International Experience – PA/PS information
Background
International experiences (Where students can apply to attend in year 2 or year 3) give valuable insight and understanding of nursing in diverse settings and associated cultural implications. This knowledge and understanding is transferable to all settings. Countries include Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Ghana, Vietnam, India, Kenya, Philippines, South Africa, Nepal
All International experiences count as practice hours (37.5 hrs per weeks). The international experience is treated as Spoke from the student’s main placement. This can be from one to four weeks. We encourage students to discuss with their PA what they have gained from this experience, or what they are planning to gain (if on placement before international experience).
Students on international experience are aware they cannot complete proficiencies, Episodes of Care (EOC) or Medication Management. They are encouraged to complete reflections in their EPAD of ‘Working with and learning from others/interprofessional working’. Many of these will be around cultural learning and transcultural care.
Benefits of international experience
Enhanced Clinical Experience: Observing healthcare staff working in resource-limited settings exposes students to diverse medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare systems. The experience helps to broaden understanding of global health issues and challenges.
Cultural Competence: Immersion in diverse cultures fosters empathy, understanding, and effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds. Students learn to adapt to new environments, enhancing their ability to provide patient-centred care.
Personal Growth: Living and working abroad promotes resilience, resourcefulness, and self-confidence. Students develop problem-solving skills, learn to navigate unfamiliar situations, and become more independent. The experience lends itself to strengthening leadership and management skills.
Global Networking: Students build professional relationships with healthcare professionals and peers from around the world. These connections can lead to future collaborations, research opportunities, and job prospects.
Career Advancement: International experience demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to take on new challenges. This can make students more attractive to potential employers and enhance their career prospects. We always encourage students to highlight that they have been on an international experience within their curriculum vitae’s when applying for jobs.
PS responsibly over one to four weeks
The allocated practice supervisor (PS) of the international provider (Work the world, Vocational Impact or The Might Roar) completes the following in the EPAD.
Initial Interview
To complete Professional Values
To review reflections on learning and working with others.
Final interview (only if going for international for more than one week)
Support during placement:
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to students via regular check-ins.
- Cultural Immersion: Encourage students to engage with local communities and healthcare systems.
- To review reflections in EPAD of learning and working from others
- Safety and Well-being: Monitor students’ safety and well-being, intervening if necessary.
AA to touch base by email re progress once during international experience.
Role of PA
To provide pre-brief and debrief to students going on international experience. There are some examples of helpful questions below to elicit further reflection. Please also note that the UOB international co-ordinators for pre-reg nursing will also have a pre-brief and a de-brief with the students.
Conversation questions during UK based placement before students goes on their international experience.
Tell me about the country you are going to.
What sort of nursing opportunities may you come across?
Tell me about what you hope to gain from a self-improvement perspective.
Conversation questions on students returning to their UK based placement from their international experience.
Having completed the international experience how have your thoughts changed about health care provision in the UK?
Tell me about you level of self- confidence post international experience.
What learnings from the international experiences can your share with others considering an international elective?