Latin American nursing students in the United States

The Latino students confront a unique set of difficulties and patterns of adjustment in the majority culture and the educational experiences in the United States. Careful consideration must be given not only to the general characteristics of this group, but also to the individual's history of immigration, socioeconomic status, educational experiences and background. Multicultural education for the international nursing students can benefit all students, but it should not gloss over conflicts of values and beliefs. It must honestly deal with differences and similarities. It must be based on experience, not on stereotypes of root cultures or ethnic characteristics. In addition to addressing the cognitive affect and skill needs of all students, the multicultural education must address the special needs of minorities. Anglo students or majority-group students need realistic opportunities for experience and interaction with minority students and minority-faculty. Every group has something to teach the other. Faculty advisors and majority students should be encouraged to acquaint themselves with the need to establish rapport with the Latino student. There is also a need to develop in the classroom an atmosphere that enhances the learning experiences. The learning experiences should be so designed that all students and school personnel can intellectually, emotionally and socially participate on equal terms in a culturally diverse society.