Studying/Volunteering Abroad after BSN

[tentay87]

I'm a first year nursing student (almost done with my first semester!) and one of my regrets is missing out on studying abroad. Are there any decent masters program that I can pursue abroad? Possibly in England or Australia (or any English speaking country).

Alternatively, I would also love to volunteer abroad in a health clinic/nursing-related. Does anyone have any experience volunteering abroad for long term (3-4 months or more)? Possibly in Central/South America. How was the cost? Were you able to get a job back at home afterwards?

Also, since the job market sucks right now, has anyone done the Peace Corps with a BSN? Were you assigned to something nursing-related? How was your overall experience?

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

[Moogie]

Christina,

My son studied abroad the spring semester of his junior year and it completely changed his life! He worked with imprisoned youths in Thailand and lived with a host family---he did not speak any Thai when he began his experience. (BTW, he was not a nursing student; he's majoring in art history but is headed to seminary next fall, hoping someday to work in prison ministry.)

There are some schools, such as the school my son attends, that offer programs for baccalaureate nursing students to work in under-served areas (often impoverished, third world countries). I've seen these programs in private as well as public colleges but, again, the only ones I've seen are in baccalaureate programs. Do check with your advisor to see if such a program is available in your school and, if it is, do whatever you can to get selected. The programs I have seen usually select a number of nursing students who are supervised by several faculty members. I have heard these are amazing experiences for students and faculty involved. I did not have the opportunity to participate in such a program in my baccalaureate program but would like to do so eventually when I finish graduate school and get on faculty somewhere.

One word of caution here---because of school budget cuts, some study abroad programs are being cut. There is talk that the program in which my son participated is being cut at his school. The professor in charge of that particular program is using my son as an example of how successful and life-changing study abroad can be.

BTW, one of my classmates in an ADN program (we graduated many years ago) has traveled to foreign countries doing mission work as a nurse for her church. If your school doesn't offer a program for nursing students, maybe your faith community might have some opportunities for you to use your nursing skills and talents. I believe it's also possible for a nurse to sign up for an organization such as "Doctors Without Borders".

Good luck! I hope you achieve your goals!

[tentay87]

Moogie,

I just wanted to say a belated thanks to your response. I don't really know how to use this site. Just an updated, I volunteered last summer in a clinic in South America. It was amazing and I am looking forward to doing more mission-type trips in the future.

Again, thank you for your response!

[socalpeach]

Hey, how did you find the clinic in South America? Did you finish your program before volunteering there?

Thanks for the info...