Background: Australian nursing faculty and students from Griffith University have been involved in a service-learning project in rural Laos since 2009. The nurse-led teams partner with Lao Health Workers and interpreters to provide primary health care to families a in remote communities. Community needs assessments are completed in consultation with district health officials, village leaders and families. Students participate in pre-departure workshops, with a focus on the impact that social (SDoH) have on health outcomes. Approach: Given the limited health literacy within this community development setting, students are supported by faculty to focus on the importance of applying primary health care principles, specifically in relation to health promotion and illness prevention. In addition to assessment and health care provision, students develop health education sessions across the lifespan, including topics related to hand hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health and workplace safety. Using a constructivist educational approach allows students to draw on their prior knowledge and increasing understanding of SDoH, whilst gaining an appreciation of making new connections. Strategy: Working in communities and living with families in local homestays, provides students with authentic experiences of how Lao families live. Students are encouraged to apply reflective practice to understanding issues of access and equity in all stages of education provision and assessment. An underlying strategy has been to increase local capacity and build relationships with this vulnerable community, acknowledging that partnerships are key to addressing SDoH. Conclusions: Students report that their experiences helps generate awareness of global health issues as they become more knowledgeable and responsive to relevant local health issues. The placement has a strong focus on caring for others, understanding social cohesion and building relationships with families and communities. Students closely observe local lifestyles during this cultural immersion placement, describing an increasing awareness of the impact of SDoH on family health outcomes.