Exploring Barriers to Attending Zhengzhou University from the International Nursing Students’ Viewpoints in China: A Qualitative Study

Background: Developing nursing capacity worldwide includes training nurses to the doctorate level. Due to a global shortage of PhD nursing programs, many nurses are pursuing their doctorates abroad. International nurse students frequently face some barriers because of socio-cultural and other differences. As far as we are concerned, there is limited research on the barriers experienced by international nursing students. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers to attending Zhengzhou University from the viewpoint of international nursing students in China. Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach among international nursing students at Zhengzhou University, China. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling, and the sample size was determined by information saturation. A semi-structured interview guide and a conventional content analysis method were used. Results: In this study, ten international nursing students were interviewed. All participants expressed their concerns regarding the barriers experienced in China. Two major categories were identified from the student data: (1) situations outside the school/university (skin color, language, and socio-cultural differences); and (2) those inside the school/university (expectations and realities of learning experiences, supervisory concerns, and lack of support). Conclusions: This study indicated that international nursing students experienced different barriers than international students at Zhengzhou University. A secure learning environment is required to adapt and flourish in an educational teaching society. The university/school should create a culturally competent and suitable environment for international nursing students.