Publication date: Feb 01, 2025

As ethnic and cultural diversity of societies increases, healthcare professionals are required to provide culturally appropriate care for the communities they serve. One way to prepare midwifery students for the diverse settings and women they will care for, is to provide short-term international study experience opportunities, to nurture the development of cultural sensitivity and humility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the higher education industry was challenged to identify innovative ways to develop student’s cultural competences, without international travel. A midwifery virtual study program was an innovative way to provide an international experience for students while borders were closed. Research on impacts of virtual short-term international study experiences and midwifery students’ motivation to participate is sparce. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of what motivates midwifery students to participate in a virtual short-term international study experience. A descriptive qualitative design using reflective thematic analysis to analyse students’ written journal entries and reflections. An overarching theme of ‘Develop compassion’ was identified, underpinned by three sub themes, ‘Deepening understanding and knowledge’, ‘Expanding cultural identify and attitudes’, and ‘strengthening professional self’. Students’ motivation to participate in a virtual short-term international study experience included aspects of improving and enhancing their developing professional self, including compassion, in anticipation of supporting their career progression and the effectiveness of the care they deliver. The findings are relevant for academics and administrators involved in study abroad programs for ongoing improvement of quality cultural learning opportunities for health discipline students.

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