Abstract

International clinical practica are a strategy to integrate a global dimension in nursing curricula and achieve culturally sensitive nursing practice. In this paper, a review of the history and development of international practica for nursing students is presented, and research evaluating the effectiveness and impact of international experiences is analyzed. A description of experiences working with Canadian nursing students is used to highlight the challenges and opportunities inherent to international clinical practica. International student experiences involving clinical practica pose challenges that are additional to, and often more complex than, those faced in traditional international, course-based exchanges. The significant opportunities, however, continue to make international student practica a desirable and positive experience for Canadian nursing students.

Submitted: February 7, 2005 · Accepted: March 11, 2005 · Published: July 26, 2005

Recommended Citation

Mill, Judy E.; Yonge, Olive J.; and Cameron, Brenda L. (2005) "Challenges and Opportunities of International Clinical Practica," International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1, Article 18.
DOI: 10.2202/1548-923X.1119
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijnes/vol2/iss1/art18