Outcomes of Study Abroad Programs and Experiences Among Nursing Students: A Scoping Review

Written by Tulashi Ram Gautam, Ruth B. Grubesic, & M. Danet Lapiz Bluhm

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2024.14.01.1404

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Abstract

Background: Cultural competence refers to skills that facilitate effective and appropriate communication with people from different cultures. Culturally competent nurses are needed to provide care for diverse populations. Nursing schools provide several avenues for inter or cross-cultural education to help students develop cultural competence including study abroad programs. However, there is limited synthesis of the literature on the outcomes of study abroad activities among nursing students.

Objective: This review aims to synthesize evidence on the outcomes of study abroad programs among nursing students. Synthesis of the literature can be useful as basis for
the incorporation of study abroad programs into a nursing curriculum and sustained support of existing study abroad programs, especially in a financially strapped academic

environment.

Methods: PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed research articles published from 2010-2021. Data were extracted, categorized, and grouped according to emerging themes.

Results: Despite the plethora of study abroad formats, the evidence indicate that these programs improve cultural competence, personal growth, employability, and language
skills. Interprofessional study abroad programs help students to understand their roles and scope of practice and other health professions to work as a team.

Conclusion: Study abroad programs provide students with opportunities to develop skills important to the profession. Training and developing a well-prepared health workforce is key to improving cultural competence in health services and systems. Study abroad programs could be an important strategy to develop a well-prepared health workforce to improve healthcare systems and services.

Keywords: study abroad program, nursing students, cultural competence, student global health experiences