Integration of International Service Learning in Developing Countries within Occupational Therapy Education: Process and Implications

ABSTRACT

International service learning (ISL) is included in an increasing number of courses at post-secondary levels of education, including programs which educate future occupational therapy practitioners. There is a limited amount of literature and research concerning best practices for course-based occupational therapy education featuring ISL experiences, in particular within developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to (a) to review key literature on ISL, (b) explicate key elements which can help design course-based ISL experiences; and (c) suggest areas for further research and development of course-based ISL. The seven elements of focus that provide a base to guide occupational therapy educators who create ISL courses with an immersion component in a country with a developing economy are discussed, as well as future challenges and possibilities when providing occupational therapy services to a global society.

KEYWORDS:

• Partnership
• sustainability
• cultural competence
• collaboration

Funding

The author would like to thank Misericordia University, Dallas, Pennsylvania, USA for supporting this research via a grant from the Faculty Research Grants Program at Misericordia University.

Declaration of Interest

The author reports no conflict of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

About the Author

Joseph Cipriani, Ed.D., OTR/L, