Striving to Meet Global Health Competencies Without Study Abroad

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Global Health
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted traditional study abroad programs, essential for developing global health competencies.
• Students need cross-cultural knowledge and skills for diverse patient care, regardless of geographical boundaries.
• Traditional methods of achieving global health competencies through travel are currently restricted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose innovative learning opportunities for developing global health competencies.
• To facilitate the acquisition of essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for diverse cultural care.
• To address the limitations imposed by the pandemic on international educational experiences.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of published literature on global health competencies and nursing over the past decade.
• Identification and description of suggested global learning activities adaptable for virtual or classroom settings.
• Focus on activities that can be implemented when physical study abroad is not feasible.

Main Results:

• The study provides a description of suggested global learning activities.
• These activities are designed to meet global health competencies in accessible learning environments.
• The proposed activities address a gap in existing research concerning restricted travel.

Conclusions:

• Innovative learning strategies are crucial for maintaining global health education.
• Virtual and classroom-based activities can effectively substitute for study abroad in developing essential competencies.
• Further research is needed to demonstrate the attainment of global health competencies within local contexts.