Influence of Short-Term Study Abroad Experiences on Community Health Baccalaureate Students

Abstract

Student perceptions of culture demonstrated progression through previously described stages of cultural competence. Relatively novel themes regarding community relationships, perceptions of health and happiness, and adaptability suggest additional value of this short-term study abroad experience for nursing students. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(9):528-533.].

How do we facilitate international clinical placements for nursing students: A cross-sectional exploration of the structure, aims and objectives of placements

“…Learning outcomes for international clinical placements, described in the literature have emphasized the observed benefits of promoting cultural awareness through challenging students in a culturally diverse environment whilst also assisting them to achieve clinical proficiency (Phillips et al, 2017;Maltby et al, 2016;Ng, Goddard, Gribble & Pickard, 2012). Additionally, such placements are believed to provide nursing students with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of, and ability to, communicate across cultural boundaries; a skill that has important implications for their ongoing professional practice (Smith-Miller, Leak, Harlan, Dieckmann & Sherwood, 2010).…”

“…Although these were relatively short-term placements a study by Phillips et al (2017), of American Baccalaureate students travelling to Ghana, has reported that longer placements are not necessarily required to see a shift in students' attitudes away from ethnocentrism towards the beginnings of increased cultural sensitivity.…”

“…curriculums (Phillips et al, 2017), and shorter placements ensure accessibility to a larger number of students. However consideration of the structure of the different phases of the learning journey that occurs in relation to the placement is essential when planning how to implement teaching and assessment strategies that can achieve the desired aims and outcomes.…”

Reflections on Study Abroad: Insights from Registered Nurses

“…This finding was somewhat surprising as friendship formation is not typically mentioned in the literature as an anticipated benefit from SA. Similarly, Philips et al (2017) found returning SA nursing students viewed the personal international relationships they had developed as an unexpected outcome and expressed the desire to continue to grow these friendships. Finally, the anticipated benefit of gaining international nursing experience (Kent-Wilkinson et al, 2015) was achieved for our participants who strongly valued their exposure to a different health care context.…”

Giving undergraduate nursing students international experiences: Issues and strategies

“…Student experiences can differ by the length of an exchange program, the destination, whether in a group or individually, by how much the exchange is facilitated, and description of the learning outcomes to be achieved (Phillips, Bloom, Gainey, & Chiocca, 2017). The most common length is short-term stays of 1-4 weeks; however, institutions might exchange students for a clinical placement or theoretical courses, or for a semester-long placement as is the often the case with Swedish students (Nilsson et al, 2014).…”