The international focus—A neglected curriculum in global undergraduate nursing

Abstract

International learning in undergraduate global nurse education is recognised for promoting essential cultural competence. This can be addressed both at university; through the increasing use of collaborative technology and in practice, where the impact of international placements has promoted cultural sensitivity and outward student mobility. The authors debate the barriers that impede students’ desire to take up international placements and review initiatives to promote a greater investment in this experience. The complexity and lack of transcultural principles that govern an international placement exchange have been addressed by one initiative to produce a robust pan-European quality audit process for clinical learning environments. In conclusion, the authors call for a greater and evaluated effort to increase global understanding and learning in the context of the COVID-19 response.