupatty, where they celebrated pongal with Old Age People in Nishanthm home and Maatu Pongal in Kethanur.

Students had an opportunity to witness historical places and religious monuments like Perur temple & Isha Yoga Centre. The Students and faculty of Indian Experience 2019 had a weekend trip to Kerala and Athirapally falls for 2 days.

Students had an opportunity to witness the flag hoisting ceremony of 70th Republic Day at PSGIMS&R ground. Students had an exchange of cuisine between Indian and Swiss on 30th of January 2019,they had a special lunch at our college hostel and the programme completed with the valediction and distribution of certificates. Feedback was obtained from them. Students and faculty check out on 31st of January 2019.

The 11 Nursing students (5 boys and 6 girls) from AIMST University had undergone clinical training at PSG Hospitals from 11.01.2019 to 25.01.2019. The students also participated in various traditional events like Pongal celebration & Founders day celebration of our PSG Institutions.

The Summer University 2018 Programme was held at Institute Haute Ecole de la Santé La Source – Lausanne Switzerland from 4th June to 28th June 2018. with a theme “Disaster Nursing Preparedness: Serene Awareness”. Mr. M. Baskaran, Associate Professor, Mental Health Nursing Department and 10 B.Sc Nursing students participated in the programme. The students from Boston College of Nursing USA, San Diego State University USA & Hong – Kong Polytechnic University and Switzerland have also been part of this programme.

The programme covered lectures on Disaster Nursing, Swiss Disaster System, Workshops, Practical Training and Presentations from invited professors. The students had opportunity to visit United Nation, Red Cross Society and Switzerland Army organized by Summer University and participated in trekking and other social activities in Alps.

International Student Exchange is a unique concept initiated by the Department of Higher Education, State of Vaud, Switzerland with partnering Institutions of HESAV, LA SOURCE, Switzerland & PSG College of Nursing, Coimbatore, India. The Indian experience- 2018 was hosted by PSG College of Nursing from 8th to 31st of January, 2018. There were 30 students, 18 were from Switzerland (12 of them from La Source & 6 of them from HESAV) and 12 were from PSG College of Nursing. Two faculty from each La Source and Hesav University also participated. The theme of this year was “Golden Moments to bridge the gap: Fostering our Future Nurses with Team Dynamics for Quality Health Care Delivery.”

The programme started on 8th of January, 2018. Various Lecture sessions, Panel Discussions and Team building activities were organized based on the theme by the experts. These programs helped them to gain a more international perspective of diverse nursing environments. Students have visited various health care organizations like Prashanthi Academy, a school for children with Autism, Down syndrome and mentally challenged children and Shanthi Ashram. This gave them a chance to explore and enrich skills of Team dynamics. Visit to Indian Ayurvedic Hospital was arranged to gain an insight into the alternate system of medicine in India.

The Nursing students of our College of Nursing organized traditional welcome for them to cherish the experiences of Indian cultural events & cultural exchange. Swiss students enjoyed the art and festivals of South India, the Pongal celebration in PSG CAS, PSG Medical campus, Karadivavi, where they have celebrated Pongal with Old age people in Nishanthm and Mattu Pongal in Negamam nearby Pollachi.

Students had an opportunity to witness Historical places and religious monuments like Perur, Maruthamalai Temple and Isha Yoga Centre. The students and faculty of Indian Experience 2018 had a weekend trip to Kerala (Munnar, Aleppy and Cochin) for three days. Students had an exchange of Cuisine between Indian and Swiss on 31st of January 2018 and the programme completed on 31st with the valediction and distributed certificate to them. Feedback was obtained from them. Students and Faculty are checking out on 1st of Feb’2018.

‘Summer University 2017’ was scheduled from 17th June to 15th July 2017. The theme was ‘Nursing Challenges Facing Vulnerability and Introduction to Disaster Nursing’. A group of 10 students participated under the guidance of Prof.Nirmala.M. Along with PSG College of Nursing, other country students (Chile, China, Hong – Kong, South Korea, Singapore, USA and Switzerland) were also participated.

The programme covered lectures on Disaster Nursing, Swiss Disaster System, Workshops, Practical Training and Presentations from invited professors. The students had opportunity to visit United Nations, Red Cross Society and Swiss Parliament organized by Summer University and also they visited trekking and other social activities in Alps.

The Indian Experience Programme was scheduled from 2nd to 26th January 2017. The theme was “Holistic Therapies- An Approach To Health Care” The participants were 18 Nursing students and four faculty from La Source and Hesav University, Switzerland. Indian students were 13 in number from PSG College of Nursing. The programme co-coordinators were Prof. Nirmala.M and Mr.Baskaran M.

03.01.2017-Inauguration There was an official inauguration on January 3rd 2017. Dr. Malarvizhi. G, Principal incharge welcomed the participants and gave an overview about the institution. Prof. Esther Daisy Joel oriented about the tamil culture and spoken tamil. Prof. Nirmala.M gave an overview about the programme and all participants were given a kit.

