Nursing Students' Experiences of a Student-Led Collaborative Online International Learning Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Global Health
• Online Learning

Background:

• Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programs offer an "internationalization-at-home" experience.
• Limited research exists on student perspectives within COIL programs.
• This study focused on a COIL program implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic across three universities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore undergraduate nursing and midwifery students' perspectives on participating in a student-led COIL program.
• To understand the benefits and challenges of international virtual collaboration in nursing education.
• To assess the impact of COIL on students' understanding of global nursing and cultural dynamics.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was utilized.
• Data were collected through student reflections and semi-structured interviews.
• The study focused on undergraduate nursing and midwifery students involved in the COIL program.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: student-led learning, personal gains, impact on professional practice, and development of global citizenship.
• Students reported positive experiences and highlighted areas for program improvement.
• Key outcomes included enhanced understanding of cultural nuances in nursing and personal development.

Conclusions:

• Student-led COIL programs enhance nursing students' comprehension of diverse cultural and nursing practices.
• Participation fosters personal growth and professional development, preparing students for multicultural healthcare settings.
• COIL initiatives contribute to cultivating global citizenship attributes among future nurses.