International undergraduate clinical nursing placements are becoming a more accepted alternative to local clinical nursing placements, and have been identified as contributing to positive learning experiences. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the lived experience of Australian student nurses participating in a clinically focused service-learning placement in the Solomon Islands. It aims to capture their perception of learning whilst working in a clinical setting in a developing country.

An interpretive, phenomenological study design was used. The participants comprised seven senior Bachelor of Nursing students, studying in Sydney, Australia. Participation in the study was entirely voluntary and not linked to grading or satisfaction of requirements needed to complete their degree course. Data was collected via both semi-structured interviews and a group presentation after participation in the placement.

After analysis, six themes describing the participants perceived areas of learning resulted. These were (i) collaboration; working side-by-side, (ii) emerging confidence, (iii) appreciation, (iv) adaptability and creativity, (v) ignited passion for increased faith and (vi) cultural considerations.

These areas of learning inform nursing faculty of the usefulness of an international clinical learning experience in a developing country and may guide future teaching within the subject areas of primary health care, community health nursing and clinical subjects. These findings will inform faculty when organising future international opportunities for clinical placement and provide insight to future curriculum development.