The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies (UMSONHS) continues to expand its global footprint following an official visit to Juntendo University in Tokyo, Japan, by Dean Hudson Santos, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Associate Dean for Hemispheric and Global Initiatives, Johis Ortega, PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, ENP-BC, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP. The visit took place from December 12–20, 2025, and marks a significant milestone in the recently signed student exchange program agreement between the two institutions.
During the visit, Dean Santos and Dr. Ortega met with Niyonsaba Francois, MD, PhD, Dean of Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, and other senior administrators of Juntendo University to formally conclude planning for the educational activities that University of Miami nursing and health studies students will engage in during their academic experience in Japan. These discussions focused on academic structure, community engagement, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities aligned with both institutions’ missions.
Both Dean Santos and Dr. Ortega noted that this new initiative is possible thanks to donors Heather and Johnny Tumlin. “We are grateful to Heather and Johnny Tumlin for their dedication to international health education,” they said. “Their generous support makes it possible for selected students to take part in this extraordinary experience in Japan, removing financial barriers and opening doors to global learning.”
This cross-continental partnership will launch its first student cohort from May 16–30, 2026, offering UMSONHS students a unique immersive experience in Japan’s health care and community systems. The program is designed to expose students to innovative approaches to population health, aging, and global health collaboration.
Objectives of the visit and student program include:
1. Explore the current situation in regions of Japan experiencing declining birth rates and rapidly aging populations, and learn community-based approaches to fostering healthy communities.
2. Gain in-depth insights into Japan’s health care system, examine urban and rural community health models, and evaluate strategies for community health promotion in aging regions.
3. Study global health initiatives in developing countries through an interdisciplinary lens and analyze effective strategies for international and interdisciplinary cooperation.
“This partnership with Juntendo University reflects our strong commitment to preparing globally competent nurses and health care professionals,” UMSONHS Dean Santos said. “Japan offers an exceptional context to learn about aging societies, community health innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Associate Dean Ortega added, “This visit allowed us to align our academic objectives and ensure that our students will have a rigorous, meaningful, and culturally immersive learning experience. We are excited to welcome our first group of students to Japan in May 2026.”
Juntendo nursing students have already had the chance to visit UMSONHS and in 2022 took part in a virtual exchange course the school led during COVID-era travel restrictions. This exchange program between UMSONHS and Juntendo represents a shared vision of advancing nursing education, global health understanding, and cross-cultural academic collaboration.
