Developing an international learning experience in The Gambia, West Africa: the rewards and challenges of a complex partnership.

An international educational program that engages students in healthcare in another culture is a wonderful way to immerse students in diversity issues. However, developing these types of international programs are challenging for many reasons. It takes a great deal of time, financial resources, and ongoing commitment from all involved. Even with the known benefits of developing international educational partnerships many nursing programs lack the personnel and/or financial resources to develop and/or to sustain these programs overtime. By partnering with other universities and local hospitals extra financial and personnel resources become available to develop and help sustain these international educational programs.