Chinese nurses’ perceived impact of international educational experiences and cultural beliefs following a 1-year study abroad program: an exploratory study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To examine the perceived impact of international educational experiences and cultural beliefs before and after completing a 1-year Masters of Science in Nursing program. Methods An exploratory study was conducted among Chinese nurses studying abroad in a private medium-sized university in the United States. The 27-item electronic pre-survey was administered within 1 week of starting the program and the post-survey was administered 1 year later at the completion of the program. Results Majority of participants (n = 25) were female, 23–36 years of age. Findings revealed that the perceived impact of international educational experiences assessed at the start of the program was similar to the perceived impact measured at the end of the 1-year program, suggesting that the students learned and experienced what they anticipated. There was a significant impact on cultural beliefs from the start of the program compared with the end of the program suggesting that a 1-year study abroad program does influence cultural beliefs. Conclusions Understanding what is important to provide in a study abroad program and providing the educational experiences identified by students as impactful are avenues to help host universities best develop their programs. Findings suggested that the 1-year program can influence foreign students’ cultural beliefs, yet the professional and personal impact of this change warrants further study.