Virtual Study-Abroad Through Web Conferencing: Sharing Knowledge and Building Cultural Appreciation in Nursing Education and Practice

Abstract

Background:

With a focus on building global citizens, a U.S. and Norwegian academic collaborative partnership fostered clinical learning experiences addressing cultural and health care comparisons. High-impact educational practices integrated into international clinical experiences, combined with virtual global learning classrooms, highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals.

Problem:

Given nursing education’s requirements, devising innovative strategies expanded global learning in brief but transformative experiences while integrating nontraveling students, especially relevant considering current pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Approach:

We developed an educational experience pairing U.S. students (17 in person; 64 through web conference) and Norwegian students (50 in person; 3 for web conference) in population health experiences, providing required clinical hours and a shared cultural exchange. Integration of nontraveling students in joint virtual global experiences broadened the global learning opportunity for all.

Conclusion:

This work offers insight into how faculty used a virtual global learning experience as a synergistic tool with traditional study abroad.