ERIC Number: EJ1113974
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1175-2882
EISSN: N/A
Reflections and Experiences of Student Paramedics Undertaking International Work-Integrated Learning Placements
Simpson, Paul; Thyer, Liz; Van Nugteren, Ben; Mitchell, Glen; Werner, Sarah
Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, v17 n2 p187-198 2016
International work-integrated learning (WIL) is increasingly common in health-related programs in Australian universities. Paramedicine programs are beginning to explore international WIL in line with the globalization of paramedicine as a profession and the national higher education emphasis on outward bound learning experiences. Using qualitative methods, the present study reports the experiences of undergraduate paramedicine students undertaking inaugural WIL placements in either South Africa or New Zealand. The placements, of a 3-week duration, used a placement model that did not include an accompanying academic from the host institution. Key themes to emerge include appropriateness of WIL location, timing of international WIL within an undergraduate program, and the potential to be overwhelmed by the combination of an intense early clinical experience and demands of managing oneself on an unaccompanied placement experience. This research provides valuable information to assist development of international WIL programs in paramedicine courses and other clinical health disciplines.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Undergraduate Students, Medical Students, Allied Health Personnel, Allied Health Occupations Education, Work Experience Programs, Medicine, Job Placement, Student Placement, Geographic Location, Clinical Experience, Program Development, Qualitative Research, Focus Groups, Semi Structured Interviews, Program Evaluation
New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education. University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-838-4892; e-mail: editor@apjce.org; Web site: http://www.apjce.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand; South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A