Abstract

In 2009, having secured funding from the European Commission for an ERASMUS exchange programme, two midwifery lecturers from Bournemouth University visited the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. To exchange ideas and knowledge, a range of activities including lecturing students, research presentations, clinical site visits and social gatherings were undertaken. This unique opportunity to experience Swedish culture both within higher education and the health service provided valuable insights and comparisons, including varying philosophies underpinning maternity care within the two countries. The two institutes continue to maintain a strong relationship, where exchange of teaching and learning strategies and research collaboration brings fresh insights and new ways of working. Thus, a more profound knowledge and understanding of midwifery practice and education is realized, which can help influence practice within the UK and provide cross-cultural perspectives to our own pre- and post-registration midwifery students.