04.01.2017 : Accupuncture Dr.Vengudapathy gave an enlightening talk on acupuncture, diagnosing diseases and treatment of various ailments using acupuncture. He also demonstrated few acupuncture techniques to the students.

Indian Ayurvedic Hospital Research Centre The students and faculty members had visited the Indian Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre at Ganapthy on 04.01.2017 at 9 a.m. Dr. Beenish oriented about the inpatient and outpatient department and the therapy rooms, Medication preparation areas and the field areas of herbal plant cultivation. They explained and shown the demonstration of various therapies like oil massage, bundle massage and darras and the panchakarma treatments. The common ailments treated were disc prolapse, arthritis, depression, stress, alzhiemers disease, diabetes etc. They discovered the bliss of true health.

04.01.2017: Mind Matters An interactive session on ‘Mind Matters’ was organized for the nursing students and faculties from Switzerland on 04.01.2017. Shri Mohanji, Art of Living teacher and disciple of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducted the session. He described about mind, how it get controlled, and importance of knowing self. Then he conducted practical session on meditation. All students and staff actively participated.

05.01.2017: Yogatherapy & Laughter Therapy As a part of Indian Experience -2017, PSG College of Nursing organized a programme on ‘Yoga therapy & Laughter therapy’ on 05.01.2017 at 9 am. Prof.Prahalad Singh Chakar from JSS Institute of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences conducted the sessions. It started with lecture on various aspects of yoga followed by practical sessions on yogasanas and laughter therapy.

05.01.2017: Traditional Welcome A traditional welcomewas organized with variety of songs, cultural festivals and variety shows by Indian students about Indian culture. Swiss students introduced themselves with scenic views from swiss.

06.01.2017:JSS College of Yogic and Naturopathy The students and faculty visited the JSS College of Naturopathy and Yogic Science, Madukkarai. which is a 150 bedded teaching institution. Dr. Vibas, Professor Dept of Yogic Science took a session regarding course description, yogic science, treatments provided in naturopathy and campus overview. Dr. Kavitha, Professor, Department of Naturopathy took the students to various departments like Anatomy lab, Physiology lab, Biochemistry lab and herbal garden etc..

07.01.2017:The students visited the Perur Temple, ISHA Yoga Centre, observed historical temple & yoga centre and Karunya University. They were explained on the history and other important features of the temple. They also visited the places in and around the Yoga Centre and Dhiyanalingam.

09.01.2017: Thudialur PHC The students and faculty members visited the Primary Health Centre, Thudiyalur on 09.01.2017 at 10 a.m. Orientation was given on different areas like Pharmacy, Lab, DOTS, ICTC, NCD Clinic, Labour ward and Siddha OP of the PHC. The staffing pattern and main activities of the Primary Health Centre was explained. National Health programs and Government schemes for the public were also discussed. They learned about the community programmes in India, home health services and role of Nursing.

R.V.S. Siddha Medical College, Coimbatore:On 09.01.17 students visited RVS Siddha Medical College. Dr.Azhagarasi, HOD, Department of Pharmacology explained about Origin of Siddha and the concept of Siddha medicine, principles of Siddha , salient features of Siddha medicine. Visited the laboratory and also they have explained about the preparation of medicines and equipments used for the preparation. They appreciated the integration of Siddha in health care.

10.01.2017 : RVS Homeopathy and Ayurveda Medical CollegeIn RVS Homeopathy Medical College, Prof.Ramachandran explained about the history of homeopathy, process, sources and preparation of homeopathic medicines and treatment modalities for various diseases like auto immune diseases. The students actively participated and visited different laboratories in the college.

In RVS Ayurvedic Medical College, Prof. Chacko described about the Vedas and importance of Ayurveda, uses of various medicinal plants and its methods of preparation. The students also visited the herbal garden and Panchakarma centre.

11.01.2017: Students were taken to Anaikatty, PSG Centre Programme for various Physical & mental activities to boost up the brain energy. Prof. Meera, PSG College of Nursing, Mr. Harish and Mr. Manjoor Ali faculty of PSG Institute of Management conducted various team building activities for the students. They also visited the Natural biosphere park.

12.01.2017: Vaidyagrama Students got an opportunity to visit Vaidyagrama, a green authentic ayurveda healing village on 12-01-2017. They were welcomed by Dr.Samuvel and Mrs.Latha, Programme Co-ordinators. After the introduction, the Chief Medical Officer explained about the importance of ayurveda, various authentic ayurveda procedures and the salient features of Vaidyagrama. They took the students to different patient blocks, medicinal garden and Balagrama. They got the opportunity to see the various ayurvedic treatments including prayers and pujas on the campus. The plan and the design of vaidyagrama is in concurrence with the modern architectural norms, as also keeping with the ancient Vasthu Shastra norms. Vaidyagrama also follows the principles of an ideal Ayurveda center as prescribed in the classical Ayurveda texts.

