From 21 to 25 September 2026, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Split hosted the HEAL4ALL Learning expedition, bringing together students and professors from Croatia, Finland, Norway and Belgium for a five-day international and interdisciplinary Learning Expedition focused on Health and Existential Wellbeing in Older Adults.
The programme followed an introductory online session held on 14 September and combined expert lectures, reflective activities, service learning, interaction with older adults, teamwork, design thinking, cultural experiences and opportunities for international exchange.
From knowledge to experience
Throughout the five days, students explored different dimensions of existential wellbeing, healthy ageing and person-centred care. Sessions on nurse–patient interactions, therapeutic communication, meaning in life, spirituality, existential safety and existential crises in nursing homes provided students with both theoretical knowledge and practical perspectives relevant to their future professional roles.
A strong emphasis was placed on reflective wellbeing practice. Students were encouraged to reflect not only on the wellbeing and needs of older adults, but also on their own wellbeing and their role as future caregivers.
Learning through real-life encounters
One of the highlights of the programme was the service-learning experience with older adults, which gave students an opportunity to move beyond the classroom and engage directly with people in a care setting.
Through conversations, observation and interaction, students explored the importance of listening, empathy, trust and meaningful relationships in person-centred care. These experiences helped connect the concepts discussed during the programme with real-life situations and the lived experiences of older adults.
From challenges to solutions
Students also worked in international and interdisciplinary teams using design thinking and sprint methodology. Starting from identified needs and challenges, they developed ideas, explored possible interventions, created prototypes and received feedback.
The process encouraged students to look at healthcare challenges from different perspectives and to transform knowledge and observations into practical and meaningful solutions.
The programme also introduced students to open pedagogy and Open Educational Resources (OERs), showing how student work and good practices can be transformed into resources that can be shared with others.
Learning beyond the classroom
The Learning Expedition also provided opportunities to experience the cultural and natural environment of the Dalmatian region. The visit to Nursing Home Vita in Podstrana and the Mediterranean wellbeing experience at Stella Croatica in Klis added another dimension to the programme, connecting health and wellbeing with community, culture, nature, senses and everyday life.
A shared international experience
The HEAL4ALL learning expedition brought together students and teachers from different countries, professional backgrounds and educational environments. This international dimension created opportunities for sharing experiences, learning from different perspectives and developing new professional and personal connections.
The programme concluded with student team presentations, peer feedback and a final reflection on the learning experience.
The atmosphere throughout the five days was highly positive, with students and professors actively participating in the programme and exchanging ideas, experiences and feedback. Participants left Split with new knowledge, new connections and many positive impressions of the experience.
The HEAL4ALL Blended Intensive Programme demonstrated the value of combining international collaboration, experiential learning, reflection and innovation in healthcare education. It was not only an opportunity to learn about existential wellbeing and person-centred care, but also to experience, reflect, collaborate and create together.
A big thank you to all students, professors, experts, partners and contributors who made the HEAL4ALL learning expedition in Split such a valuable and memorable experience! 💚
