Study in Foreign Country or Study in US?

[amberbnurse]

Hello,

My journey to become a nurse is just beginning. I am going into my first year of a 4 year BSN degree here in the US, but after I would like to work outside the country, particularly in Scandinavia or the Nordic countries in Europe. While these countries seem more inviting than, say, the UK or France, when it comes to allowing those outside the EU to work there, the standard procedures still take several months. Not to mention the language requirements, and an apparent need to go through nursing school all over again so that they can verify your credits.

So what I'm wondering is this: Would it be easier to study somewhere in the EU? And would that have a similar cost to studying here, or would it be very expensive?

If anyone knows anything about this sort of thing or has any advice, I would be truly grateful.

[loriangel14, RN]

As an international student it would be VERY expensive. plus you would have to have enough money to support yourself while you are there. Plus if you decided that you wanted to return to the US to work the education may not be accepted in the US.As you mention the language will be a barrier as well. You would need to be completely fluent in the native language on order to understand your nursing classes.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

If looking at eventually working back in the US then I would suggest doing a course in the US. As mentioned no guarantee that the nursing course you do outside the US will meet requirements, fees are expensive and no guarantee that you can stay in the country and work once training completed

[amberbnurse]

Thanks for the input. When I decided to chose nursing as a major, one of the things I love about it (other than helping others in times of anxiety and stress with knowledge and a sense of calm and purpose) is the fact that nurses are needed everywhere. I am hoping of doing some work outside the country for that reason. I guess what baffles me is that, despite the ever-constant need, the process to be able to work for a different country takes about 5-7 mo, at best. I almost wish there were a set of international standards that could be agreed upon between the US and other countries, so that there was less time and more fluidity. Despite the hang-ups, I still think I will try working for other countries, after graduating and practicing their language.

[loriangel14, RN]

Actually there isn't an ever constant need. Due to the economy most countries are not in need of imported nurses.Each country has the right to set there own stipulations when it comes to nursing licensure. Most countries will hire their own before they will hire foreign nurses.