Service-learning abroad: a life-changing experience for nursing students.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Global Health
• Service-Learning

Background:

• Preparing nursing students for culturally diverse societies is essential.
• Service-learning offers a practical approach to enhance global health competencies.
• Partnerships can facilitate meaningful international educational experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a service-learning program in nursing education.
• To support international healthcare missions through academic partnerships.
• To prepare nursing students for practice in a globalized world.

Main Methods:

• Establishing a partnership between a university nursing school and a church mission program.
• Developing a curriculum integrating service-learning in El Salvador.
• Facilitating student participation in a long-term mission program.

Main Results:

• Service-learning provides valuable hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments.
• Students gain enhanced cultural competence and global health awareness.
• The partnership strengthens both the educational program and the mission's healthcare capacity.

Conclusions:

• Service-learning is an effective strategy for nursing education in global contexts.
• International partnerships are crucial for successful service-learning initiatives.
• This model prepares culturally competent nurses for diverse healthcare needs worldwide.