I. Overview of the Program

The "Health Sciences and Communication Skills" program is a short-term study abroad initiative designed jointly by the English Language Centre at the University of Adelaide and the Adelaide Medical School for Chinese medical students. It aims to acquaint students with the Australian healthcare system and strengthen their skills in patient assessment and decision-making through participatory, case-based teaching methods characteristic of Australian medical education. Additionally, students will enhance their professional language proficiency through high-level medical English courses, enabling them to confidently engage in medical studies and research, write professional articles, or deliver specialized presentations.

II. Features and Benefits 

Ø [Experience one of Australia's most prestigious medical schools] The Adelaide Medical School was established in 1885 and has over a century of history. It is one of the most renowned medical schools in Australia, holding a leading global position in health and medical sciences education and research. The school features some of the most advanced and comprehensive medical practice and teaching facilities in Australia. 

Ø [Integrated theoretical and practical teaching methods] Emphasis on improving medical professional English while adopting a case-based practical learning approach to maximize educational outcomes. 

Ø [Official quality assurance] Students will be officially registered at the University of Adelaide, have access to educational resources such as libraries, and receive official transcripts and certificates upon completion of the program. 

Ø [Cultural activity experiences] In their free time, students can participate in various activities organized by the university to experience the social and cultural aspects of the South Australian region.

III. Introduction to the University of Adelaide 

Ø Founded in 1874, the University of Adelaide is the third oldest university in Australia's educational history. It is a renowned public university and a member of the Group of Eight, an alliance of leading Australian universities.

Ø Ranked 74th in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Global University Rankings; 88th in the 2023 TIMES World University Rankings. 

Ø Among the 15 Nobel laureates in Australian history, five hail from the University of Adelaide. Fields of notable strength include: viticulture and food, health sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, information technology and telecommunications, environmental sciences, and social sciences. 

Ø Adelaide is a picturesque port city and the capital of South Australia, known for its beautiful scenery, mild climate, and good public order. It was ranked the 6th most livable city in the world in the 2016 Economist magazine survey.

IV. Program Details [Course Dates] January 22nd to February 16th, 2024 (4 weeks) [Course Content] The program aims to achieve several key learning objectives: · Strengthen and enhance medical professional English communication skills · Experience the structure of Australian university medical education · Master searching and applying online medical databases · Understand the connotations of doctor-patient relationships in Australia · Improve diagnostic, treatment, and patient management skills through group exercises · Familiarize with the healthcare systems and operations in the South Australian region and globally The four-week course consists of a total of 72 teaching hours, mainly divided into three parts:

1. Medical English and Communication (approximately 36 hours) Focus on strengthening medical English and professional terminology to improve students' professional English capabilities, meet the practical needs of communicating in English with patients or colleagues in a medical environment, boost confidence in communication, and prepare thoroughly for the program's health sciences coursework.

2. Case-Based Medical Teaching (approximately 26 hours) Adopting a case-based group learning model, students will gain valuable practical experience and enhance problem-solving and decision-making abilities in a professional medical environment under the guidance of teachers from the Adelaide Medical School. Students will also learn about the use of online medical databases.

3. Simulation Exercises and Visits (6 hours) Students will have the opportunity to experience the University of Adelaide's state-of-the-art medical facilities, visit medical laboratories, and participate in simulated medical procedures, immersing themselves in modern simulation learning technologies.

4. Medical Professional Lectures (4 hours) To better understand the content related to case-based medical teaching, the Adelaide Medical School will arrange four themed lectures with planned topics as follows (subject to actual arrangement):

• Lecture One: Diabetes (Background introduction for case teaching)

• Lecture Two: Scientific Basis of Diabetes

• Lecture Three: Stroke Rehabilitation

• Lecture Four: The Australian Healthcare System Students will receive a student ID card officially registered with the University of Adelaide, which allows access to campus facilities and educational resources, including the library, gym, and activity center, as regulated by the university during the program. Students will stay with host families managed and arranged by the university (including meals) to closely experience local society and culture and rapidly improve their language skills.

