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3 Ways to Study Abroad as a Nursing Major

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Studying abroad during college is popular among business, communication, education, and language majors — but what about majors related to science or medicine? Pre-med and nursing students may be hesitant to pursue study abroad opportunities for fear it could disrupt their studies; the good news is that there is a study abroad program for every type of student, no matter their academic track. 

Read on to learn how you can study abroad as a nursing student, and which countries may even enhance your nursing education. 

Why Study Abroad as a Nursing Major?

A student with long red hair and a baseball cap sits at a wooden table, working on an iPad with a laptop open in front of them. A very blue ocean is visible through porthole windows behind them.

Studying abroad can significantly enrich any college student’s educational experience, beyond what they might gain from their home university. For nursing students specifically, taking their studies further afield can help them develop critical skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the global healthcare profession.

The following five reasons make a compelling case for nursing majors to consider studying abroad during college:

  1. Gain exposure to diverse healthcare systems
    Nursing students who study abroad get to experience different healthcare systems, practices, and policies, some of which may be vastly different than the ones they grew up with. This exposure provides a valuable window into how healthcare is delivered in various cultural and economic contexts. For example, students can learn about traditional and modern medical practices that are specific to certain cultures and witness firsthand how different countries tackle global health issues like infectious diseases, maternal health, and malnutrition.
  2. Practice cultural competence and sensitivity
    Cultural competence is crucial in nursing, as nurses frequently care for patients from wildly different backgrounds. Studying abroad helps students learn to communicate effectively with people who have varying cultural norms and perspectives. In doing so, they can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural factors that influence patient health behaviors and choices, which is hard to teach in a traditional classroom.
  3. Develop language skills
    Studying nursing in a non-English-speaking country can significantly improve a student’s language skills, an invaluable strength in multilingual patient care. Being able to communicate with patients who speak different languages may also increase students’ employability in a wide range of medical settings, both domestically and internationally.
  4. Experience personal and professional growth
    Living and studying abroad fosters independence, resilience, and adaptability — all essential traits for a successful nursing career. Navigating unfamiliar environments and overcoming new challenges builds strong problem-solving abilities, while working with peers from diverse backgrounds helps students establish a global professional network.
  5. Enhance your resume and job prospects
    Having international experience can make a nursing graduate more attractive to potential employers, as it indicates a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone; a knack for adapting to new situations; and an understanding of global health issues, which is increasingly valuable in a connected world.

“One may think that Semester at Sea best benefits other majors — but I say, no matter [your] major, SAS is the right choice for you! There is at least one course for everyone, to keep you engaged and [working toward] your major.”

Jenna Beers, Nursing, SAS alum

Best Types of Study Abroad Programs for Nursing Majors

While studying abroad is absolutely possible for nursing majors, students need to choose wisely to ensure their preferred program aligns with the academic and practical requirements of their degree. The following types of study abroad programs are best suited to nursing students.

  • Short-term, faculty-led programs
    These programs typically last from a few weeks to a couple of months and are led by faculty members from the student’s home institution. They often take place during summer or winter breaks, which minimizes disruptions to the regular academic schedule. Students can earn credits while participating in both classroom learning and clinical experiences; they can also benefit from direct mentorship and support from professors.
  • Semester exchange programs
    Semester-long exchanges with partner universities abroad give nursing students the chance to gain in-depth exposure to a different healthcare system and clinical environment while immersing themselves in a new culture. Courses and clinical rotations are pre-approved to ensure they meet the requirements of the home institution’s nursing program.
  • International clinical placements
    These programs focus on practical, hands-on experience in healthcare settings abroad, ranging from hospitals to community health clinics. Placements can be part of the required clinical hours for the nursing program, provided they are accredited and supervised. Students get direct patient care experience in diverse environments, which can broaden their clinical knowledge, communication skills, and cultural competence.
  • Service-learning programs
    Service-learning combines community service with academic coursework and reflection, often in underserved areas or developing countries. These programs usually offer flexible scheduling options and can be completed during school breaks or as part of elective coursework. Participants engage in meaningful community service while learning about public health, health disparities, and community nursing.
  • Specialized nursing electives abroad
    These are courses or modules offered by international institutions that focus on specialized areas of nursing, such as pediatric care, mental health, or tropical diseases. They can be taken as elective credits and often include a mix of classroom learning and clinical practice.

