Scalabrini Communities is proud to announce the formalisation of an ongoing education partnership with Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management in Taiwan, creating new opportunities for international nursing students to experience aged care in Australia.
The agreement marks an exciting new chapter in Scalabrini’s growing international student program, with a new cohort of students set to undertake placements at The Village by Scalabrini, Drummoyne, beginning in 2026.
Formalised during a visit by Dr Huang Liping and Dr Hsiao-Hui Yang from Chung-Jen Junior College, the partnership reflects Scalabrini’s commitment to building meaningful education pathways, supporting future care professionals and strengthening the aged care workforce.
A hands-on Aged Care Learning Experience
The program, known as Scalabrini’s Comprehensive Clinical Internship program, is designed for 4th and 5th year students who are preparing for careers in health, nursing and care.
During their placement, students will gain valuable hands-on experience across the many areas that contribute to quality aged care, including:
- nursing and clinical care
- personal care
- food and beverage services
- therapy and wellbeing
- cosmetology
- communication with residents, families and care teams
This broad experience gives students a deeper understanding of the Australian aged care environment, while helping them develop professional English communication skills and intercultural confidence.
Most importantly, the program gives students the opportunity to form genuine connections with residents and learn from experienced aged care professionals in a warm, community-focused setting.
Building Future Aged Care Workforce Pathways
The partnership extends beyond education and student placement.
Through Scalabrini’s structured workforce pathways, students may have the opportunity to return to the organisation as qualified care professionals in the future, supported by Scalabrini’s Labour Agreement and migration pathways.
This creates a meaningful bridge between international education and long-term aged care careers in Australia.
For Scalabrini Communities, the program is also a practical and values-led response to the ongoing workforce needs of the aged care sector. By investing in future care professionals, Scalabrini is helping to build a skilled, compassionate and culturally connected workforce.
A Successful First Cohort in 2025
The expanded program follows the success of Scalabrini’s inaugural 2025 student cohort, which demonstrated the strong potential of international placement programs to benefit both students and residents.
Richard de Haast, CEO of Scalabrini Communities, said the first intake exceeded expectations.
“The success of our inaugural intake last year exceeded all expectations, and the formal signing of this agreement marks a truly exciting new chapter for Scalabrini Communities. We are passionate about building pathways that transform individual lives while enriching the care we provide, and this expanded program is a powerful expression of that mission.”
Scalabrini’s General Manager for Residential Services, Amber Vega, who observed the 2025 placement firsthand, said the connections between students and residents were particularly meaningful.
“The genuine connections the students formed with our residents were truly special. Their enthusiasm to learn from our staff and engage meaningfully with residents made a real impact, and we look forward to welcoming a new group of students in 2026 and beyond.”
Welcoming the Next Generation of Care Professionals
From 2026, five students from Chung-Jen Junior College will begin placements at The Village by Scalabrini, Drummoyne, as part of the ongoing program.
Their arrival will bring new energy, cultural exchange and learning into the Scalabrini community, while giving students the opportunity to experience the heart of aged care in Australia.
For residents, families and staff, the program is another way Scalabrini continues to create meaningful connection across cultures, generations and communities.
As Scalabrini looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, this partnership represents more than a formal agreement. It is a shared commitment to education, care, opportunity and belonging.
