Striving to Meet Global Health Competencies Without Study Abroad

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has radically changed the future of study abroad, yet students require the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide care for diverse cultures across geographical boundaries. The purpose of this article is to facilitate innovative learning opportunities in order to meet global health competencies in the physical or virtual classroom when study abroad is not feasible. Approach: Based on a review of published literature related to global health competencies and nursing over the last decade, a description of suggested global learning activities is provided. Results: Few research publications exist to describe activities for meeting global health competencies when travel abroad is restricted. The proposed activities provide a foundation to address the gap in literature and to establish a trajectory for future research. Discussion: The challenge is to demonstrate evidence of global health competency attainment when students are confined to their local community.