13.01.2017 : For the Pongal Celebrations the students visited the College of PSG Arts & Sciences. They had a warm welcome by the Principal, Faculty and students. All the Swiss students and Indian students were overwhelmed with joy in preparing pongal. They also danced and enjoyed the traditional folk music and variety of cultural events conducted by the PSG Arts and Science College students.

14.01.2017 to 15.01.2017 Week end trip : A week end trip was planned to Allepy and Cochin, Kerala. They visited Alappuzha beach, boat house, cochin harbor and Lulu Mall for shopping. They enjoyed the trip.

16.01.2017 to 24.01.2017:Students had their clinical postings at PSG Hospitals for 7 days in various wards and also visited community. Students had a rich experience, taken care of patients with different disease conditions, observed treatment at emergency department, participated in diversional activities along with patients in psychiatry ward, assessed and cared for antenatal, post natal mothers and children. They also collected history performed physical assessment with help of PSG students posted in the concerned wards and presented the cases.

21.01.2017: Students and faculty visited Shanthi Ashram with the goals of revisiting the Ghandhian vision, Sharing the Ashram’s experience in engaging young volunteers, rural women & children in community service, Reviewing the Asram’s child health programmes and field visit to Bala Shanthi Kendra’s and service villages.

24.01.2017: Students and Faculty visited the PSG Manavar Illam, welcomed by the Trustee Shri. L. Gopalakrishnan. They have distributed the stationeries and needed things to all the students and had dinner along with the students.

25.01.2017: Based on the theme “Holistic Therapies- An Approach To Health Care” the students were divided into five groups and presented the seminar on various topics. During presentation the students compared the therapies between Indian context to swiss practice. It was evaluated by the experts and awarded with the marks.

The participants of Indian Experience 2017 and faculty of PSG College of Nursing gathered for the cultural exchange and closing ceremony at 2.00pm.

The event started with a prayer song. Dr. Malarvizhi.G, Principal i/c, felicitated the gathering. She explained about the reason for selecting the theme – “Holistic Therapies- An Approach To Health Care”.

Followed by which the Swiss faculty shared their experience and expressed gratitude for arranging the program. Student representatives from Switzerland and India also shared their experiences. There was a video show by the Swiss students depicting the culture and tradition of Switzerland including the festivals, dance, music, sports and food. There were also videos on the landscape and weather of Switzerland.

Indian students screened videos on marriage ceremonies of Hindus, Christians and Muslims. There were also videos on the rich culture of India and slideshow of the photos taken during Indian experience – 2017. The participant certificates were issued by Dr. Malarvizhi.G Principal Incharge and feedback forms were also collected. Followed by that students prepared Indian and Swiss Cuisine on with various dishes and the delicious dishes were tasted and enjoyed by students and faculty.

The programmes planned were meaningful and relevant to both group of students, promoted awareness on Indian culture, cultivated values, boosted knowledge and perception helped to develop positive attitude and empowered the youth for profession as well as for life.
Integrating other system of medicine like complementary and alternative therapy will be beneficial to patient. Nursing care therapies within these disciplines has greater scope in future. Competencies and acquiring skills in these complementary therapies will enhance the quality of nursing care in current health care system. In view of this, the sessions and practical experiences enlightened the students about the holistic therapies.

The International Student Exchange Programme between Ecole Haute Lasource, Lausanne, State of Vaud, Switzerland and PSG College of Nursing is an ongoing programme for the past seven years.

Ten students and Prof.Sreerenjini attended the programme from 20th June 2016 to 15th July 2016 based on the Theme “Nursing Leadership from Bedside to Parliament”. There were 50 students from five Institutions participated in the programme. The participated institutions were PSG College of Nursing, Coimbatore, India, San Diego State University, USA, Wuxi Jiagnan University Medical School, Wuxi, China, Hongkong and students from Institute of Ecole Haute Lasource, Switzerland.

The programme covered lectures on Leadership in Nursing, Swiss Political system, workshops, practical training and presentations from invited professors. They arranged visits to WHO, Red Cross Society, Rehabilitation Home for Mentally Ill Patients and Swiss parliament. They also went for trekking and other social activities in Alps. Based on the theme, students from each country presented nursing leadership opportunities in their own countries. They also did Poster presentation based on the theme and the best poster was awarded.

Summer University 2016 had created a forum to the participants to exchange and experience their views and compare the healthcare delivery system and leadership opportunities between various countries.

As part of Inter Professional Project, four students (two Medical and two Nursing) along with one faculty from University of Applied Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland in Collaboration with PSG College of Nursing carried out a project on ‘Malnutrition and its impact on tuberculosis treatment’ for the period of three weeks from 10.06.16 to 01.07.16.

