Abstract
BackgroundStudents studying in a country where another language is spoken face multiple challenges including their ability to fully integrate with peers and academic pressures in trying to obtain an undergraduate nursing degree. The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of students, from varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds, undertaking an undergraduate nursing degree.MethodsThe study adopted a qualitative design and eight individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were analysed using manifest content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman.ResultsStudents reported feelings of isolation and the lack of opportunities to integrate with native students within academia and practice. The need for personal support was a crucial factor that was independent of gender and students reported challenges related to both language and culture during the programme.ConclusionsSuggestions arising from this study includes appropriate support systems within academia and practice. It is imperative that universities and practice settings promote and integrate cultural awareness within academia and practice in meeting the needs of students and providing culturally appropriate nursing care, thereby providing opportunities for all students to become competent and professional practitioners.
Highlights
Students studying in a country where another language is spoken face multiple challenges including their ability to fully integrate with peers and academic pressures in trying to obtain an undergraduate nursing degree
A common assumption in higher education is that academic integration of international students, that is the extent to which students adapt to the academic way-of-life [1], is not well-aligned
Challenges related to social expectations are some of the Flateland et al BMC Nursing (2019) 18:63 central factors that may influence how international students may feel about their study situation [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]
Summary
Students studying in a country where another language is spoken face multiple challenges including their ability to fully integrate with peers and academic pressures in trying to obtain an undergraduate nursing degree. The literature indicates that students from an ethnic minority and international background face challenges in their encounters within undergraduate nursing educational systems [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. Ethnic minority students reported facing discrimination and maintaining their cultural identity [6,7,8, 10, 11]. These particular students may face a sense of belonging [9]
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