Empowering Sustainable International Service Learning Programs
Author | : Michelle Noel |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 202 |
Release | : 2018 |
Genre | : |
ISBN | : |
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Occupational therapy faculty develop international service learning (ISL) programs as an optional learning opportunity to prepare entry-level occupational therapy students to function as culturally competent global health practitioners ready to fulfill Vision 2025. The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend sustainable projects and reciprocal partnerships when engaging in global health experiences. Current ISL occupational therapy literature consists of case studies of qualitative research recording student perspectives, however there is a lack of evidence to understand the global partner viewpoint. Authors from physical therapy and medical journals caution practitioners engaging in short term global health experiences of potential harm to the host community. Occupational therapy faculty responsible for ISL programs must consider a paradigm shift to balance global host partner (GHP) goals with creating and meeting student learning objectives. This capstone project aims to provide an evidence-based overview of the best practices for developing occupational therapy ISL programs focusing on three foundational components: cultural competency, global health ethics, and participatory program evaluation.