Advancing Care Abroad Through Shared Experiences
You asked and we listened! AWHONN nurses want opportunities to learn about healthcare practices and professional development abroad. Embarking on experiences abroad can profoundly impact nurse leaders, offering a myriad of benefits that enrich both personal and professional growth. These encounters foster increased cultural awareness, competency, and a broader perspective, essential traits for navigating our diverse world.
In advancing our mission to empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families, AWHONN is excited to launch the Perinatal Education XChange (APEX) Program. These immersive programs provide unique opportunities to engage with diverse cultures and foster a deepened appreciation and sensitivity to cross-cultural care, enhancing the quality of overall care provided to patients.
Through this initiative, we aim to connect nurses with partners and communities worldwide, cultivating a stronger connection to global citizenship and making a meaningful impact on an international scale.
“I enjoyed every aspect of the trip! Engaging with the beautiful Belize community & providing care. Learning more about the culture, community & health landscape from Dr. Pakeman. Meeting & working with amazing nurses, who are now my amazing friends. (We bonded so well). The food. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in AWHONN Global Health Perinatal Educational Exchange.”
About Our Partners
- International Service Learning (ISL) is a non-governmental organization that has been offering volunteers experiential learning opportunities in health care, education, ecology, and community development since 1994 while offering sustainable aid in developing communities.
- The Citizen Ambassador Program, part of Cultural Vistas, promotes global understanding, professional development, and global networking through international exchange experiences developed in partnership with the top US professional associations and academic institutions.
APEX Travel Scholarships
Thanks to the generous support of the AWHONN Foundation, we have been able to offer limited scholarships to increase the accessibility of our trips in the past. Future scholarship opportunities may become available in early 2027.
Upcoming 2027 Trips
Destination: Belize
Dates: April 12-18, 2027
Cost: $2,395.00 US
Registration: Link
About:
Through this program, nurses embark on a journey of learning and collaboration through a curriculum that increases awareness of social determinants of health in Belize and an understanding of the healthcare system. Nurses will meet and work with local physicians and other healthcare professionals and assist with basic triage. Nursing continuing education credits are available and space is limited.
Important Dates
- September 29, 2026 - Informational session. Register through this link to receive the login information and session materials.
- December 1, 2026 – Last day to register. Follow the registration link here to create your ISL account and register for the program. If you need assistance or a new password, contact Deb Reetz at ISL at deb@internationalservicelearning.org.
- March 12, 2027 – Program payment due. Cancellations occurring 30-60 days prior to departure will receive a 50% refund or program credit. Cancellations after the 30 days-before-departure date are non-refundable.
- TBD December-April 2027 –Arrive in Belize in the afternoon.
- March 17, 2026 – Arrive in Belize in the afternoon.
- April 18, 2027– Depart from Belize after 12pm local time.
Destination: Kosovo
Dates: August 8–13, 2027
Cost: $3,995.00 US
Registration: Link
About:
The AWHONN Delegation to Kosovo brings women's health, obstetric, and neonatal nurses face-to-face with one of Europe's most rapidly evolving healthcare systems, designed to deepen bilateral relationships, generate applied clinical improvements, and build lasting collaboration in advancing the health of women and newborns. Nurses will meet and work with local nurses, midwives, and national workforce leaders.
Important Dates
- August 17, 2026 - Informational session. A recording of the information session is now available through the following link and passcode: y97fHF@*
- May 4, 2027 – Last day to apply through this link. If you need assistance, contact citizenambassador@culturalvistas.org.
- TBD May – August 2027 – Series of pre-trip meetings with all participating members.
- August 8, 2027 – Arrive in Prishtina, Kosovo.
- August 13, 2027 – Depart from Prishtina, Kosovo.
Have Questions?
Find answers in our Frequently Asked Questions or reach out with any inquiries about APEX programs today.
