Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Shreve, Marilou

Committee Member

Ballentine, Hope

Abstract

Studying abroad as a nursing student is an under-researched topic that has many perceived and identified beneficial outcomes for students who participate. This expanded literature review utilizes 20 studies and one literature review to explore the facets of an immersive and international study abroad program on nursing and healthcare students. There are many benefits to professional, personal, and cultural growth that come from the experience of international study abroad. Such programs have shown to positively impact students' perceptions of their own cultural competence, abilities to overcome barriers, expand their perspectives, and grow in confidence. There are also many precipitating and prohibiting factors that nursing students consider when deciding to study abroad or not. The ability or desire to participate in a study abroad program can be negatively impacted by students' financial abilities, personal commitments, and language differences. Positive precipitating factors that influence students to choose to participate in a study abroad program include the opportunity for cultural growth, added potential value to personal life, and location of the program. There is future research that needs to be conducted to identify long-term impacts such as nurses' clinical outcomes, continuing cultural sensitivity, and growth in professional and personal life. To create a global minded and well-rounded healthcare professional, the evidence suggests that studying abroad as a student is an impactful way to cultivate culturally competent and confident individuals.

Keywords

nursing; education; study abroad

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