Fostering global health practice: An undergraduate nursing student exchange and international service- learning program

Background: Nurses increasingly are identified as key health care members on global health initiatives, and nursing curricula should address this competency to prepare students to work in a global environment. This article will share how processes and structures were established for an international undergraduate nursing student exchange and service-learning experience between two schools of nursing. Method: The goals of the project were to (a) implement an annual nursing student exchange of approximately 3 weeks in length; (b) select eight students from each school, accompanied by a faculty member, to participate; and (c) provide opportunities for students to participate in service-learning assessments in identified communities. Results: To date, an annual exchange is in its fourth year of existence. Conclusion: An international service-learning opportunity is one way to improve nursing students’ ability to provide culturally competent health care.