International Experiences in Nursing Education: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Service learning and study abroad opportunities have become increasingly popular in nursing education in the past decade. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore existing literature concerning global health experiences in nursing education. Twenty-three empirical articles from 2003 to 2010 were reviewed, building upon existing reviews of international nursing education literature. Research on two-way exchange experiences and models for best practice were found to be lacking. While an array of countries were represented as the visiting or hosting side of the experience, few co-authors from host countries were found, particularly in literature originating from the U.S. The authors recommend that two-way exchange programs be evaluated to identify successful strategies and barriers to success. Ongoing evaluation of exchanges is necessary to ensure continued sustainable partnership and exchange in immersion experiences for nursing students.

Studying abroad: Exploring factors influencing nursing students’ decisions to apply for clinical placements in international settings

“…A summary of other benefits of study abroad cited in the literature include a broader understanding of the social determinants of health and their impact on health care delivery systems (Egenes, 2012;Kent-Wilkinson et al, 2010;Kokko, 2011); first-hand experiences of issues or factors that influence health and social inequities (Kulbok et al, 2012;Smith and Curry, 2011); increased awareness of global health issues and the development of global citizenship (Mill et al, 2010;Kulbok et al, 2012); increased cultural awareness and the development of cultural competence/safety (Aseno et al, 2013;Bentley and Ellison, 2007;Kelleher, 2013;Kokko, 2011;Ruddock and Turner, 2007;Smith-Miller et al, 2010); professional and personal growth (Kelleher, 2013;Kollar and Ailinger, 2002;Zorn et al, 1995); increased cognitive development (Kelleher, 2013); and long term positive impact on nursing practice (Kollar and Ailinger, 2002;Smith and Curry, 2011;Zorn, 1996).…”

Taking part in Nordic collaboration; nursing students' experiences and perceptions from a learning perspective: A qualitative study

“…Today, cultural competence is also developed through exchange programmes between educational institutions. Such programmes yield best results if well prepared (Greatrex-White, 2008;Koskinen and Tossavainen, 2004;Kulbok et al, 2012). Generally, exchange collaboration focuses on students and nurse educators (Sandin et al, 2009).…”

Faculty led study abroad: Influences on student intercultural communication, interprofessional attitudes, and professional identity

“…It is imperative that we discuss competencies, and intercultural communication, professional identity, and interprofessional attitudes from the North American and host country perspectives. To this end, Kulbok and Mitchell et al [9] recommend that students and faculty work collaboratively and participate in two-way exchanges to build capacity at both institutions. Additionally, strengthening intercultural communication and examining interprofessional attitudes and professional identity in various fields, is explored as it relates to countries with vastly different education and health care systems.…”