Philippine academic visit: brief but life-changing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• International Health
• Cultural Competence

Background:

• Universities increasingly offer international study opportunities to foster global perspectives.
• The University of South Australia's Nursing and Rural Health program aimed to provide international experience.
• In 2001, two graduating nursing students were sent to the Philippines for a twelve-week academic visit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe participant and organizer insights from an international academic experience.
• To share lessons learned from a curtailed study abroad program.
• To reinforce the value of international academic experiences for students and institutions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative insights from participants and organizers of a twelve-week academic visit.
• Analysis of lessons learned from challenges encountered during the program.
• Exploration of personal and professional development outcomes.

Main Results:

• The academic visit, though shortened, yielded significant learning outcomes.
• Participant and organizer insights highlighted valuable lessons for future international programs.
• The experience was deemed life-changing, despite initial problems.

Conclusions:

• International academic experiences are highly beneficial for students' personal and professional development.
• Such programs foster crucial cultural understandings and global perspectives.
• Despite setbacks, the value of international study abroad for nursing education is reinforced.