Nursing across European borders : students' experiences and perceptions of a student exchange programme

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of nursing students on an exchange study programme. While exploring these dimensions, the study also sought to acquire a greater appreciation of how students go about living and learning on such programmes in order to enhance the effectiveness of study abroad programmes. A descriptive non-experimental design was used to fulfil the objectives. A questionnaire including open and closed questions was used to collect data. The questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to the total population (n=50) of nursing students who had participated in an exchange programme at the University of Malta. Thirty-one nursing students (23 Maltese and 8 foreigners) returned the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 62%. The findings suggested that several benefits including changes in personality and professional dimensions are associated with study abroad: increased self confidence, increased interest and an appreciation for cultural differences and recognition of the international dimension of professional nursing. It was also discovered that changes within the exchange programme are warranted in order to improve the experience for future students. These included better pre departure preparation, changes in the role of the tutor guiding the foreign students and more agreements with other non-European countries to give more students the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes. It is recommended that a nursing module in intercultural issues will be included in the Nursing Studies curriculum. In addition several suggestions for further research have been made, including an observational study from a mentor's point of view to assess the needs and the goals to be attained by students on an exchange programme.