An integrative literature review of study abroad programs for nursing students

Nurse researchers need to explore study abroad programs and identify their impact on the development of cultural competence and global perspectives in nursing students. Despite the anecdotal professional and personal benefits that have been attributed to study abroad in other disciplines, current nursing literature regarding this topic is limited and has only emerged in nursing research within the last decade. There is a significant gap in the existing body of knowledge with respect to American nursing students who study abroad and the reported benefits of and impediments to their experiences. Much of the nursing research conducted with American nursing students has been quantitative as opposed to qualitative studies with European and Australian nursing students. Many samples are homogenous and therefore exclude diverse populations. Further research involving all methodological designs is warranted to better understand this type of engaged learning.