The effectiveness of a study abroad program for increasing students’ cultural competence

Background: Measuring the effect of a study abroad program is one way to determine its impact on developing students’ cultural competence. To date, few articles describe outcomes of such strategies. In some published studies, a description of the program or intervention is frequently not offered making it difficult to utilize findings or to replicate them. Purpose: To measure the effects of a study abroad program utilizing a structured course to improve the cultural competence of baccalaureate nursing students. Methods: A comparative quantitative design measured level of cultural competency before and after a study abroad program. Results: The results demonstrated an 89% improvement in cultural competence following this experience. Conclusions: A short-term study abroad experiential learning program can increase cultural competence for baccalaureate nursing students. Quantitative measures of effectiveness and a description of the program’s content and format are essential in determining a study’s strength.