What type of study is this?

This is a Descriptive Phenomenological study.

September 10, 2025

Exploring the Academic Journey of International Students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Key Points

International student nurses encounter a range of experiences, navigating challenges in their academic journey and cultural adjustment.
The study identifies four key themes, including their overall experiences in the Philippines and various educational settings.
Qualitative data were gathered from eight informants using semi-structured interviews, analyzed through Colaizzi’s method.
The findings highlight the importance of flexibility and adaptability in overcoming hurdles related to socio-cultural diversity.

Abstract

Introduction: International student nurses who study abroad face various challenges. Existing studies regarding these are limited in scope. This study aims to explore the academic journey of international students, which is the totality of their experiences inside and outside their respective institutions. Objectives: To explore the academic journey of international students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the Philippines and provide a holistic understanding of their journey. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was used, recruiting participants meeting the criteria: (1) students raised in a foreign country, (2) current citizens of a foreign country or with dual citizenship, (3) in the Philippines solely for education, (4) enrolled in a BSN program in the Philippines, and (5) with at least six months of residency in the Philippines. Eight informants were included, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s Phenomenological Data Analysis method. Rigor measures were utilized throughout the study process. Results: The study revealed four themes from the responses of the informants: (1) Flight of Discovery encapsulates their overall experiences in the Philippines. (2) Flight to Excellence delves into their diverse experiences in educational and clinical settings. (3) Flight into Socio-cultural Diversity focuses on their immersion into the Filipino community. Lastly, (4) Flight of Adaptation covers their self-help strategies as they traverse into a new environment. Conclusion: International student nurses in the Philippines encounter various experiences and challenges in their academic journey. Their experiences have led them to discover a variety of factors inside and outside their respective institutions that either enable or hinder them from adjusting to the new environment. These experiences require flexibility and adaptability to the educational processes and socio-cultural diversities.

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