Background: Study abroad (SA) experiences for health professions students may be used to heighten cultural sensitivity to future patients and incorporate interprofessional education (IPE). Method: Two groups of nursing and pharmacy students participated in an SA elective over a 2-year period, traveling to China and India. Results: Both pogroups improved significantly in knowledge, awareness, and skills following the travel experiences. Student reflections indicate that the SA experience was transformative, changing their views of travel, other cultures, personal environment, collaboration with other health professionals, and themselves. Conclusion: Use of SA programs is a novel method to encourage IPE, with a focus on enhancing the acquisition of cultural competency skills.
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