A Whole New Light: Partnering with

International OrganizationsAlison J. Beck, PhD, OTR

Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, PhD, OTR,

4th Annual Community Service Learning ConferenceApril 7, 2011

Objectives

• Describe the process of planning and conducting an international service-learning course

• Evaluate the benefits and considerations unique to this type of course

• Discuss the issues surrounding the sustainability of services in an international setting

What is Service-Learning?“the principle that community service

can be connected to classroom learning in such a way that service is more informed by theoretical and conceptual understanding………

……and the learning becomes more informed by the realities of the world” Joint Educational project. (2005). Service-Learning. University of Southern California, College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.

Blurred Boundaries?

Service-Learning Clinical FieldworkFocus Community partnership Professional development

Process - reflection Outcome - mastery

Roles Instructor is partner/guide Instructor directs learning/authoritative role

Student is assisted to be a community advocate for social change

Student is assisted to be a health professional

Process Community centered Education centered

Needs analysis on site Predetermined by school and fieldwork educator

Adapted from: P. Crist (2011) . Involve me and I understand. In Flecky & Gitlow (Eds), Service-Learning in Occupational Therapy Education: Philosophy and Practice (pp.275-288). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Identification of Community Partners in Belize

• How it all came about • Collaborated with third party vendor to

establish contact with potential partners• Exploratory visit • Fostered relationship with identified partners

for one year prior to course

Course Overview• OCCT 5091 Special Topics• 8 MOTIII students (cost = $1795.00/student)• 2 UTHSCSA OT faculty and 1 community-based OT • 9 days (August 7 – August 15, 2010)• Accommodations provided by Monkey Bay

Wildlife Sanctuary• Care Belize and Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly

were community partners

Timeline for course developmentDate Activity

March 2009 Initial contact made with potential third party vendor

April – July 2009 Development of schedule to visit health service providers

August 2009 Exploratory visit conducted

September 2009 Development of SHP International program proposal

October 2009 Presentation of proposal to SHP Faculty Council

November 2009 Recruitment of students began

January – May 2010

Development of course with registrar

Ongoing contact with vendor to coordinate

Course planning meetings with students intending to participate

Meetings with Harlan Smith, UTHSCSA Director of International Services

May 2010 Finalized travel arrangements

July 2010 Pre-departure orientation with Mr. Smith

August 2010 Course conducted in Belize

Goals – Objectives - Outcomes

Study Abroad Goal 1:• Prepare the students to be global

practitioners and to provide compassionate and culturally competent care

• Course Objective 1. Describe and reflect on the social, cultural, and geopolitical influences in the healthcare system of Belize

• Course Objective 2. Communicate the definition and purpose of rehabilitation and OT to professional and the public in Belize

– Throughout the week, students participated in delivering services outside of their own culture and country which increases awareness of differences. Students frequently expressed a recognition that the delivery of occupational therapy services is impacted by the context in which they are provided.

Goals – Objectives - Outcomes Study Abroad Goal 2:Students develop advocacy and

leadership skillsCourse Objective 4. Describe issues

of global occupational justice facing developing countries – Based on written and verbal

feedback, students readily expressed their desire to continue to work with underserved populations both in the US and abroad, either through their jobs or through volunteer activities.

Goals – Objectives - Outcomes Study Abroad Goal 3:• Faculty serve as a role model for

students and develop their own expertise in providing occupational therapy in challenging environments– Students were with a faculty

member at all times and were able to jointly provide services. Through nightly discussion groups with students, faculty attempted to facilitate student reflections on their clinical and cultural experiences.

Goals – Objectives - Outcomes

Study Abroad Goal 4:• Services provided be sustainable

by the community partners

– It is estimated that at least 7 staff members were provided with training on appropriate interventions for their clients.

Goals – Objectives - Outcomes Course Objective 3:• Plan occupational therapy

interventions appropriate to the culture, context, and environmental conditions in Belize, to meet community driven needs – Faculty and students provided

appropriate (as indentified and reported by community partners) OT interventions to:

– 21 children and families in Belize City, Dangriga, and several villages

– 17 adults in community and residential settings.

Goals – Objectives - Outcomes

Course Objective 5:• Gain an awareness of disability

advocacy and its impact on public policy

– Although policy issues were described by staff members, it is unclear whether or not students recognized these implications.

Benefits of International Experience to Students

• Requires problem-solving that is client centered and culturally sensitive

• Recognition that service provision is context-dependent

• Facilitates resourcefulness• Functioning outside of their typical

environment results in a concentrated learning experience

• Enhances world view

Benefit to the Community Partners

• Services provided• Staff training• Funding oppotunities

Sustainability

• Selection of community partner• Continued involvement• Facilitating connections• Ongoing development

Student Reflections

Personal“I have learned so much about myself. I feel more

confident with patients and I feel somewhat more ready for my fieldwork.” Eva Alaniz

“I feel like I have grown in my skills and confidence level. I also feel like I have made some change to the world even though small.” Paula Spalding

A Whole New Light“It has allowed me to see OT and health care and the world in a

whole new light.” Natalie Lucero

“It has helped me realize you have to help people one at a time. It has opened my eyes to a different society and made me realize the privileges we have in the US. It has also showed me true poverty. It has made me thankful for the life I have but lit my fire again to help in ways I had never imagined.” Sara Moore

“I also feel more called to advocate for those in the US, in my own immediate community, who would truly benefit from improved quality of life.” Lilly Teich

Frustrations/Challenges“It’s frustrating and challenging to feel doubt in your abilities. To

come into a completely different country – different culture – and know how to plan culturally relevant interventions. It’s challenging to see such poverty and lack of resources when we have so much.” Marlena Cobb

“It makes me sad that after seeing them only once, we left them in Care Belize, hoping that services will be continued and therapy will be maintained.” Rintu Varghese

Conclusions• International service learning opportunities

provide a rich and unique learning experience• Extensive planning is required to maximize

success of the experience• Cultivation of an ongoing relationship with

community partners is vital