Background Nursing literature describes the participation of nursing students in international study programmes abroad as an experience of great value, leading to the development of cultural sensitivity. Summary of work The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the significance of international study experience undertaken by nursing students from the Torino and Cuneo University Undergraduate Nursing Courses. A phenomenological approach with the Giorgi method has been adopted to analyse the data from semi-structured audiotaped interviews carried out with ten nursing students who took part in international activities between 2000 and 2008. Summary of results The research led to identify five cluster of meaning concerning the international experience: to immerse oneself in another culture, to take on a challenging experience, to live and to compare nursing in another country, foreign language communication: challenge and acquisition, to live a unique learning experience. The comparison with different professional, educational and cultural settings, which represents the students' main objective, is also an opportunity to broaden students' cultural conceptions. Conclusions International study or placement experiences are great opportunities for the personal, professional and educational growth of nursing students. Such activities should be encouraged and the organizational support maximised. Take-home message International experiences for nursing students at each stage of their education and for nurses in work settings should be implemented in order to promote their broadening of educational and professional horizons.
The meaning of the experience in international study programmes of nursing students from Torino and Cuneo University Undergraduate Nursing Courses: a qualitative study
GARRINO, LORENZA;DIMONTE, Valerio
2010-01-01
Abstract
Background Nursing literature describes the participation of nursing students in international study programmes abroad as an experience of great value, leading to the development of cultural sensitivity. Summary of work The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the significance of international study experience undertaken by nursing students from the Torino and Cuneo University Undergraduate Nursing Courses. A phenomenological approach with the Giorgi method has been adopted to analyse the data from semi-structured audiotaped interviews carried out with ten nursing students who took part in international activities between 2000 and 2008. Summary of results The research led to identify five cluster of meaning concerning the international experience: to immerse oneself in another culture, to take on a challenging experience, to live and to compare nursing in another country, foreign language communication: challenge and acquisition, to live a unique learning experience. The comparison with different professional, educational and cultural settings, which represents the students' main objective, is also an opportunity to broaden students' cultural conceptions. Conclusions International study or placement experiences are great opportunities for the personal, professional and educational growth of nursing students. Such activities should be encouraged and the organizational support maximised. Take-home message International experiences for nursing students at each stage of their education and for nurses in work settings should be implemented in order to promote their broadening of educational and professional horizons.
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