BACKGROUND:
There is a growing need for culturally aware midwives due to an increase in cultural diversity in the UK. For student midwives, one way to achieve this is ''oversees placements'. However, barriers to completing such placements include financial outlay, limited places and time pressures. There is a need for cost effective, versatile and reciprocal models of global engagement that benefit student midwives and ultimately enhance their care.

OBJECTIVES:
To explore the impact of a student midwife online global buddy study initiative on knowledge, cultural awareness and understanding of maternity practices from a global perspective via a reflective evaluation

METHODS:
Sample: 26 undergraduate student midwives from the UK were paired with a student midwife from either France, Germany, Latvia, Tanzania, or Belgium. (N = 52) Student buddy pairs made contact a minimum of every 2 weeks (over 6 months) via an online platform of their choice. Data collection: 3 x focus groups underpinned by Bass's Holistic Reflection Model to explore the impact of the buddying Data Analysis: Braun and Clarke's Reflective Thematic Analysis

RESULTS:
Four themes emerged: Cultural misunderstandings - which led to communication challenges Breaking down biases - these were exposed and reflected on during and after communications Enriching knowledge- increased understanding of global maternity settings, practices and training was noted Becoming friends - was a key 'reward' of being involved

CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates how online buddying between student midwives can positively impact knowledge, challenge existing biases and increase awareness of global maternity care. Exposure to appreciation of differing cultures, health systems and real world care provision can ultimately impact service delivery.

KEY MESSAGE:
Global online 'buddying' between student midwives is a low resource initiative that can positively impact cultural awareness, increase global knowledge and ultimately enhance care given to women and families. This low resource initiative can be upscaled and is transferable to other midwifery training institutions and health disciplines. Poster session 3 (Group B)