Cross-Cultural Experiences During a Visiting Scholar Program: “…A Start[ing] Not a Finishing Point”

Abstract

Background: In 2004, a Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) was developed between the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta (UA), Canada, and the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing (USP-EERP), Brazil, with the goal to promote capacity building among nurse researchers. During a cross-cultural exchange program, participants are immersed in a foreign culture and language over an extended period of time, which offers them a potential opportunity to develop intercultural competence.

Aim: To describe the Visiting Scholar Program as a context for cross-cultural learning experiences and the development of intercultural competencies.

Methods: A qualitative design was utilized and data were collected in June 2011 through semi-structured in-depth interviews with scholars, supervisors and staff members from both institutions. Following data collection, an inductive process was used to analyze the data, following Morse’s (1994) taxonomy.

Results: At USP-EERP participants included 12 former scholars, two staff members from the International Office, one graduate student, and one former Dean. At the UA, 12 supervisors and 5 staff, affiliated with the VSP participated in an interview and two provided feedback by email. The central theme in the findings was the Cross-Cultural Learning Process, with three main sub-themes: challenges, benefits, and lessons learned.

Conclusion: Cross-cultural learning was a circular process that involved dealing with challenges, experiencing stress in a strange environment and building intercultural competencies. The VSP program enhanced scholars and supervisors’ awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity and their openness to new cross-cultural experiences.