Pre-Professional International Mobility of European Pharmacy Students-A French Example

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• International Mobility Studies
• Higher Education Research

Background:

• Internationalization is crucial for pharmacists, requiring global collaboration in academia and industry.
• Pre-professional mobility experiences are increasingly integrated into pharmacy curricula.
• The European Union's Erasmus+ program facilitates international educational exchanges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a preliminary study on the current state of international pre-professional mobility for pharmacy students.
• To present the first case study of international pre-professional mobility in pharmacy students within France, specifically north-eastern France.
• To assess the impact of international mobility programs on the pharmacy curriculum.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary survey was conducted among pharmacy students at the University of Lorraine's Faculty of Pharmacy in 2020.
• The study focused on students participating in international pre-professional mobility programs.
• Data collection aimed to reflect the influence of programs like Erasmus+.

Main Results:

• The study identified several barriers hindering international mobility for pharmacy students.
• Despite these barriers, the overall outcomes of international pre-professional mobility were found to be positive.
• The findings indicate a beneficial impact of international experiences on pharmacy students' education.

Conclusions:

• International pre-professional mobility is a valuable component of pharmacy education.
• Addressing existing barriers can further enhance the benefits of global experiences for pharmacy students.
• The positive outcomes suggest that promoting international mobility is essential for developing globally competent pharmacists.