Practical considerations in establishing sustainable international nursing experiences

Abstract

An understanding of global health and the development of cultural competence are important outcomes of today's baccalaureate nursing programs. Thoughtfully designed international experiences can provide excellent opportunities to achieve those outcomes. Based on 16 years of providing international experiences within a baccalaureate curriculum, components are identified that contribute to the development of a sustainable international program. Areas addressed in the article are evaluating the fit with university and college mission, establishing the program within the university operational structure, selecting faculty and students, developing sites, designing a course, and program evaluation.