Data was collected in different settings like Government DOTS Centre in Urban and Rural areas and also in PSG Hospitals. They interviewed Medical Officers, Nurses, Dietician, Senior Treatment Supervisors (STS), Senior Laboratory Supervisors (STLS), Health Workers and also NGO’s participating in Tuberculosis Programme. They also visited IRT TB Sanatorium, Perundurai on 20.06.16. Dr.G.Malarvizhi, Principal i/c and Prof.P.Sathya, HOD, Dept.of Community Health Nursing from PSG College of Nursing participated in the project.

The programme was scheduled from January 4th to 29th. The theme was Technology navigating the future of health. The participants were 18 nursing students from La Source and Hesav university, Switzerland and four faculty came and worked for 2 weeks each pair. Indian students were 12 in number from PSG College of Nursing, Coimbatore. The programme co-coordinators were Prof Meera Saravanan and Prof.BSreerenjini. There was official inauguration on January 4th followed by orientation to Tamil and Tamil culture. All participants were given a kit.

They were taken on observation visit to PSG College of Technology, PSG College of Arts and Science, PSG Hospitals, Sankara Eye Hospital, Indian Ayurvedic Centre, Shanthi Ashram, ISHA Yoga Centre, Vedapatti Rural Health Centre, Kasthuri Sreenivasa Trust Art Gallery and Textile Museum and Families for Children.

One day they were taken to Annaikatty, PSG Centre where resource person from PSG Institute of Management organized various physical and mental activities. Traditional welcome was given by the student body on 06.01.2016.Dr Vivek delivered a lecture session on Internet Health Care.Swiss students witnessed Pongal festival at PSG College of Arts and Science and at Arasur village.They went on a 3 days trip to Kerala.

The students were in clinical postings at PSG Hospitals from 18.01.2016 to 25.01.2016.They presented about the clinical case learning as group wise at the end of the posting. The swiss students participated in the Republic Day Flag hoisting and they spent time with PSG students at the PSG hostel and had lunch there. They did a seminar presentation on the theme as group wise and were evaluated by both our PSG and Swiss faculty.

The PSG students showed a film show on India and its culture. The Swiss students prepared their few dishes and displayed them and shared those items. They were provided with certificates and feedback was also obtained on 28.01.2016.

Ms.Christine Roberts, Scholarships Programme Manager for Education, New Zealand visited PSG College of Nursing and PSG Hospitals on 15th December 2015 for future students exchange programme.

As part of inter professional project, four students (two Medical & two Nursing) and a faculty from University of Applied Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland in collaboration with PSG College of Nursing undertook a research project to observe the health care practices for newborn and mother since birth to two months in hospital and community areas for the period of three weeks from 08/06/15 to 26/06/15.

The Summer University 2015 Programme was held at Hesav School of Nursing and Ecole Lasource School of Nursing, Switzerland with a theme “International Perspective of Nursing care: one aim, Multiple Approaches” Prof. S Baby, HOD, Maternity Nursing Department and 10 B.Sc Nursing students participated in the programme from 2nd June 2015 to 26th June 2015.

The theme of the programme was “International perspective of nursing care: one aim, multiple approaches” was organized in the form of lectures with discussions, research study presentations, field visits and visit to clinical setting. Professors and students from PSG College of Nursing, India, Boston College of Nursing, USA, National University, Singapore, Jiangnan University, China, University of Catholica, Chile, HESAV School of Nursing & La Source School of Nursing, Switzerland participated in this programme.

Orientation to the institutions and Political and Health System: Organization, Access, Costs was discussed by faculty from different countries. Sessions were held on Politics and strategies vis-à-vis from vulnerability and Ethics and Nursing and Health promotion and prevention, patient empowerment were held between June 3rd to 5th June.

On June 8th Nursing Science Symposium was held and Dr. Callista Roy, Nursing theorist currently in Boston College of Nursing presented her theory of Adaptation and discussed on theory building for future.

Students had 4 days of clinical training in various wards in CHUV Hospital in HESAV and Psychiatric and Geriatric homes in different places in Laussane. Students had an opportunity to observe the clinical practices and nursing care provided in different settings of the country.

End of life and rites of death : how to accompany patients and families in death and various issues on Nursing and Immigration was discussed and workshops were conducted on how to become a immigrant friendly nurse on June 11th and 12th.

On 13th visit to chocolate factory and Gruyere village was arranged where students had opportunity to observe chocolate making and enjoyed the trip towards countryside enjoying the vineyards on the way.

Lectures and demonstrations on Polyphony in psychiatry, Psychosis and anxiety and Complementary medicine – Chinese traditional medicine, Indian traditional medicine aroused the interest of students on 15th and 16th June.

Sessions were held by faculty of Lasource on political and health system in Switzerland and lecture of Ageing in India was dealt by Prof. S Baby and Ageing in China by faculty from China. Students also had small group discussions followed by presentation centered around the theme.

On June 22nd there was a trip to Alps headed by faculty of La source enjoying Lake Thane and on June 23rd students and faculty had a visit to Geneva and some of its international organizations like United Nations Organizations (UNO), United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Red Cross.

