Tanzanian Nursing Students’ Experiences of Student Exchange in Sweden—A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

Introduction Needs within healthcare are changing and nurses require new skills and knowledge in global nursing. Student exchange programs in global contexts provide an opportunity to develop the necessary skills. Objective The aim of this study was to describe Tanzanian nursing students’ experiences of student exchange in Sweden. Methods A qualitative design was used for this empirical study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with six Tanzanian nursing students who had participated in student exchange in Sweden. The participants were recruited by purposeful sampling. Inductive reasoning and qualitative content analysis were applied. Results Four main themes were formed; new roles, experience a new culture, establish new competencies, and global work ambitions. The findings revealed that the students experienced new approaches in Sweden, giving them new competencies and understanding. Furthermore, they increased their global perspectives on nursing and interest in working with global health issues, but they also experienced challenges in the new environment. Conclusion The present study showed that Tanzanian nursing students benefitted from their student exchange, both personally, as well as for their future careers as nurses. More research is needed in examining nursing students from low-income countries participating in student exchange in high-income countries.