Cross-Cultural Experience
OT Cross-Cultural Experience Requirement
The occupational therapy department has initiated an cross-cultural experience requirement for students entering the Master’s degree program in occupational therapy. The overall goal for the cross-cultural experience is to gain cross-cultural and cross-national insight into the political, social, cultural and economic factors that influence the provision of occupational therapy services outside of the U.S. and define the role of occupational therapy within the system of care. Social and occupational justice issues are explored, and the role of the student as a global citizen is emphasized.
Several types of cross-cultural experiences are available, including faculty-led study
abroad programs and service trips that can be completed during Winter or Summer sessions.
Many of the experiences include opportunities to engage with local people in the provision
of occupational therapy services. Most of the experiences are interdisciplinary, allowing
students to work and study with students and providers from a variety of healthcare
professions. Time abroad typically ranges from one to three weeks with assignments
completed prior to the trip and after returning. Students register for 1-6 units of
coursework for the international experience. The Summer 2023 schedule includes cross-cultural experience in Finland, Vietnam and Taiwan.
FINLAND:
Start: May 26, 2024
End: June 7, 2024
VIETNAM:
Start: June 6, 2024
End: June 20, 2024
TAIWAN (limited spots available in 2025):
Start: January 2, 2025
End: January 16, 2025
Visit Program's Gallery and Testimonials