They believed that this strategy was very successful, and that it alleviated much of the stress
or concerns that they experienced during their shifts. There was universal acknowledgement
that appropriate selection of students was critical to this support being present – selection of
students going to the same locations who had similar characteristics, perspectives and
personalities was put forward as a key reason for the placements being generally positive
experiences. Student support via social media also emerged as a critical component in the
pastoral care during international placements. Students described social media as being a
valuable source of support with other peers undertaking concurrent placements
internationally or domestically, but also with family and friends. Undergoing such new and
unique experiences in the absence of their normal, accessible family and friend network
presented challenges, but these were mitigated through constant asynchronous or
synchronous communication via those media platforms.