By carefully researching and selecting the right type of study abroad program, nursing majors can enhance their clinical education and gain invaluable international experience without compromising their academic and practical training. There are, however, a few important considerations students should keep in mind:

  • Language considerations: Consider programs in English-speaking countries or those that offer courses in English to avoid language barriers in clinical settings.
  • Accreditation and credit transfer: Ensure that the courses and clinical hours abroad are accredited and can be transferred back to the home institution.
  • Clinical practice requirements: Verify that the program provides adequate clinical practice opportunities that meet your nursing program’s requirements.
  • Duration and timing: Choose programs that fit within the academic calendar and do not interfere with required coursework and clinical rotations.

“The field class we went on for biomedical ethics was incredible. We were in Brest, France, and we went to a medical center to meet with a psychologist and other medical professionals to talk about how they handled the effects of COVID-19 and how their country dealt with the aftermath.”

Jenna Beers, Nursing, SAS alum

Study Abroad Scholarships & Financial Aid

By exploring diverse financial aid options and talking to financial aid advisors at their home institution, nursing students can find the support they need to make studying abroad a financially feasible part of their educational journey. Nursing students may be eligible for any of the following:

  • Scholarships and grants: Professional organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and Sigma Theta Tau International offer scholarships and grants for nursing students, which may be applied to study abroad experiences. Some organizations provide scholarships specifically for students from underrepresented backgrounds or those studying in non-traditional locations. Many universities also offer scholarships specifically for students studying abroad, which can be based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Third-party study abroad programs (those unaffiliated with a specific university) often have their own scholarships available to participants, regardless of their major.
  • Federal financial aid: Federal student loans can usually be applied to study abroad costs if the program is approved by a student’s home institution. Students are required to have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file to access federal financial aid. Those eligible for a Pell Grant may also be able to use it for study abroad programs approved by their home institution.
  • Work-study programs: Some study abroad programs offer work-study positions that can help offset tuition costs. Responsibilities are scheduled around class times so students don’t miss any course work.

Most universities have a study abroad office that can assist with finding and applying for financial aid specific to studying abroad. Nursing students should work with their university’s financial aid office to ensure that their existing financial aid package applies to their chosen study abroad program.

Above all, pay attention to deadlines! The earlier you start researching and applying for scholarships, the less likely you will be to miss an important due date.

How to Study Abroad as a Nursing Major

Two young women, one holding a camera, sit in a river boat at nighttime, gazing at the brightly lit buildings onshore.

The best approach to finding the ideal study abroad experience is to identify programs that offer nursing courses or clinical placements accredited by your home institution. With that in mind, nursing students have several options:

Option 1: Plan to take electives abroad

Since electives are typically a requirement of any undergraduate degree, nursing majors can plan to take all their elective courses abroad prior to applying for nursing school or beginning their nursing-specific courses. By fulfilling elective requirements abroad, students can then optimize their major course load at their home university and stay on track to graduate on time. It also enables students to take unique electives that might not be available at their home university.

Option 2: Extend the time spent in university

For nursing students who wish to study abroad for a longer period, it may be necessary to extend their time in university, especially if the study abroad program does not offer courses related to nursing. On the plus side, students gain extensive international exposure and the opportunity to take a diverse range of courses. However, they may need to be prepared for the financial and time commitments associated with an extended period of study.

Option 3: Take a gap year

Nursing students who want to study abroad can take a gap year before beginning their nursing program or their undergraduate degree. A gap year provides a break in the traditional academic timeline, during which students can explore different cultures and educational systems without impacting their nursing coursework. They may even return to their studies with renewed focus and motivation. Programs like Semester at Sea offer unique study abroad opportunities for students who wish to press pause on their education.

Once you have decided how you are going to study abroad, there are a number of critical steps to take to ensure you are eligible and will remain on track to graduate.

  1. Meet with academic and study abroad advisors to discuss your plans and ensure the program aligns with your academic goals.
  2. Work with your advisor to map out your course load, ensuring that studying abroad fits into your academic timeline.
  3. Obtain the necessary approvals for your study abroad courses and clinical placements.
  4. Apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid, and plan your budget for the duration of the program.
  5. Ensure you meet all health and safety requirements, including immunizations and health insurance coverage.

“Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about my time [with Semester at Sea], and the experiences I had were nothing short of amazing! Of course, I am glad I could keep up with my program while on my voyage, but it also allowed me to meet new people and understand what other majors are out there.”

Jenna Beers, Nursing, SAS alum

Requirements for Studying Abroad as a Nursing Major

There are some specific requirements for nursing majors who want to study abroad, which ensure that they can integrate the experience into their academic program without delaying their progress toward graduation.

