What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was excited and interested to see what healthcare in a different country would look like. I knew this would be an opportunity I would never get around here, and I wanted to experience something more. I also loved the fact that we were going to three different healthcare settings, giving me more opportunity to learn and grow.
Why did you choose Caribbean Care: Occupational Therapy Abroad?
It was what my college offered and I jumped on the opportunity. I have always loved traveling, so when our fieldwork educator presented this trip, I knew I wanted to go. The more I researched Dominica and what we could do there, the more I wanted to go. I am so glad this was the opportunity provided through Jefferson.
Learning and helping while working at the infirmary—an unforgettable experience.
What was your favorite part about your time in Dominica?
I loved meeting the locals. Everyone was so kind and friendly. It felt like I made a little family after only 11 days. They welcomed us so well, showing us the ins and outs of their lives.
The Therapy Abroad supervisor, Katie, also welcomed us so well. She might not have been from the country, but she made the trip so much better. Also, I cannot forget to mention how beautiful the country is.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I got to see healthcare from a totally different perspective. It was really hard but really great.
I was able to walk alongside a doctor and assist with a bed wound dressing. I got to talk with caregivers who never experienced occupational therapy. I got to sit with countless patients and show them love and support. It was eye-opening and made my desire to help people even greater.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Katie, Kenny, Kent, and Flo were absolutely fantastic. Kenny and Kent were the best drivers a girl could ask for! They were so kind and so full of the wisdom of their country. I loved sitting in their vans and hearing them talk about their area.
Flo ran the kitchen and was an absolute joy. She let us learn from her and talked to us about local foods. She was a hoot and knows everyone on that side of the island.
Katie was our supervisor, and she made the trip. She’s passionate about her role and radiates positivity and flexibility.
An amazing group moment captured during our time together—grateful for the experience.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have packed different clothes (haha!). It’s hot in Dominica! Other than that, not much else I would have changed.
There were some schedule changes that we did not think we would get to see the school or the hospital, but Katie made it happen. Maybe a little bit more time at the school would have been cool, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
We woke up, usually early, and ate breakfast. Then, we got transported by Kenny and Kent to the setting for the day.
Each day was different, though. We had some full days of clinical followed by a debrief, dinner, and hanging out with locals. Other days were half-days of clinical followed by going to a tourist spot to see the island.
Enjoying fresh coconuts—cut straight from the backyard trees!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
There was a local bar and grill that we could walk to. It was so much fun because there were always locals there, either playing dominoes or dancing. It was a great way to get to know the people and the island.
We also got to explore some of the rivers and swimming spots, which were absolutely gorgeous. All places were great for relaxing.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We had a resource center or weather shelter for the first week and then moved to a hotel on the other side of the island. The resource center was a different experience because it didn’t have air conditioning, so everything was kind of an open concept. The walls didn’t go up to the ceiling for air flow, so privacy was minimal (haha), but it was very cool. It felt like we fit into the island life. I enjoyed it.
Taking in the view—one of those moments that makes you stop and just breathe.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
There is no air conditioning, lots of heat, and hair products are unnecessary. They should know that you will love the patients and the locals and have a hard time leaving. We started at Castle Bruce which, a more low-key village, then moved to Roseau, the capital and more city-like. It was neat to see both sides of the island and all the variety of people there.
Would you recommend Caribbean Care: Occupational Therapy Abroad to others? Why?
Absolutely. It was so cool to see healthcare from a different perspective. They do not have nearly as many resources, so that part was hard. But, they are also so creative with what they do have.
They have an occupational therapy mentality and do not even know it. I learned so much from them. And again, the island is the most gorgeous place.
Visiting Emerald Pool with peers—an unforgettable moment surrounded by nature.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think it is easy to take for granted all that we have and all the equipment we can easily get. Seeing people who do not have all we have helps to remind you to be grateful and to utilize everything we have. It made me thankful for all the support, resources, and education I have. Seeing a different part of the world helped me be more thankful for my side of the world.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I am learning to speak up for myself. Being in a large group of people helped me work on interacting with others and finding my role or voice. There were a lot of personalities in one group, so learning when to be silent or when to speak out. It is something I have noticed I am doing better at every day, thanks to this experience.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I usually just travel for myself to explore other areas, all for myself. Meaningful travel is more than that. I got to travel for someone other than myself.
One client cried when I was leaving, even though I was only with her for two days. I got to impact someone that I would have never met if I hadn’t gone on this meaningful trip.