Students had their group presentations on June 25th and they all the students actively participated and appreciated the similarities and differences between the country. The programme ended with closing ceremony on 25.06.2015 and certificates were issued and students and faculty returned on 27.06.2015.

Dr Malarvizhi G, Vice-Principal and Mrs.Leena J, Associate Professor, PSG College of Nursing had been to the Institute of HEdS La Source Nursing Institute , Lausanne, Switzerland for the Faculty exchange programme on development of joint pedagogical partnership projects from 1st to 15th May 2015.

The Vice-Director and Dean of Education Dean Prof. Anne-Claude Allin and Prof. Yuan Durrenberger, Head of Department of Education Innovation (CIIP) oriented about the programme and Nursing education system in Switzerland.

They observed and had interactions on simulation based learning techniques, Problem based learning, evaluation methods adopted in their curriculum. Sessions on innovative teaching methods like learning through smart games and students assessments were organized.

Interactive sessions about family and children learning modules and supervised personal work, perceptorship programme conducted at University of Applied Sciences Lausanne and preceptor’s role in clinical learning of nursing students was organized. Dr.Malarvizhi discussed with the faculty and students about the interprofessional project planned for 2015 at PSGCN.

The programme came to an end with a wrap up session, exchanges about future collaborations.

The Indian Experience 2015 started on 05.01.2015 with 20 students from Haute Ecole de Sante Vaud (HESAV), Switzerland, Haute Ecole de la Sante, Switzerland and 10 students from PSG College of Nursing.

The programme started with a welcome and orientation to PSG College of Nursing and PSG Hospitals. They were traditionally welcomed with variety of songs, cultural festivals and variety shows by Indian students. Students visited PSG College of Arts & Science and PSG Sarvajana School.

The Swiss students & the faculty had a visit to Marudamalai temple on the hill top and learned our way of worshiping God and they enjoyed the nature surrounding the hills.

Students and faculty visited Neelambur Anganwadi on 08.01.15 They were explained about the objectives and functions of Anganwadi. Students tried to get along with the children through some activities & also they tasted the nutrition balls.

Students visited the RK Nature Cure Center, Ganapathy on 8.01.2015. Dr.Shilpa Medical Director, introduced different forms of treatment rendered in house as Hydrotherapy,Steam therapy,Massage,Mud Therapy and Yoga. She also explained about treatment regimen for the more existing and threatening chronic diseases.

Students and faculty visited Shanthi Ashram with the goals of revisiting the Ghandhian vision , Sharing the Asram’s experience in engaging young volunteers, rural women & children in community service, Rewiewing the Asram’s child health programmes and field visit to Bala Shanthi Kendra’s and service villages.Dr.S.R.Subramanian, Head, Sustainable development program explained about the history of shanti ashram and concept of Sarvodaya. Field visit to Bala shanti Kendra, a school for vulnerable children, which include the running of 11 schools and programs with focus on ethics, education, health, nutrition & participation. Interactive session with youth leadership programme. Led by Mr.G.Vijayaraghavan, Head, Youth leadership Program engages youth in local governance, community development, transformational leadership and community service.

Students and faculty from Switzerland and PSG College of Nursing visited Perur Temple on 10.01.15. They were explained on the history and other important features of the temple followed by ISHA Yoga Centre, where they are explained about the history and other features of the yoga centre. They visited the places in and around the yoga centre and Dhiyanalingam , where they performed dhiyanam for 15 minutes.

Students visited the Families for Children (FFC) Podanur Junction, near the city of Coimbatore on 12.01.2015. They were received and oriented by Ms. Jagadheeswari. They have over 300 children residing there. FFC has a large Special Care Center for young adults who are mentally and/or physically handicapped. They have children with cerebral palsy, post-polio children, and those with a variety of special medical needs.

They show-cased the many craft items being created and produced at FFC, and in particular high-lighted the emphasis on “Up-Cycling” or making valuable items from materials which would otherwise be discarded as garbage. Students and faculty left after having a fun filled and touching experience with the children.

Students and faculty visited Anbu Illam, a Self Help Group and were guided by a staff there and were able to see the manufacturing of different styles of bags made of jute. A panel discussion was arranged on 13th January, 2015 on the theme of: YUVASAKTHI; Youth power as a changing agent at PSG College of Nursing. The Moderator for the panel was Dr. Elizabeth Jean Abraham, Principal, PSG College of Nursing and there were four panelists of experts who deliberated their views on Tapping Youth Potential, Youth who made a Difference, Youth as Change Agents and Role of Young Health Care Professional. Panelists were Prof. Esther Daisy Meerabai Joel, Prof. Meera Saravanan, Mrs. Anne Gerber and Dr. Pavai Arunachalam. Ten Indian students and 20 Switzerland students participated as audience and actively involved in discussion and it boosted up the young students to be motivated to bring changes in the development of their country.

On 13th afternoon, students had a lecture on Health Care Delivery System in India and about documentation of medical records.

