title: Perspectives on enhancing international practical training of students in health and social care study programs - A qualitative descriptive case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Internationalization of practical training in health and social care study programs is an important aspect of higher education. However, field mentors' and classroom teachers' competence in guiding culturally diverse students varies widely in European countries, and the majority does not have enough training in guiding foreign students.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to examine which factors enhance the efficacy of international practical placement experiences in health and social care study programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative descriptive case study design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted at six higher education institutions-two in Finland and one in Croatia, Estonia, the Netherlands and Slovenia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 14 mentors, 15 teachers and 14 students with international experiences from six higher education institutions which are part of the Bologna Process was recruited.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data were collected from six focus groups using a semi-structured questionnaire based on a literature review. Each higher education institution conducted one group interview that was tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed for themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants made several recommendations for enhancing the practical placement experience of students, teachers, and mentors. Most recommendations dealt with practical supervision of students. Three major themes noted were: 'Attitudes towards internationalization of practical placements', 'Factors impacting the international placement experience', and 'Pedagogical methods used and structural support available for internationalization.'
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study highlights the need for strengthening the multicultural knowledge and skills of mentors and teachers. The findings provide practical guidelines for improving the international placement experience across health and social care fields.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Care Jesenice, Spodnji Plavž 3, 4270 Jesenice, Slovenia. Electronic address: shvalictouzery@fzj.si.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hvalič-Touzery
authors.affiliation: JAMK University of Applied Sciences, School of Health and Social Studies, Piippukatu 11, 40100 Jyväskylä, Finland. Electronic address: hanna.hopia@jamk.fi.
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hopia
authors.affiliation: JAMK University of Applied Sciences, School of Health and Social Studies, Piippukatu 11, 40100 Jyväskylä, Finland. Electronic address: sanna.sihvonen@jamk.fi.
authors.forename: Sanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sihvonen
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, San Jose State University, Center for Healthy Aging in Multicultural Populations, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0124, United States. Electronic address: sadhna.diwan@sjsu.edu.
authors.forename: Sadhna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Diwan
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, United States. Electronic address: soma.sen@sjsu.edu.
authors.forename: Soma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Care Jesenice, Spodnji Plavž 3, 4270 Jesenice, Slovenia. Electronic address: bskelasavic@fzj.si.
authors.forename: Brigita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Skela-Savič
mesh_terms: D018864:Cultural Diversity; D004506:Education, Nursing; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D011231:Preceptorship; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Foreign students; Internationalization of higher education; Multiculturalism; Practical placements; Qualitative research