The Lived Experience of International Graduate Nursing Students Engaged With the US Educational System

Background: Strategies are needed to address social and cultural challenges faced by international students pursuing education at American universities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of graduate international nursing students enrolled in a graduate nursing program. Method: This descriptive phenomenological study explored the experiences of twelve international graduate nursing students. Results: Through the use of Colaizzi's (1978) method of qualitative data analysis, five emergent themes were identified: Experiencing Cultural Differences, Taking on the New Role, Navigating Challenges, Reaping Benefits, and Unfulfilled Wishes. Within these themes, unique ideas of 'wanting to do good for their home country', strategies students used for 'cultural adjustment', and 'unmet or conflicting expectations' were present that have implications for nurse educators and program administrators. Conclusions: Future recommendations for faculty include front loading professional writing support for students, exploring opportunities for increased intercultural interactions in and out of the classroom, and workshops to increase faculty cultural awareness. The theme of 'unfulfilled wishes' provides a rich understanding of goals that international students bring to the learning environment. Additional research studies are needed to explore the experiences of international nursing students in other fields and after they return home to their native country.