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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to value the exploration of the experiences of participating nursing faculty members taking part in international exchange programs.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to appreciate the importance of international exchange programs in enhancing interest and awareness of similarities anddifferences across cultures.
This study aimed to present the views of both sides of the international exchange programs, namely through authors from Jordan and Sweden. With the use of the principles of phenomenography, the study gives an exploration of the experiences of Jordanian nursing faculty members who took part in international exchange programs with Sweden. Five faculty members from a large university in Jordan participated in focus group interviews conducted in Amman. Three main findings were emphasized including the importance of careful planning for the exchange, of developing a clear detailed program, and for planning to implement the experiences at home.
The findings suggest that a careful planning should be well thought-out when preparing for international exchange programs; as to carefully select time and participants for the exchange. In addition, it is significant to develop a program at the host site including clear goals, objectives, and activities and to incorporate social and cultural aspects. Thus, participation in international exchange programs can enhance interest and awareness of understanding differences as well as similarities. Results also showed that sometimes it is difficult to implement experiences learned from the exchange program at the home institution. International exchange programs may be one way to further encourage nursing faculty to reflect upon themselves, as well as for taking into consideration that the overall planning should include preparing a program for the exchange itself in addition to the plan for implementation at home.