  【Reference Schedule】(Subject to actual arrangements by the university)

• First Week Schedule 2024/1/21 (Weekend)

  Arrival in Adelaide, move into local host family homes

• 2024/1/22 (Monday)

  Morning: Welcome ceremony, student registration; campus and city tour

  Afternoon: Medical Professional English – Effective Communication Skills

• 2024/1/23 (Tuesday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English – Listening Comprehension Skills

  Noon: Study Abroad Program Exchange Meeting

  Afternoon: Use of Online Medical Databases

• 2024/1/24 (Wednesday)

  Morning: Overall introduction to the medical professional course section

  Afternoon: Visit the University of Adelaide's Health and Medical Building and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute

• 2024/1/25 (Thursday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English (Preparation for Case Teaching)

  Afternoon: Medical Lecture (One) Diabetes Overview (Preparation for Case Teaching)

• 2024/1/26 (Friday)

  Morning: Case-Based Medical Teaching

  Afternoon: Independent study, complete homework tasks

• 2024/1/27-1/28 (Weekend)

  Participate in activities with the host family

• Second Week Schedule 2024/1/29 (Monday)

  Morning: Medical Lecture (Two) Stroke Rehabilitation (Preparation for Case Teaching)

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/1/30 (Tuesday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English – Participating in Academic Discussions

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/1/31 (Wednesday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English – Listening and Note-taking Skills for Professional Lectures

  Afternoon: Simulation Practice

  2024/2/1 (Thursday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English – Academic Presentation Skills (One)

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/2/2 (Friday)

  Morning: Visit to the University of Adelaide Anatomy Laboratory, Ray Last Laboratory

  Afternoon: Independent study, complete homework tasks

• 2024/2/3-2/4 (Weekend) Participate in activities with the host family

• Third Week Schedule 2024/2/5 (Monday)

  Morning: Medical Lecture (Three) The Australian Healthcare System

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/2/6 (Tuesday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English Course – Academic Presentation Skills (Two)

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/2/7 (Wednesday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English Course – Professional Reading Skills (One)

  Afternoon: Independent study, complete homework tasks

• 2024/2/8 (Thursday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English Course – Professional Reading Skills (Two)

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/2/9 (Friday)

  Morning: Case-Based Medical Teaching

  Afternoon: Independent study, complete homework tasks

• 2024/2/10-2/11 (Weekend)

  Participate in activities with the host family

• Fourth Week Schedule 2024/2/12 (Monday)

  Morning: Medical Lecture (Four) Scientific Basis of Diabetes

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/2/13 (Tuesday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English – Writing Workshop; Editing, Peer Review, or Self-Assessment Skills (One)

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/2/14 (Wednesday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English – Writing Workshop; Editing, Peer Review, or Self-Assessment Skills (Two)

  Afternoon: Independent study, complete homework tasks

• 2024/2/15 (Thursday)

  Morning: Medical Professional English – Questioning and Summarizing Techniques in Presentations, Critical Reading

  Afternoon: Case-Based Medical Teaching

• 2024/2/16 (Friday)

  Morning: Summary of Case-Based Medical Teaching Special Sharing: Learning Opportunities in the Field of Health Sciences Closing Ceremony and Awarding of Project Certificates

  Afternoon: Free Time 2024/2/17 (Saturday) Departure back home

  (Note: The above schedule is for reference only. The actual schedule will follow the final itinerary issued by the university.)

【Program Outcomes】 

Project students will be under unified academic management and assessment by the University of Adelaide. The assessment methods include: 

Ø Annotated reading assignments 

Ø Listening comprehension and note-taking 

Ø Writing assignments 

Ø 5-minute oral presentations 

Ø Class participation Students who successfully complete all courses and pass the academic assessment will receive an official transcript and certificate of learning from the University of Adelaide.

 Image: Sample of the University of Adelaide project certificate and transcript

【Program Costs】

Total Program Cost Approximately RMB 35,200 Cost includes: Tuition, homestay expenses (including three meals and airport transfers), program activities, medical and accident insurance fees, and program service fees Cost does not include: International airfare, visa fees, personal expenses

V. Application for the Program

1. Selection requirements: Good foundation in English, reaching IELTS 5.5 or CET-4 450;

2. Application and admission: Online registration, search for "Student Overseas" on the Ningbo University information portal to enter the Student Overseas Study Program Registration System, select "Short-term Research Internship Program—University-Level Projects," and submit applications online.

3. Students going abroad can apply for a subsidy of RMB 15,000 according to the relevant provisions of the "Ningbo University Student Overseas Study and Exchange Support Measures" (Appendix One).

4. Note: This program is provided by the All-American International Education Association, the official authorized agency of the University of Adelaide in China, responsible for selecting outstanding Chinese university students.

VI. Contact Information Contact person: Teacher Yan Email:[email protected]Contact number: 876002312 Address: Zhenzhen Building 306 Welcome to join the QQ group for overseas consultation of the Medical Department: 576722313

Medical students are welcome to attend the special project presentation! Time: October 18th (Wednesday) at 18:00, Location: Main Campus Building No. 6, Room 107 Live broadcast online via Tencent Meeting: 228-974-849

Department of Scientific Research and International Exchange, Ningbo University Health Science Center

October 7, 2023