The DiSI Experience

By Kirsten Garré In New

While you were busy with your regular routine, healthcare students were having their minds BLOWN by the DiSI course – and we can’t stop talking about what happened!

The Squad

This wasn’t your average classroom gathering. We brought together an incredible mix of minds:

• 5 local students from Nursing and Health Care programs
• 31 international students representing Ireland, Czech Republic, Turkey, Germany, Hungary & Belgium
• 7 tutors/lecturers from Portugal, Ireland, Hungary, Belgium, Turkey & Austria

 

What actually went down

 Forget everything you think you know about traditional learning and picture this: Future healthcare professionals immersing themselves in real-world challenges that textbooks simply can’t capture. They didn’t just read about social inequalities – they LIVED the experience through transformative excursions, lectures and workshops on:

 

• Integration challenges faced by nurses with international backgrounds
• The harsh realities of poverty and social inequality
• Gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ perspectives in healthcare
• The hidden struggles of refugees and undocumented individuals
• The intersection of mental health and poverty

Plus, the moment that left everyone speechless: An impressive, emotional visit to the Mauthausen that fundamentally shifted how they see humanity.

 

The transformation was REAL

These weren’t just “field trips” – they were life-changing encounters that sparked future healthcare professionals into a complete mindset revolution through deep reflection, intercultural learning, and genuine human connection. Students walked away as socially conscious advocates armed with perspectives that will literally change how they treat patients for the rest of their careers.

The impact went far beyond field experiences – our exceptional tutors put their hearts and expertise into every moment, mentoring, challenging, and inspiring these future professionals to see healthcare through a completely transformed lens.

 

The Grand Finale

The week lead up to student presentations that gave us goosebumps. Students shared findings, ideas and reflections that proved we just witnessed the birth of a new generation of  well-rounded healthcare professionals – ones who won’t just treat symptoms, but will tackle systemic inequalities head-on.

 

What you actually missed out on

• Life-changing international connections that will cross continents and careers
• Professional networks that money can’t buy
• Experiences that reshape your worldview
• Skills that make you stand out in any healthcare setting
• Stories you will be telling for decades

 

The bonds formed, the perspectives gained, the professional transformation achieved – this wasn’t just education, it was a life-changing experience that participants will carry with them as they go on to impact lives.

 

The DiSI course took place at FH Gesundheitsberufe OÖ in Austria on 4/05-9/05/2025.