Introduction
As practitioners committed to enhancing the educational experiences of international and migrant students, it's crucial to understand the unique challenges these students face, particularly in gender dynamics. A recent scoping review titled "Challenges, coping responses and supportive interventions for international and migrant students in academic nursing programs in major host countries: a scoping review with a gender lens" sheds light on these complexities.
Understanding the Challenges
The study reveals that international and migrant nursing students encounter specific challenges shaped by cultural roles, norms, and expectations for different genders. For instance, female students often struggle with balancing home responsibilities with academic demands, while male students may face stereotypes about nursing being a feminine profession.
Moreover, perceived discrimination, such as wearing a hijab or being a foreign-born male nurse, adds another layer of difficulty. The literature suggests that these challenges can significantly impact students' mental health and academic performance.
Coping Mechanisms and Supportive Interventions
To cope with these challenges, students often rely on support from family and peers. However, the study highlights a gap in gender-sensitive supportive interventions. Some strategies include matching students with advisors of the same sex and involving family members in orientation processes to enhance understanding and support.
Furthermore, the study suggests that academic institutions should foster an inclusive environment by implementing policies that promote diversity and equity. This includes training educators to be culturally sensitive and providing resources to help students overcome language and cultural barriers.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review provides valuable insights, it also underscores the need for more research on gender dynamics in nursing education. Practitioners are encouraged to explore how gender identity and sexual orientation intersect with foreign-born status to develop more effective supportive interventions.
By addressing these gaps, we can create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment that empowers all students to succeed.
Conclusion
Understanding the gender-specific challenges faced by international and migrant nursing students is crucial for developing effective supportive interventions. By fostering an inclusive environment and encouraging further research, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their academic pursuits.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Challenges, coping responses and supportive interventions for international and migrant students in academic nursing programs in major host countries: a scoping review with a gender lens.
