Kristin Bjørnnes Ann, Torbjørnsen Astrid, Sigridur Anna Thordardottir Björg, Lund Anne, Johannes Hovland Olav, Skeie Skarpaas Lisebet
Faculty of health science, Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs plass, P.O. Box 4, Oslo, NO-0130, Norway.
BMC Med Educ. 2025 Apr 17;25(1):555. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-07136-4.
Study abroad programs offer significant benefits for healthcare students, including enhanced cultural awareness and professional development. However, participation in these programs is often influenced by various enablers and barriers. Understanding students' characteristics, preferences, and knowledge about exchange opportunities is important for supporting students and developing strategies to facilitate exchange.
This study conducted a cross-sectional survey among students enrolled in four 3-year professional health bachelor's programs in Norway. It aimed to investigate students' characteristics, preferences, and knowledge about exchange opportunities. Additionally, it sought to examine enablers and barriers to exchange, as well as associations between students' characteristics and their intention to participate in exchange programs.
The survey results (N = 192) suggest associations between social relationships, financial considerations, personal motivations, and students' decisions regarding participation in exchange programs.
This study provides a more nuanced understanding of students' characteristics, preferences, and barriers associated with the intention to participate in international exchange opportunities within health science programs. Institutions should address the practical and personal challenges that students may encounter, thereby ensuring equitable access and participation. Furthermore, the study offers insights into the initial stages of the exchange process, focusing not only on those who choose to participate in exchange programs but also on those who opt out.
留学项目为医学生带来诸多显著益处，包括增强文化意识和促进职业发展。然而，参与这些项目往往受到各种促进因素和障碍的影响。了解学生的特点、偏好以及对交流机会的认知，对于支持学生并制定促进交流的策略至关重要。
本研究对挪威四个三年制专业健康学士学位项目的学生进行了横断面调查。旨在调查学生的特点、偏好以及对交流机会的认知。此外，研究还试图考察交流的促进因素和障碍，以及学生特点与参与交流项目意愿之间的关联。
调查结果（N = 192）表明，社会关系、经济考量、个人动机与学生参与交流项目的决定之间存在关联。
本研究对学生的特点、偏好以及与健康科学项目中参与国际交流机会意愿相关的障碍有了更细致入微的理解。院校应应对学生可能遇到的实际和个人挑战，从而确保公平参与。此外，该研究为交流过程的初始阶段提供了见解，不仅关注那些选择参与交流项目的学生，也关注那些选择退出的学生。
