Other Titles
Advancing world health through nursing students' study abroad experiences: Shared insights [Symposium]
Abstract
Purpose: Faculty at a western United States university found it essential for student nurses participating in a clinical international experience to complete a preparatory course prior to in-country experience. Students prepared by learning about travel expectations, culture and people, course requirements and personal perceptions. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the significance of cultural preparation before travel, and describe a cultural preparatory course.
Methods: Students selected to participate in an international experience are required to complete a one-credit cultural preparatory class. The course is taught the semester before student travel. Course outcomes include assisting students to understand their own personal worldview and perceived experience expectations, in addition to studying about the culture and people. Students also prepare to practice nursing in an international setting. Additional preparation includes the development of an emergency plan for possible in country disasters. Teaching methods include book reports, oral presentations on culture topics, guest lectures, videos, and reading articles. Class discussions are very helpful concerning culture shock and culture biases. These important discussions help students identify their personal risks of maladaptation to new international experiences. Students are also given opportunities to voice fears or concerns during discussions whereupon faculty can address these issues prior to travel. Presenting faculty have assisted students in preparation for a variety of international experiences including India, Vietnam, Tonga and refugee populations.
Results: Students prepared for international travel have a more rewarding encounter and adapt quicker to their new situation, allowing for earlier engagement in the international experience. End of travel student feedback provided faculty with suggestions for improved preparation such as guest speakers from different religious communities and increased language skills.
Conclusions: The benefits of cultural preparation contribute to a more enlightened international experience for both faculty and students. Continued preparation is vital for international travel. Faculty are encouraged to implement a similar type of preparatory program for international study abroad programs.
Notes
One combined slide deck was submitted for all presentations in this symposium. This slide deck will be attached to at least one other record in the repository. Please look for your preferred session within the combined presentation slides. To locate all records utilizing this slide deck, search by Alternative Title.
Sigma Membership
Iota Iota
Lead Author Affiliation
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Learning Strategies, Study Abroad, Travel Preparation
Recommended Citation
Lundberg, Karen Miller; Corbett, Cheryl Ann; and Edmunds, Debra, "Preparing nursing students for international learning experiences" (2017). INRC (Congress). 58.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2017/presentations_2017/58
Conference Name
28th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Dublin, Ireland
Conference Year
2017
Rights Holder
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All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Preparing nursing students for international learning experiences
Dublin, Ireland
Purpose: Faculty at a western United States university found it essential for student nurses participating in a clinical international experience to complete a preparatory course prior to in-country experience. Students prepared by learning about travel expectations, culture and people, course requirements and personal perceptions. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the significance of cultural preparation before travel, and describe a cultural preparatory course.
Methods: Students selected to participate in an international experience are required to complete a one-credit cultural preparatory class. The course is taught the semester before student travel. Course outcomes include assisting students to understand their own personal worldview and perceived experience expectations, in addition to studying about the culture and people. Students also prepare to practice nursing in an international setting. Additional preparation includes the development of an emergency plan for possible in country disasters. Teaching methods include book reports, oral presentations on culture topics, guest lectures, videos, and reading articles. Class discussions are very helpful concerning culture shock and culture biases. These important discussions help students identify their personal risks of maladaptation to new international experiences. Students are also given opportunities to voice fears or concerns during discussions whereupon faculty can address these issues prior to travel. Presenting faculty have assisted students in preparation for a variety of international experiences including India, Vietnam, Tonga and refugee populations.
Results: Students prepared for international travel have a more rewarding encounter and adapt quicker to their new situation, allowing for earlier engagement in the international experience. End of travel student feedback provided faculty with suggestions for improved preparation such as guest speakers from different religious communities and increased language skills.
Conclusions: The benefits of cultural preparation contribute to a more enlightened international experience for both faculty and students. Continued preparation is vital for international travel. Faculty are encouraged to implement a similar type of preparatory program for international study abroad programs.