Effects of International Exchange Programs on Subject Specific Competences:Investigation of the Exchange Program Between the Medical School of Jimma University (Ethiopia) and the Ludwig-Maximilians University (Munich)

Abstract

To meet the requirements of the increasing globalization in the field of health care, international exchange programs
have to be more effective and their influences on the participants must be explored in a more detailed way. Based on the sociocultural
learning theories of Vygotsky, the medical exchange program between Jimma University in Ethiopia and Ludwig-
Maximilians University in Munich has been investigated. The list of competences of the Tuning Project for health professionals
and the self-assessments of participants to influence their course of education formed the basis for this study. In five qualitative
interviews, the participants estimated their competence high in the field of doctor-patient relationships and in the area of
specialized communication. It could be shown that it is necessary to use open qualitative Questions to find out which gains
participants of this exchange program have, in regard to subject specific competencies.In terms of the influence on educational
careers, the research could show that rather single participants reported a change in their educational careers through the
experience during the exchange program. Overall, this study could declare positive effects on international exchange programs
on their participants.