Students provided valuable insight from their experiences of studying abroad. The study highlights that there were other learning opportunities abroad than in Norway, but that the learning approach was somehow different and that it made the students take more initiative thus becoming more independent. The nursing role was different from what they were used to in Norway. In general, the Norwegian students experienced the nurse role abroad as more medical oriented. In addition, in countries like India, Spain and Cuba the family was taking a greater part of the care of people's basic needs.