Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
PLoS One. 2021 Apr 2;16(4):e0249629. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249629. eCollection 2021.
This study aimed to explore the experiences of nursing students who have undertaken a short course in an overseas educational system to generate theoretical understanding of the experience of studying abroad. Learning in the health professions needs to considered in the context of globalization as a way of sharing knowledge and taking responsibility as world citizens. Studying abroad provides students with an opportunity to develop global health care competencies. A symbolic interactionist approach was adopted to gain insight into how the students constructed the meaning of studying abroad. The study was conducted at a university with 2 campuses in Taiwan. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to recruit 14 participants. Data were collected from August to November 2017 via individual in-depth interviews. A semi-structured interview guide was used. Qualitative content analysis was employed to analyse the data. Each interview was audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Most students identified both positive and negative experiences related to their professional and personal development and needs. They demonstrated motivation to leave their comfort zone and enter a challenging environment as well as a high level of adaptability. The experience enabled them to see themselves as part of the world and expanded their learning in positive ways. On completion of their course, they encouraged others to experience this enjoyable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
本研究旨在探讨护理专业学生在海外教育体系中修读短期课程的体验，以产生对出国留学经历的理论理解。学习医学专业需要在全球化背景下进行，这是一种分享知识和承担世界公民责任的方式。出国留学为学生提供了发展全球卫生保健能力的机会。本研究采用符号互动主义方法，深入了解学生如何构建出国留学的意义。该研究在台湾的一所拥有 2 个校区的大学进行。采用目的抽样策略招募了 14 名参与者。数据收集于 2017 年 8 月至 11 月期间，通过个人深入访谈进行。采用半结构式访谈指南收集数据。采用定性内容分析方法对数据进行分析。每次访谈均进行录音，并逐字转录。大多数学生都认为自己的专业和个人发展以及需求既有积极的体验，也有消极的体验。他们表现出离开舒适区进入充满挑战的环境的动机，以及很强的适应能力。这种经历使他们能够将自己视为世界的一部分，并以积极的方式拓展自己的学习。在完成课程后，他们鼓励其他人体验这一难得的、令人愉快的一生一次的机会。
