Riverland nursing pathway program student Heidi Doe of Austin feels fortunate to live in the United States. For two weeks in May and June 2008, Doe, nursing instructor Stacey Rosenberg and six other nursing pathway program students visited and worked in Ecuador through “Troika,” a study-abroad program for community colleges from Community Colleges for International Development, Inc. (CCID). “Troika” means any group of three; especially an association of three in authority. The programming model is nicknamed “Troika” because a minimum of three CCID colleges collaborate on each international program.

The Riverland students joined other nursing students from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa and Tulsa Community College in Tulsa.

The first week was spent in the city of Quito touring public and private hospitals in central Ecuador, followed by a week in villages in the rainforest learning about the indigenous cultures. While in the remote villages, the group worked with local public health nursing programs that provided services to both children and adults. Students observed teaching methods related to tuberculosis, hand hygiene, oral health and good health habits. One initiative implemented by the Troika team was a lice treatment program at a village school.

Doe found the people to be the most memorable part of the trip. “I appreciated the welcoming nature of the communities when we were out in the rainforest,” said Doe.

Last year Doe completed her first year in the Riverland nursing pathway program and obtained her LPN license. She is now taking courses for her RN certification and works as an LPN for Austin Public Schools.

“We were able to observe the work the public health nurses did with their schools and can compare it to the U.S. school system,” said Doe “There is definitely more benefit in the U.S. They didn’t even have running water in the school building. It’s a real challenge for them to even meet basic health needs.”

Doe found it difficult to see things people have to live without, things Americans take for granted like indoor plumbing and medication.

“There are so many diseases and health issues that could be treated with medication, even over-the-counter medications, but they don’t have access to it” Doe said.

Riverland participants included students Cher Olson (Albert Lea); Heidi Doe (Austin); Jessica Kelm (Faribault); Barbara Thatcher (Harmony); Shannon Wilson (Kasson); Brandi Oberg and Jenny O’Donnell (Mason City). Riverland provided $3,000 to fund up to four $750 student scholarships. The rest, or all, of the money was provided by the students.

Local organizations donated items for the trip such as tooth brushes, paste and floss, children’s clothing and toys, calculators, personal hygiene products and gift cards for supplies. These organizations included: Dr. Stephen N. Schwartz (Albert Lea); Brown’s Electric (Ancorage, Alaska); Kasson Dental (Kasson); Staples (Mason City); Expressions (Kasson); Kasson Dollar (Kasson); Dr. Vidal (Garner); Walmart (Mason City)

Others provided monetary donations including KMTelecom (Kasson); Dr. Hardinger (Mason City); Jennifer McCambridge (Mason City); Kathryn Martin (Austin).

According to Nursing Instructor Stacey Rosenberg the Troika experience provides a unique opportunity not available to most community college students.

“There is a need for our students to become more globally conscience,” said Rosenberg.  We have incorporated global initiates throughout our nursing program. While in Ecuador, students are able to provide health care in a diverse environment, as well as learn about health and cultural beliefs.”

Riverland has committed to participate in Troika for two more trips – spring 2009 and 2010. Instructor Stacey Rosenberg will be the lead instructor for the 2009 trip. The estimated student cost for the trip is $2,350 per student (cost covers, airfare, lodging, food, transportation.) In addition, students are responsible for the two-credit class associated with the trip.

For more information about the Troika program and opportunities to donate to upcoming trips contact Stacey Rosenberg at 800-247-5039.

The mission of CCID is to provide opportunities for building global relationships that strengthen educational programs, and promote economic development.s