Learning Objective #1: Identify the factors necessary to develop international education experiences

Learning Objective #2: Discuss the process, rewards and challenges of partnering with other institutions to develop an international partnership

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An international educational program that engages students in healthcare in another culture is a wonderful way to immerse students in diversity issues. However, developing these types of international programs are challenging for many reasons. It takes a great deal of time, financial resources, and on going commitment from all involved. The literature describes a variety of models used to develop these types of programs and important factors necessary to make programs successful. However the most important ingredient necessary for successful partnerships is all partners must reap benefits. Even with the known benefits of developing international educational partnerships, many nursing programs lack the personnel and or financial resources to develop and/or to sustain these programs over time. Partnership with other universities and local hospitals can provide extra resources to develop international cultural experiences that can benefit all. This presentation will discuss the process, rewards and challenges of developing such a partnership with three universities, two educational disciplines, one regional hospital, and service and educational health care institutions in The Gambia, West Africa. The development of an international nursing educational partnership is much like a spider building its web. Like a spider web, the evolution of the program and the shape it takes is dependent on many factors. This partnership approach can serve as a model for other nursing programs that want to develop international experiences but lack all the necessary personnel or financial resources.