Students were given an opportunity to meet students from other disciplines. Five students from each college namely Krishnammal College for Women, PSG College of Arts& Science, PSG Institute of Management, PSG College of Pharmacy, PSG College of Physiotherapy and 10 students from PSG college of Nursing participated in the interaction. The interaction was based on the theme “Yuva Sakthi” meaning youth power. The students actively took part in the interaction .They had the discussion regarding the youth challenges, profession, their interests, life styles & culture. Feedback sought from the participants expressed that the interaction gave them the opportunity to know about each other’s culture, tradition, experiences, ideas, etc. They also suggested for similar interaction in the future.

Students and faculty of Switzerland and PSG college of Nursing went to Odanthurai and Kethanur for Pongal celebrations on 14th,15th and 16thJanuary. They had a warm welcome by village panchayat and President in both the places. All the Swiss students and Indian students were overwhelmed with joy in preparing pongal. They also danced and enjoyed the traditional folk music there, visited the home in the villages and tasted the delicious Pongal prepared.

Students spent time Indian family by visiting students house and had an entertainment of watching an Indian movie.

Students had a trip to Pondichery and Mahabalipuram on 19th and 20th of January, they visited places around of interest like Paradise Beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Manakkula Vinayakar temple and Sea Shore temple at Mahabalipuram.

Students had their clinical postings at PSG Hospitals for 6 days in various wards and students who were interested to visit community were provided a chance to visit the community and do home visits. Students had a rich experience, saw patients with different disease conditions, observed treatment at emergency department, participated in diversional activities along with patients in psychiatry ward, assessed and cared for antenatal, post natal mothers and children. They also collected history performed physical assessment with help of PSG students posted in the concerned wards and presented the cases.

Students from all the three institutions were teamed and given topics for PRESENTATION. They presented on topics as Health care Delivery in Switzerland and India, Nursing Education in Switzerland and India, Nursing Practice in Switzerland and India, Adolescent health problems and its Management, Healthy Peer Relationship and Safe use of Technology.

Students prepared Indian and Swiss Cuisine on 29th January with various dishes and the delicious dishes were tasted and enjoyed by students and faculty.

The programmes planned were meaningful and relevant to both group of students, promoted awareness on Indian culture, cultivated values, boosted knowledge and perception helped to develop positive attitude and empowered the youth for profession and life.

The ‘Summer University 2014 Programme’ was held at Ecole Lasource School of Nursing and Hesav School of Nursing Switzerland Prof.A.Tamilselvi and 10 B.Sc Nursing students participated in this programme from 16th June 2014 to 11th July 2014.

The theme of the programme was ‘Faireness and access to health care vulnerable populations’. The programme was organized in the form of lecture with discussions, research study presentations, field visits and visit to different clinical setting. Professors and students from San Diego State University, USA, National University, Singapore, Jiangnan University – China and La Source School of Nursing and HESAV School of Nursing from Switzerland participated in this programme.

On 17.06.2014, Dr. Jean Watson, Nursing Theorist who has written ‘Watson’s Caring Theory of Nursing’, presented her theory and explained ‘Caring science as disciplinary foundation of nursing and health care’. Faculites from different institutions presented about their college and their health care system on 19.06.2014.

Prof.Blaise Quin Chard discussed about political health system in Switzerland and all students and fauclty visited house of parliament and discussed with Minister in parliament regarding political system in Switzerland and democracy of people in Switzerland on 20.06.2014.

On 21.06.2014, students and faculty visited wine making industry, bee raising and celebrated swiss cultural day by tasting some of the swiss dishes. ‘Workshops on ‘Ageing and access to health care and mental health similarities and differences beyond the culture’ was on 23rd and 24th June 2014. A lecture on ‘Maternity and cultural behaviour on children and care givers of different cultures’ was conducted on 26th and 27th June 2014. Students actively participated and appreciated the similarities and differences between the country.

The participants visited organizations like World Health Organization, United Nations, International Red Cross Society, International Council of Nurses on 25.06.2014. Workshop on ‘Encountering the pateint’ was conducted on 30.06.2014. Students had clinical posting in different hospitals and had an 1st , 2nd and 8th July 2014. Students had an opportunity to give care to the patients in their respective clinical areas from 1st to 8th July. Community based participatory research was presented by Prof.Philip. A Greiner on 7.7.2014 and had discussion and workshops on the same aspect to reflect on different country system.

All the students and faculties visited the chocolate factory on 5.7.2014 and tasted the different kinds of chocolate prepared. Prof.A.Tamilselvi from PSG College of Nursing presented about Indian Traditional Medicine and students had workshop on ‘Similarities and differences between the countries’ on 09.07.2014. The programme ended with closing cermeony on 10.07.2014 and certificates were distributed to the students. The group arrived coimbatore on 12.07.2014.

