International academic mobility: An education opportunity for future nurses

Abstract

Background: International academic mobility allows for the exchange of scientific and cultural knowledge, namely on health technologies, the sharing of information and experiences, and the increase of professional opportunities. Objectives: To identify the benefits of international academic mobility for nursing education from the students’ perspective. Methodology: We conducted an exploratory-descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, with a sample of 17 students who had participated in international mobility programs in the Franciscan University Center – Santa Maria/RS/Brazil and in the Nursing School of Coimbra/Portugal. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then submitted to content analysis. Results: Data analysis resulted in 3 categories: Health in the home country vs. health in the host country – contextualizing professional knowledge and experiences, Academic mobility – possibility for the development of students’ autonomy, and Opening horizons – cultural contributions in the process of academic mobility. Conclusion: Academic mobility processes enable the contact with new clinical and research practices, which improves students’ education and professional performance as future nurses.