Juggling to survive: Master of Science postgraduate nursing students’ experiences of studying far from home

Abstract

Background Globally, government and higher education institutions are expected to increase international student numbers. Programme development, marketing international collaboration and management has been the focus of strategy roll out. Aims This study aimed to explore international student experiences while undertaking Master of Science postgraduate education far from home. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Following ethical approval, 11 students studying on a Master of Science Nursing postgraduate programme in one health education institute in Ireland volunteered to participate. Students were of Asian origin and mixed gender and the average age was 27. Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and data analysis followed Burnard’s thematic framework. Results The data provide evidence of the complexities and challenges experienced when studying on a Master of Science postgraduate nursing programme. Students described a process of juggling to survive and succeed. Three overarching categories emerged: differing realities, working through, and learning new ways. Conclusions This study adds to international debate regarding structures and processes supporting international nurse education. In meeting ethnic and culturally-diverse student learning needs, consideration of learning and teaching approaches is warranted. For globalisation in nurse education to prosper, investment needs to move from focusing on recruitment towards structures and processes to nurture intercultural learning.