International Exchange Programme ‘Indian Experience 2014’ for Nursing students from Switzerland and PSG was held from 06.01.2014 to 30.01.2014 and for SDSU students from 05.01.2014 to 14.01.2014. During this time, both swiss and SDSU students have visited Shivanjali Trust, RK Naturopathy Centre, Vidhya Vikasini Opportunity School, Naturopathy Centre at PSG Hospitals, and Indian Ayurvedic Hospital, Coimbatore as a part of exchange programme. During their visit they also went to Perur temple and maruthamalai Temple. Students also had cultural exchange on 06.01.2014. As part of learning, Swiss students attended panel discussion on theme of the exchange programme ‘Youth and Millennium development goals: challenges and opportunities for implementation’ presented by experts from different field such as health, psychology and human resource department and youth. Students also presented seminar on different topics which were evaluated and graded and submitted to the concerned faculty from swiss.

Students also observed and participated in the Pongal celebration on 14.01.2014 at Oodanthurai and on 15.01.2014 at Kethanoor which was published in the Tamil newspaper ‘Thinamalar’. SDSU students went to Masinakudi Natural Park on 11.01.2014 and 12.01.2014 as part of week end trip and left to US from Coimbatore on 15.01.2014.

Swiss faculty, students along with students and faculty from PSG went for Kerala trip to Alappuzha beach, boat house and Thekkady from 17.01.2014 to 19.01.2014. All students enjoyed and appreciated the Kerala trip. Students attended International Conference on ‘Active Ageing’ on 21st January 2014 at PSG Auditorium.

Students clinical posting began from 22.01.2014 to 28.01.2014 and they were posted in different clinical areas such as medical wards, surgery wards, IMCU, paediatric ward, OG ward and also had one day stay posting in community at Karadivavi PSG Hospitals.

Both Swiss and PSG students actively participated in preparing swiss cusine and Indian dishes and shared their food on 29.01.2014.

Faculty from Swiss took classes on clinical assessment and communicating with person with Alzheimer’s disease for II & III year B.Sc Nursing students respectively.Indian experience 2014 programme was successfully completed on 30.01.2014 by issuing certificates to all students.

PSG College of Nursing has signed a MOU with Gilles Brooker Group Auckland, Newzealand on 26.09.2013. This MOU will facilitate collaborative opportunities in teaching, Research and development of educational opportunities for faculty and students.

As an initiation of MOU, a student exchange programme is organized by PSG College of Nursing for Undergraduate students from Manukau Institute of Technology School of Nursing and Health Studies (MIT) to learn the public health practices in India. This exchange will promote mutual learning between two parties.

The summer university programme was organized by Institute of HAUTE Ecole de la Sante ,La Source ,Lausanne and by HESAV, HAUTE ECOLE DE SANTE VAUD, State of VAUD, Lausanne, Switzerland from rd June to 28th June 2013.

The theme of the programme was “Fairness to healthcare for vulnerable population”. The participating institutions were PSG College of Nursing, Coimbatore, Tami Nadu, India and Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, USA.

One month programme was attended by 10 students, belonging to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year B.Sc Nursing of PSG College of Nursing. They were accompanied by 2 professors, namely, Prof.Dr.Subhadra Iyengar, PhD , HOD, Research Department and Prof.Esther Daisy Meera Bai Joel, HOD, Psychiatry Nursing Department. The faculty went in turns for 2 weeks each.

Along with interactive lecture sessions, there were group activities and psychoanalysis of a characters, through video and cinema. There was elaborate presentations and discussions and group activity on Drug abuse. The health Insurance policy of Swiss was also presented in detail.

Students were also given opportunity to express in detail through group presentation and same was evaluated. The rank of the students ranged from A to B grade.

There were presentation from visiting professors of PSG and Boston on case of vulnerability in their country. Both professors of PSG had presentations on Intrafamilial problem and women’s health, a focus on vulnerability in India and ageing and vulnerability. Visits to important health organization was also arranged and students were also posted in various clinical settings for practice exposure along with local students.

As the focus is on cultural exchange, , students visited the houses of students and relished the Swiss delicacy. The visiting students also hosted the dinner with native food prepared by them.

Week end trips were organized to Alps, Villages around lakes, and to Chocolate factory.

Dr.Subhadra Iyengar,PhD also attended few sessions of the La Source on simulation, Problem Base Learning, Cooperative teaching and learning, work shop on Preparation of students for examination as an advanced experience and exposure. This was a separate programme.

To summarize the summer university provided a platform for the young and also experienced individuals to probe into issues of concern and find alternative approaches to address the problem of health.

Prof.Anne – Claude Allin Dean and Prof.Yuvan Durenberger , Professor in Nursing Education from Ecole Haute LaSource, Lausanne, State of Vaud, Switzerland visited PSG College of Nursing as part of faculty exchange programme from 18th to 22nd February 2013. They deliberated on the Teaching Strategies used in the Nursing Curriculum of Swiss Bachelors Degree programme. Workshops on self study skills, Simulation learning, Problem Based Learning and Interactive lectures (large groups) were conducted. Introduction to the pedagogical innovation center was given by Prof.Yuvan Durenberger. A project report on ‘Comparison of Nursing Education System In India (Coimbatore) and Switzerland’ was prepared. The project was co-ordinated by Prof.G.Malarvizhi, HOD, Paediatric Nursing Department.