Common requirements and considerations for nursing students include:

  1. Academic requirements: Many study abroad programs have a minimum GPA requirement, often around 2.5 to 3.0. Nursing students may also need to complete certain prerequisite courses before studying abroad, particularly if the program includes clinical components. Students must get approval for the courses they plan to take abroad to ensure they will transfer back to their home institution and count toward their degree requirements.
  2. Clinical practice requirements: Any nursing-specific study abroad program must be accredited and recognized by a student’s home institution to ensure that any clinical hours completed abroad will count toward the nursing program requirements. Clinical placements must be supervised and assessed according to the standards of the home institution’s nursing program. If the program is in a non-English speaking country, students may need to demonstrate language proficiency to participate in clinical placements.
  3. Timing and scheduling: Nursing majors need to plan their course load carefully to ensure they can fit the study abroad experience into their academic schedule without delaying graduation. Many nursing students opt to study abroad during the summer or other breaks to avoid missing critical courses.
  4. Health and safety requirements: Students may need to provide proof of specific immunizations and undergo health checks before participating in a study abroad program, especially if it includes clinical practice. Adequate health insurance coverage is typically required, and some programs may offer or mandate specific international health insurance plans.
  5. Financial considerations: Students should ensure that their financial aid package applies to the study abroad program. This often requires approval from their home institution’s financial aid office. Program participants also need to budget for additional costs associated with studying abroad, such as personal travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
  6. Application process: Nursing students hoping to study abroad must adhere to all application deadlines for both the program and any related financial aid or scholarship applications. They may be required to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of language proficiency (if applicable).

Best Countries to Study Nursing Abroad

 Eight people in bathing suits and wetsuits stand smiling on a sunny beach; five of them hold surfboards in different shades of blue.

Studying abroad can greatly enhance a nursing student’s education by helping them strengthen their professional skills and broaden their perspectives. It also matters where you study abroad; the following countries offer nursing students high-quality educational opportunities, diverse clinical experiences, and the chance to develop cultural competence.

  1. United Kingdom
    The UK is home to some of the world’s top nursing schools, such as King’s College London and the University of Edinburgh, both of which offer advanced and comprehensive nursing programs. The National Health Service (NHS), Britain’s healthcare system, offers students a broad spectrum of clinical experiences, from large urban hospitals to rural clinics. As an English-speaking (yet incredibly culturally diverse) country, the UK is an accessible option for students fluent in English, reducing language barriers in both academic and clinical settings.
  2. Australia
    Australia boasts excellent nursing programs at universities such as the University of Sydney and Monash University, known for their strong emphasis on research and clinical practice. The Australian healthcare system is highly advanced and offers a wide range of specialties, healthcare settings, and training opportunities. Australia’s multicultural society offers students the opportunity to learn about and practice culturally competent care in a mainly English-speaking environment. As an added bonus, the country’s diverse natural landscapes and vibrant outdoor lifestyle can provide a balanced and enriching study experience.
  3. Canada
    Canadian universities, such as the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, are renowned for their rigorous nursing programs and research opportunities. Canada’s universal healthcare system offers students insight into a healthcare model that provides care for all citizens, crucial for understanding the nuances of public health and policy. In most provinces — but especially Quebec — students can enhance their cross-cultural communication skills in bilingual healthcare settings. Canada as a whole is known for its high quality of life and safe living conditions, making it an attractive destination for international students.
  4. Sweden
    Sweden’s healthcare system serves as a model for medical innovation with an emphasis on preventative care. Swedish universities, including Karolinska Institutet, offer top-notch nursing programs with a strong focus on research and evidence-based practice. Exposure to Sweden’s progressive and inclusive society can enhance students’ understanding of cultural and social factors in healthcare. Many universities in Sweden offer nursing programs and courses in English, making it accessible for international students.
  5. South Africa
    South Africa offers a unique opportunity to experience healthcare delivery in diverse settings, from state-of-the-art urban hospitals to rural clinics with limited resources. The country faces many ongoing public health challenges, which can provide students with valuable experience in infectious disease control, maternal and child health, and community nursing. South Africa’s multicultural society offers rich opportunities to learn about and practice culturally competent care. The experience of working in resource-limited settings can enhance problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience, which are crucial traits for nursing professionals in any setting.

If you’re a current or aspiring nursing student interested in studying abroad, the time to take the plunge is now! Use the tips in this blog post to research and identify your ideal program, discuss with your academic advisor, and start applying for financial aid.

For a truly global study abroad experience with a wide range of academic and field opportunities, consider Semester at Sea. This multi-country voyage is open to students (and Lifelong Learners!) from any academic background, including nursing, and offers a well-rounded global comparative education that applies to any source of study.

To learn more about this unique study abroad opportunity, explore our cross-cultural approach or request more information today.

Are You Ready to Study Abroad?

Download our guide to essential questions to ask before embarking on your study abroad adventure. 

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