But I Don’t Understand You: One Faculty’s Observations of the Challenges Facing International Healthcare Students

• Main Author: Cheryl O. DuBose
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Journal of International Students 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of International Students
• Subjects: communication; cultural differences; discrimination; healthcare; international students
• Online Access: http://ojed.org/index.php/jis/article/view/250

International students face many challenges when pursuing a degree in higher education. Communication and cultural differences are typically cited as the most challenging aspects of any study abroad program. Students attempting to complete a healthcare program face sometimes insurmountable issues, as communication, cultural differences, and discrimination play a large role in providing quality patient care. This paper is a commentary on my experiences as a faculty member with various international students enrolled in healthcare programs in the southeastern United States.