Introduction: The world has become a global village. Not only do we go out into the world more often, the world also comes to us. Internationalization and globalization have an impact on occupational therapy. Working in an international environmement requires new and additional competencies and cultural awareness, and educational institutions often include international and intercultural competencies in their curriculum. To further build on this, eight countries have come together to create a virutal cultural exchange program for students participating in OT programs in those countries. These eight institutions represent countries across the globe, including United States, Netherlands, Norway, France, India, Canada, Ireland, and Czech Republic.
Objectives:
The goals of the Virtual Cultural exchange program are:
- International orientation to occupational therapy
- To increase cultural awareness
- To improve language skills and communication skills
- To increase understanding of healthcare in other countries
- International networking
Methods: Through strategic match-making, students are paired to ensure diversity. Students are paired with an international peer, they then have at least three video calls. Students discuss their unique experiences as OT students in their country. In between these calls, students have group meetings at their instutution guided by their professors to process this information.
Results: Students and professors report greater understanding of cultures, improved language skills, appreciation for diversity, and improved critical thinking about systems and the profession.
Conclusion: This program can serve as a model for other institutions to replicate to broaden OT students' perspectives on healthcare, citizenship and world views. This is the eighth year of our program and some students have met in person and become life-long friends.