Challenges to Students' Learning and Wellbeing During Placement Abroad: A Qualitative Study Using Rich Pictures.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• International Health
• Student Wellbeing

Background:

• Undergraduate healthcare students undertaking clinical placements abroad encounter unique personal and professional challenges.
• These challenges can impede student engagement, leading to peripheral participation and negatively affecting the learning experience.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for optimizing student development and wellbeing in international settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how personal and professional challenges influence the learning and wellbeing of undergraduate healthcare students during international clinical placements.
• To identify factors that facilitate positive student experiences and development in cross-cultural healthcare environments.

Main Methods:

• Employed the rich pictures drawing method combined with semi-structured interviews to capture student experiences.
• Utilized sensitizing concepts including language, culture, education, and belonging for thematic analysis.
• Conducted parallel and iterative analysis of interview transcripts and rich pictures, fostering conceptualization through team discussions.

Main Results:

• Identified four key themes: 'Learning to work in the international context', 'Cultural differences shape professional identity', 'Deliberate social connections', and 'Personal growth through international experiences'.
• Active engagement in local practices was vital for overcoming language, cultural, and educational barriers, enhancing a sense of belonging.
• Supportive local healthcare teams and peers were instrumental in fostering student wellbeing and professional development by clarifying learner roles and professional boundaries.

Conclusions:

• Language, cultural, and educational challenges are inherent to international student placements.
• Local peers and staff play a significant role in facilitating student adaptation and recognizing learning opportunities.
• Clinical educators should provide social support and guidance on professional conduct, including communication, to enhance student learning and wellbeing.