MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — Kaelyn Wright, a WVU School of Nursing junior, has been selected for a study abroad scholarship by the Alpha Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
The $500 scholarship, awarded annually by Alpha Rho, will support Wright’s upcoming study abroad experience in Japan. In her essay, she highlighted how this opportunity aligns with the mission of Sigma, how it will allow her to step outside her comfort zone, and how she will be able to better understand how culture shapes healthcare.
“Growing up in a small rural town taught me the value of personal connection, but it also limited my exposure to the world beyond it,” Wright said. “Studying abroad is a chance to step outside of what's familiar to me and learn from new perspectives, cultures, and ways of caring for others.”
She added, “I want to challenge my perspective, immerse myself in another culture and healthcare system, and return with a deeper understanding of both the world and the kind of nurse I aspire to become.”
As part of the study abroad experience, three students and three faculty members from the WVU School of Nursing will travel to Japan from March 1-8, 2026, in collaboration with Hamamatsu Nursing School. The WVU School of Nursing has maintained an academic partnership with Hamamatsu Nursing School since 2019, incorporating both virtual and in-person exchanges for faculty and students.
During the program, students and faculty will actively engage in the school’s simulation center, where nursing students develop and refine clinical skills prior to patient care. Participants will also tour the affiliated hospital where Japanese nursing students complete clinical rotations. In addition to clinical learning, the delegation will be immersed in Japanese culture through experiences such as participation in a traditional tea ceremony and observation of the nursing school’s graduation celebration.
The program further emphasizes global health by exploring factors contributing to Japan’s high life expectancy and examining the structure and delivery of its healthcare system. Collectively, these academic and cultural experiences foster a comprehensive global perspective on nursing practice and health care delivery.
Interested in joining Sigma? Learn more below or email Drs. Reven or Sexton at marian.reven@hsc.wvu.edu or paula.sexton@hsc.wvu.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu