Second Overseas Nursing Training Tour to Estonia and Finland: Advancing International Perspectives for Healthcare Professionals

Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / President: Hiroaki Miyahara) has announced that its subsidiary, Gakken Medical Support Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / President: Osamu Shimizu), is launching the second round of its Overseas Nursing Training Tour to Estonia and Finland. The program aims to enhance international awareness among nursing and healthcare professionals and strengthen mutual understanding and collaboration in workplaces with increasing foreign talent.

About the 2nd Overseas Nursing Training Tour (Estonia-Finland)

As part of this initiative, the '2nd Overseas Nursing Training Tour (Estonia-Finland)' has been planned for November 1 (Sun) to November 7 (Sat), 2026. Participants will visit Estonia, a leader in Medical DX (Digital Transformation in healthcare), and Finland, renowned for its long-standing regional integrated care system and advanced Medical DX. The tour will include on-site observations of cutting-edge practices in medical care, nursing, and elderly support at local healthcare institutions and senior care facilities.

Similar to the first tour held in November last year, this training aims to help participants reflect on the future direction of healthcare and nursing in Japan and their own institutions by learning about advanced international practices, as well as differences in healthcare and nursing systems and operations.

Image of Tallinn, the capital of the Republic of Estonia Image of Helsinki, the capital of Finland

Background and Objectives

With the increasing number of foreign residents and inbound tourists, healthcare providers are urgently required to serve patients with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. At the same time, the number of foreign professionals working in Japan’s healthcare and nursing sectors—through programs such as the Specified Skilled Worker system—is rising. Creating an environment where staff from different national and cultural backgrounds can recognize their differences and collaborate smoothly has become a critical challenge.

To date, the company has supported nursing staff in improving their language skills through the 'Nursing English Course' offered by 'Gakken Nursing Support' and the 'Nurse English Conversation Course' on Kimini, Gakken Group’s online English conversation service. This training tour goes beyond language learning by offering firsthand observation of overseas medical environments. The objectives are to provide participants with insights into international healthcare and nursing systems and operations, inspire reflection on Japan’s and their own institutions’ future directions, and cultivate a mindset for caring for linguistically and culturally diverse patients and for effective collaboration within multicultural teams.

Past Achievements

In November 2025, the '1st Overseas Nursing Training Tour (Estonia-Finland)' was successfully conducted. Participants praised the experience, stating, 'It was rare to personally visit overseas hospitals and nursing facilities and hear explanations directly from local staff—there was so much to learn,' and 'Understanding the differences between Japan and overseas gave me a chance to rethink my own nursing practices and institutional systems.' Building on this success, the second tour is designed to offer even more practical and immersive site visits in Estonia and Finland.

Current Program and Recruitment Details

As part of this initiative, Gakken Medical Support is now recruiting participants for the 2nd Overseas Nursing Training Tour (Estonia-Finland). This seven-day program will focus on learning about AI and ICT applications in healthcare and nursing, as well as models of regional integrated care.

● Program Overview

・Name: 2nd Overseas Nursing Training Tour (Estonia-Finland) – Experiencing the Frontlines of Healthcare and Nursing in a Digital Pioneer and a Welfare Leader

・Destinations: Estonia (Tallinn) / Finland (Helsinki)

・Duration: November 1 (Sun) to November 7 (Sat), 2026 (7 days)

・Planned Visit Sites: Northern Estonia Regional Hospital / St. John’s Hospital / Tööri Toolosid / Marttila Senior Care Home, among others (4 sites planned)

※ Visit sites are subject to change due to local circumstances.

More details here ↓ https://gakken-meds.jp/post/news/20260521/

● Recruitment and Fees

・Number of Participants: Limited to 17

・Training Fee: JPY 555,300 per person

※ The program may be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met.

※ Fuel surcharges and other fees are additional (approximately JPY 131,000 as of May 2026, subject to change).

※ Single room supplements apply for solo travelers or odd-numbered groups.

※ Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is recommended.

● Key Observation Points

・Medical DX: Information integration and operational efficiency through AI and IoT in hospitals and senior care facilities

・Regional Integrated Care and Elderly Care: Coordination with home healthcare and initiatives to improve seniors’ quality of life (QOL)

・On-site visits to local medical institutions and interaction with local nurses

● How to Apply

・Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 (Friday)

・Application Form:

https://www.bestworld.jp/front/regists/input/2E24W-VEFMS-10083847

● Inquiries about the Training Tour

Gakken Medical Support Co., Ltd. / Overseas Medical Institution Observation Program

TEL: 03-6431-1228 ※ Weekdays 9:00–18:00 E-mail: [email protected]

● Application Inquiries

NPO Overseas Cultural Center (Best World Co., Ltd.) / Contact: Kobayashi

TEL: 03-3295-4111 E-mail: [email protected]