Experiences of master’s degree students in critical care nursing during international clinical exchanges

Project summary

This qualitative study explores how master’s students in critical care nursing (CCN) experience cultural and professional learning during Erasmus+ clinical exchanges between Bergen and Prague. While international placements are common at undergraduate level, little is known about their value in postgraduate specialist education. Semi-structured interviews with CCN students (n=7) will examine adaptation, supervision, intercultural encounters, and learning outcomes. Data will be analyzed thematically (Braun & Clarke, 2022). The study aims to identify opportunities and challenges of practicing CCN in different healthcare systems, and how exchanges foster advanced competence, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. Findings will inform curriculum design, support for exchange students, and policy development for Erasmus+ at postgraduate nursing level, contributing to the internationalization of higher education in specialist clinical fields