Caribbean Care: Occupational Therapy Abroad

This was a life changing experience! I had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and help others. It was amazing to witness the impact we made while there. I got to see the world in a different perspective by building connections with the people of Dominica. I grew my occupational therapy skills through hands-on experiences. We also had the opportunity to learn about the culture and explore the town. This was a meaningful and eye opening experience that will stay with me forever.

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As a faculty member, my recent experience on a Therapy Abroad Program in Dominica was nothing short of transformative. This unique opportunity allowed both students and faculty to be fully immersed in a culture vastly different from that of the United States. The fieldwork was set in conditions that, while unfamiliar, offered invaluable lessons in adaptability, cultural humility, and resourcefulness—skills essential for any aspiring therapist. One of the most impactful aspects of this experience was the support we received from the Katie, Director of International Programs with Therapy Abroad. Her leadership and organization was great, ensuring that all students and faculty had the guidance, needed to thrive in a challenging yet incredibly rewarding environment. Katie's commitment to our success was evident every step of the way, from pre-departure preparations to on-the-ground logistics in Dominica. This immersion was not only about applying therapeutic skills in real-world settings but also about understanding the profound cultural nuances that shape the ways individuals perceive health, wellness, and therapy. The community in Dominica welcomed us with open arms, offering an authentic experience that deepened our understanding of how therapy could be effectively practiced in different contexts. The program was structured to balance professional growth with personal reflection, allowing us to absorb the beauty and complexities of the Dominican culture. We learned how to navigate challenges such as limited resources and differing health care infrastructures, all while maintaining empathy for the people we served. Overall, this international fieldwork experience was truly life-changing. The combination of an immersive cultural environment, hands-on learning, and outstanding support from Katie, made it a wonderful educational experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any faculty member or student looking to expand their horizons and grow both professionally and personally.

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The therapy abroad trip to Dominica was a life changing experience. With someone with a lot of general anxiety as well as traveling anxiety, I am so happy I decided to go. Katie made it very smooth by planning out every detail. I felt like I could come to her for anything and that I wasn't alone. We were immersed in the culture and community in a way I never imagined we could be in such a short period of time. The clinical experience we gained was extremely eye-opening, as was the entire trip. I will forever remember my time here and the people we met, the places we were, and how much Dominica and therapy abroad impacted the way I see the world around me.

Can’t thank our leader Katie Kirkland enough for orchestrating a successful fieldwork trip! I never even imagined gaining this much experience in that short of an amount of time. We were truly immersed in the culture while learning and having some valuable down time.

This trip was an unforgettable experience & something I will never forget. The people of Dominica that Therapy Abroad coordinated with were amazing & made us feel immediately at home. Working within these settings, as a level I, is not for everyone, but for those who can do it will truly be a better clinician because of it.

Whether you had previously been outside of the United States or not, Therapy Abroad was a fantastic opportunity to develop professionally, culturally, and personally. The experience is interdisciplinary with tons of opportunities to explore.

I learned so much in only ten days. The coolest part was seeing and experiencing multiple settings of healthcare in a very different culture. It was eye-opening to the way people live and adapt with what they have. Every caregiver had a heart for the people they worked with and you could see them pushing their resources to make their lives better. I also found confidence in my capabilities, knowledge, and flexibility. I left feeling a little less like a student and more like an occupational therapist. It was truly life changing. Also, Katie was absolutely amazing, as a person and supervisor. She made the trip flow and gave us so many different opportunities, she is the best.

I could not have asked for a better clinical fieldwork as an occupational therapy student. I gained clinical experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life and cultural immersion to go along with it. I also met amazing people along the way in Dominica and in my group. I will never stop talking about therapy abroad and how amazing this experience was!

This trip was an unforgettable experience & something I will never forget. The people of Dominica that Therapy Abroad coordinated with were amazing & made us feel immediately at home. Working within these settings, as a level I, is not for everyone, but for those who can do it will truly be a better clinician because of it.

Traveling to Dominica with Therapy Abroad and providing OT services to the community was an unforgettable experience. The hands-on experience, cultural immersion, and opportunities to form relationships and create memories exceeded all possible expectations. I was able to grow personally and professionally, while having fun and stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m looking forward to another trip with Therapy Abroad in the future and would highly recommend participating in their trips.