Title : A descriptive analysis of the learning experiences of international and domestic undergraduate nursing students who siting in one classroom in China
Abstract:
Background : The evidence has strongly suggested that students gain benefits of international learning experience in nursing program. It includes the short and long–term positive effects on students’ personal and professional development.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of international and domestic undergraduate nursing students who participated in a learning program in China.
Method: A descriptive qualitative outcome evaluation project was utilized to understand international and domestic student perception of this experience. 20 participants (7 African and Asian students and 13 Chinese students) were taking one semester nursing learning program in Hangzhou Normal University in east China. Data was collected by 3 focus groups and 2 interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed by the authors for common themes.
Results: Three category were language, culture and study. 7 themes identified included: raising language interests, coping tool, communication ability, culture gap -“touching”, social culture, learning gift and a desire for an international “together” course. Both international and domestic responses requited to add domestic language in teaching. Domestic students were more liked to be respect by body language. Participants also indicated increased personal and professional growth.
Conclusions: The nursing students perceived language, culture and study benefits from sitting one class room learning experience. The future international teaching approach needs both English and domestic language.
Audience Take Away:
- This study will help us to understand the benefits and barriers that international and domestic students facing when they sitting in one class room.
- The evidence would support nursing educators and administrator to better facilitate international and domestic students in English taught nursing program.
- It will add knowledge of international nursing education in Asian country.
