Empowering Future Pharmacists Through Global Experiential Learning

Ajman, July 31, 2025 – A dynamic international clinical exchange between Ajman University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) and the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) provided a transformative learning opportunity this July at King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan. As part of the course PHA224 – Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences II (International Dimension), this four-week hospital pharmacy training enabled students to deepen their clinical expertise while developing vital soft skills and leadership qualities in a real-world, cross-cultural healthcare environment.

This exchange program, made possible through a collaborative agreement between Ajman University and JUST, is a key component of COPHS’s broader strategy to prepare students for global pharmacy practice. Participants gained hands-on experience in hospital pharmacy operations—such as medication dispensing, drug interaction checks, inventory and expiry management, and labeling—while also strengthening their competencies in interprofessional communication, patient counselling, medication history taking, and pharmaceutical care planning. These multidimensional skills are essential for cultivating future-ready pharmacy professionals with leadership capacity and global awareness.

The two participating students, Jeelan Riyad Mohammad Abusharaf and Layan Ahmed Moh'd Ayesh, fully immersed themselves in the clinical setting, benefiting from direct exposure to diverse pharmaceutical workflows and collaborative patient care within a multidisciplinary team.

Ajman University extends its sincere appreciation to the Faculty of Pharmacy at JUST, with special thanks to the Dean Prof. Qosa Al-Balas, Vice Dean Dr. Osama Alshogran, and Clinical Preceptor Dr. Raneem Al-Shawabkeh, whose dedicated mentorship and hands-on supervision were central to the program’s success. Their support ensured a rich and structured learning environment for the visiting students.

Acknowledgment is also due to Prof. Sai H.S. Boddu, Chair of the Internationalization Committee at Ajman University, and Dr. Subish Palaian, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Office of Experiential Education at COPHS, for their commitment to international collaboration and for facilitating this valuable experience.

According to Prof. Abeer Al-Ghananeem, Dean of COPHS, initiatives like this reflect the college’s commitment to developing not only clinical competence but also leadership, empathy, and a strong sense of global citizenship in its students. She emphasized that these international partnerships are not just educational—they are transformative journeys that shape pharmacy students into confident, compassionate, and globally minded healthcare professionals. Prof. Abeer expressed enthusiasm for expanding such collaborations, recognizing their profound impact on student growth and professional readiness.

This initiative highlights Ajman University’s ongoing efforts to provide students with diverse, high-impact experiential learning opportunities that extend beyond borders—enriching academic knowledge while nurturing leadership and character in real-world healthcare environments.