I didn't really enter into the MINE IP knowing what expectations to have, as the final article of the IP was a student lead conference, there were no set guidelines, and we ultimately made as much or as little work for ourselves as we decided. I think that it's fair to say that others found that an easier concept than others. I thought that Caroline's session on learning styles was really interesting, it highlighted how we had all been taught and examined up to that point, which went some way to explain how everyone's attitudes and approaches differed towards such an informally structured programme.
Even though we worked as a whole group to create the conference, we were split into smaller groups to divide all the work out. 5 groups were created (plus the mentors' group). There were 3 topics that were suggested to cover:
1 - difference in curricula
2 - difference in the role of the nurse
3 - preparation for exchange
I was quite pleased that I was in the group that got the third topic for discussion. As I am on an exchange programme in my final year when I am at university it made me confront come of the anxieties that I had, and gave by talking to others who are considering going on exchange we swapped ideas and gave each other things to think about. We also interviewed students who are currently on exchange, and those that have completed exchanging whilst on a nursing degree and how they feel that it has benefited them. This gave me, personally, a lot of perspective, and put a lot of my nerves to rest. As I am planning to exchange with Samk University, I now know where I will be, and some people that are going to be about, so I feel very fortunate to have experienced the MINE IP in Pori.
The group working wasn't always easy. As my group was covering the third topic we just worked as a group of six. The other four groups though came together to make two big groups to cover the remaining two topics. I think that they had a few more issues with communication than we did. Also, possible, trying to decide who the leaders of the groups are was harder with more people. We found it difficult at times trying to get ideas across as there is such a difference in our mother-tongues. Thankfully I have had a lot of practice talking English, but those from other countries appeared to have difficulties getting their points across at times - google translate really came in handy!
I am really proud of the updates that this years MINE IP group did to the WIKI. It was one of the tools that was created to aid exchange students. This was a part of the project that my group was responsible for. One of the first patches that we had to do was to assess the WIKI page, and there were a load of ideas that came out from peoples evaluations of it. Although time was short, and there were many technological issues that seemed to plague the IP, I feel that each country can be proud of the contributions that went to better the WIKI page:
http://minestudentandmentortoolkits.middlesex.wikispaces.net/
All of the work done by each group, I believe, will better our practice. It's easy to follow the trends, and continue to do what was done before. It is only when something new is shown to you that you begin to question and changes can be made. I hope that this is something that everyone will take from this.
I am so glad that I applied to be part of the once in a lifetime experience that was MINE IP 2012. I don't think that many courses that I will be a part of will be so intense, extreme, sleep depriving, but at the same time to enjoyable, amazing, fantastic and in time looked back so fondly of. Like many of the talks about touched on, the growing use of technology is something that I am happy with. It has allowed us to share and exchange photos and comments. It means that everyone who was involved in MINE really has the potential to stay in contact for life. The use of facebook and blogging means that our memories can be shared and enjoyed by so many other people. The MINE IP is something to look back on and be proud of. The idea that a meeting of 50ish people in a small town in Finland has given us all connections over Europe is an amazing though, and in London we are looking forward to receiving a fellow MINE member from Italy next week as she embarks on her exchange! Fully informed as to what she is stepping into (or at least we hope!)
I really feel that this IP has benefited me in so many ways. It has opened my eyes to the idea that there are so many approaches, that all result in the same goals. My confidence has grown so much, it's crazy. We came back from Pori, and were immediately in practical placements. Prior to the IP, I was always anxious to take the first step when experiencing something new, I introduced myself with confidence and felt like I had found my feet immediately. Confidence is not something that comes easy to most people, and I am so glad that the IP has boosted mine!
It's been said many times already, but in this last blog, I would like to say my thanks to all the MINE students, MINE mentors, MINE coordinators and everyone who was involved! Including the Elves! There are far far far too many people to name, but that doesn't take away how thankfully I think everyone is that you made this all possible.
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