By: Yosra Raziani, Yale School of Nursing PhD Student
The Office of Planetary Health & Global Engagement at the Yale School of Nursing welcomed students from the University of Tokyo and Taipei Medical University during the last week of February. Despite a snowstorm, the visit became an intensive week of academic exchange centered on planetary health, well-being, and the arts. The program fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, global systems thinking, and sustained international collaboration across classrooms, clinical spaces, and cultural institutions at YSN and throughout Yale University.
Throughout the week, visiting students joined YSN students in lectures and discussions on building partnerships in global health, health in humanitarian crises, multinational research collaboration, and the intersections of planetary health and the arts. Sessions in the 2026 Global Collaborative Series and a dedicated arts workshop on planetary health with YSN’s inaugural artist-in-residence, Dr. Susan Prescott, reinforced how nursing scholarship contributes to climate-responsive research and policy.
“I learned not to limit myself.”
— Fumiyuki Tanaka, University of Tokyo
For many participants, the experience extended beyond academic content to personal growth. Savannah Liu from the University of Tokyo described how immersive the experience felt:
“We ate in the dining hall, took the shuttle bus just like real Yale students. Even though I got caught in the snowstorm, it made this trip even more special.”
Reina Onozuka from the University of Tokyo shared that the program highlighted Yale’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning.
“I was particularly impressed by how nursing education was connected not only to healthcare and nursing care but also to environmental sustainability, creativity, and the humanities. This environment encourages students and researchers to think beyond their own disciplines.”
Strengthening intercultural competence and exchange between YSN students and visiting students remained central to the week. Sessions on well-being and resilience broadened conversations beyond clinical knowledge to include purpose, reflection, and leadership development.
“What I will remember the most is the warmth of the people at Yale and the importance of respecting other academic fields. By observing the facilities and participating in the classes, I truly felt how different disciplines can connect toward a better future.”
— Reina Onozuka, University of Tokyo
Although some peers were unable to travel due to the snowstorm, Reina described feeling “extremely welcomed, inspired, and supported.”
The week-long program concluded with a structured reflection and integration workshop and a career conversation on arts and well-being led by Professor Jennifer McIntosh and Dr. Susan Prescott.