Visiting and teaching internationally, the pleasures, pitfalls and sustainability

Norton, Diane and Watt , Sigrid (2009) Visiting and teaching internationally, the pleasures, pitfalls and sustainability. In: RCN Joint Education Forums’ 2nd International Conference and Exhibition, 11-13th June 2009, Glasgow, Scotland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Overall aim, to stimulate critical reflection on the benefits and pitfalls of international teaching, is it cross culturally appropriate and what is it’s sustainability in the current financial and political climate?’

‘Globally there exists inequality in nursing education provision. In many countries following initial qualification there is little if any opportunity for nurses to benefit from continuing professional development (CPD). This ultimately can lead to stagnation and ritualistic nursing based upon nursing knowledge that is now outdated. Whilst the WHO document ‘Scaling Up, Saving Lives (Global Health Workforce Alliance 2008) focuses upon initial training little is mentioned about CPD provision, however, the International Council of Nursing sees this as a fundamental right of all nurses (ICN 2001) The ‘push-pull’ effect of higher salaries and better working conditions abroad often mean that vitally needed staff are lost to the country that trained them due to a lack of further development opportunities.

For those unable to travel abroad, visits from nurse educators and other health care professionals can provide much needed updates. But this is costly in both resources and time and many now question if finances are best used in ways which environmentally also can be seen as detrimental. There is a fear that these visits only perpetuate ‘paternalistic’ attitudes and reflect an unspoken ‘we know best’ attitude. A better way to share knowledge and experiences could be by the many new technologies such as on line discussion forums and virtual tutorials. However, beneficial as these maybe can they ever really replace the interaction that occurs between two or more individuals in a shared face to face interaction? This paper aims to discuss such issues as the authors share their experiences of teaching overseas in a variety of countries and positions.’

Three intended outcomes:
• to recognise some of the benefits and potential pitfalls of teaching international
• to identify the need for cultural safety to ensure any teaching is culturally appropriate
• to understand how international education can be sustainable

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