San Diego State University (4th to 13th January 2013)

PSG College of Nursing welcomed 10 students and 1 faculty from San Diego University, California on 4th January 2013. They are from different courses like Nursing,Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Speech and Language and Hearing Sciences. They visited the communities in urban and rural area and learnt the healthcare services rendered for them. Observation visits were also arranged to Ayurvedic Research Centre, Isha Yoga Centre, Shanthi Ashram , Sivanjali Trust, Vidya Vikasini School for Special Needs and Nature Cure Centre to learn the Indian art of healing techniques. For the week end they visited Masinagudi and Mudumalai Wild-Life Sanctuary. The programme came to an end on 13th January 2013.

Indian Experience 2013(7th to 31st January 2013)

InIndian experience-2013 was organized by from 7th to 31st January 2013 based on the theme of “Bridging gaps in the health care system through NRHM”. The partnering institutions were PSG College of Nursing, Coimbatore, HESAV and LaSource School of Nursing Lausanne, Switzerland. 20 students and 4 faculty from Switzerland and 6 students from PSG College of Nursing had participated in this programme.

Summer University 2012 was organized by University of Applied Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland from 02.07.2012 to 26.07.2012 for 4 weeks. The partnering Institutions were PSG College of Nursing, India, NUS-Singapore, SDSU-USA, HESAV & La Source School of Nursing – Lausanne, Switzerland. There were 10 students from each institution. From PSG College of Nursing, seven III year and three II year students and two faculty (Prof.T.Nirmala and Prof.G.Malarvizhi) participated in this programme. On 09.07.2012 a formal inauguration programme was conducted at University of Applied Science. As a chief guest, Ms.Anne Catherine Lyon, State Councilor for Education, State of Vaud participated and appreciated this programme. After the closing ceremony on 26th July, the faculty and students came back to India on 28th of July 2012.

San Diego State University (SDSU)14 students and one faculty(4th to 13th January 2012)

Dr Out of 14 students, 2 students are nursing, 2 from Public Health, 4 from Social Work, 2 from Gerontology, 1 Psychology, 1 Biology, 1 Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and 1 International Security and Conflict Resolution. The programme included observational visits related to Indian Health System, System of Medicine and lectures and cultural exchange too.

Switzerland 20 nursing students and 4 faculty from Switzerland (9th to 4th February 2012)

The partnering Institution Haute Ecole Sante Vaud (Switzerland), Haute Ecole Dela Sante (Switzerland), PSG College of Nursing, Coimbatore. This programme,“The Indian Experience 2012” included cultural and traditional exchanges, education through observational visits like learning about Indian Public Health System, alternative medicines and lecturers on Nursing in India, role of media in Indian Context, stress management in adolescents, mosquito borne diseases. They were exposed to clinicals in various areas like isolation ward, medical and surgical wards, psychiatric ward, paediatric ward, PICU and dermatology wards.
The programme went on well and we got feed back and suggestions from them. 7 of our PSG College of Nursing students also attended the 1 month programme. One was from III year and 6 were from IV year.

Delegates from Switzerland

Mr. Jacques Chapuis, Director of La-Source School of Nursing, Lausanne from Switzerland visited PSG College of Nursing on 15.02.2011. The Principal and HODs of all the department had a meeting with him and discussed about the various research interest and scope of faculty exchange and research collaboration.

From 22nd to 26th of February, three delegates from Switzerland Mr. Maxline Stettler, Director of International Department for Asia, Board of Higher Education, State of Vaud, Switzerland, Ms. Madeleine Bauman, Professor in charge of International Affairs, Haute Ecole de la Sante La source and Mr. Carlos Masias Valdes, Professor Responsible for International Relation, Haute Ecole Cantonale Vaudoise de la Sante visited PSG College of Nursing. They had seen the facilities available at PSG College of Nursing for the forthcoming Summer University in January 2012 and planning was done related to that.

In continuation of the student Exchange Programme from San Diego State University, California, USA a group of 7 students and one faculty Ms. Suzanne Baker visited PSG College of Nursing from 5th January 2011 to 16th January 2011. The students were from various disciplines like social work, Psychology, Business Administration, Public Health and Nursing.

The objectives of their visit were met by organizing various observation visits and lectures from the experts. As per their interest, the visits were arranged to physically and mentally challenged special schools, public health organizations, alternative therapies, old age homes, art and craft centres and NGOs like Shanthi Ashram.

Special lectures were arranged on Public Health System in India, Nutrition programmes in India, freedom of speech in democratic India and Rehabilitation for disabled etc. which were appreciated by the group.