Abstract
Problem
While literature reports broadly on the experiences of international students of health
professions in higher education, the experience of students undertaking an undergraduate
midwifery program outside their country of origin has not previously been reported.
Background
Midwifery studies incorporate distinct clinical practice and discipline-specific therapeutic
relationships which can challenge students familiar with the health system, so it
is necessary to understand their impact on the learning needs of international students,
who contribute to the diversity of our workforce.
Aim
To explore learning experiences of international students of an undergraduate midwifery
program to identify their perceptions and personal strategies which impacted their
participation in the program.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive study, with a purposive sample of nine current international
students and recent graduates of a midwifery program at a South Australian university.
Participants attended a focus group or individual phone interview to explore their
learning experiences, and data were thematically analysed.
Findings
Five themes and sub-themes were identified, built around a core concept of the international
midwifery student experience as agency in change: language and culture, teaching and
learning, isolation and integration, services and support, and motivation and resilience.
Studying abroad was associated with personal and professional growth. Continuity of
care for women presented challenges and produced learnings unique to this cohort.
Conclusion
Tailored support, such as specialized clinical facilitation and organized peer networking,
is required for international midwifery students in Australia. Additionally, effective
approaches to facilitate bilingualism to support language concordant care are needed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 06, 2022
Accepted:
November 30,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 15,
2022
Received:
August 31,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
