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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Enhancing global competence in midwifery education through virtual exchange: A Finland–Benin collaboration
1
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Midwifery, Helsinki, Finland
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A132
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Midwifery students need international competence to work effectively and sensitively with diverse populations. Due to limited access to international internships, virtual exchange offers an accessible, equitable, and sustainable alternative. It enables students to practice language skills, gain cultural understanding, and learn about different healthcare systems and midwifery practices in a safe, structured setting. To address this need, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and Institut National Médico-Sanitaire (Benin) implemented a virtual exchange program via Zoom and Moodle. The virtual exchange program aimed to enhance midwifery students’ global competence through self-directed learning and live interaction.
DISCUSSION:
Virtual exchange is cost-effective and scalable, enabling more students to participate without the need for travel. Both student groups interacted in a non-native language, prepared presentations in advance, and chose presenters for the live session, reducing language anxiety. The most valued aspect was direct peer interaction, which provided insights into international midwifery and fostered solidarity. For greater impact, future programs should include more interactive elements, enhanced technical support, and structured peer engagement. Strong facilitation and teacher involvement are essential for student motivation and learning.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
All participants (n = 44) submitted reflection papers after the virtual exchange. The exchange improved intercultural understanding, professional identity, and related English skills. Students compared midwifery education and maternal healthcare in Finland and Benin, and reflected on global equity, reproductive rights, and shared professional values.
KEY MESSAGE:
Virtual exchange is a valuable tool for promoting global competence in midwifery education. It supports internationalization, equity, and intercultural learning—but requires committed teacher facilitation and institutional support. Education - student experience 2
Midwifery students need international competence to work effectively and sensitively with diverse populations. Due to limited access to international internships, virtual exchange offers an accessible, equitable, and sustainable alternative. It enables students to practice language skills, gain cultural understanding, and learn about different healthcare systems and midwifery practices in a safe, structured setting. To address this need, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and Institut National Médico-Sanitaire (Benin) implemented a virtual exchange program via Zoom and Moodle. The virtual exchange program aimed to enhance midwifery students’ global competence through self-directed learning and live interaction.
DISCUSSION:
Virtual exchange is cost-effective and scalable, enabling more students to participate without the need for travel. Both student groups interacted in a non-native language, prepared presentations in advance, and chose presenters for the live session, reducing language anxiety. The most valued aspect was direct peer interaction, which provided insights into international midwifery and fostered solidarity. For greater impact, future programs should include more interactive elements, enhanced technical support, and structured peer engagement. Strong facilitation and teacher involvement are essential for student motivation and learning.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
All participants (n = 44) submitted reflection papers after the virtual exchange. The exchange improved intercultural understanding, professional identity, and related English skills. Students compared midwifery education and maternal healthcare in Finland and Benin, and reflected on global equity, reproductive rights, and shared professional values.
KEY MESSAGE:
Virtual exchange is a valuable tool for promoting global competence in midwifery education. It supports internationalization, equity, and intercultural learning—but requires committed teacher facilitation and institutional support. Education - student experience 2
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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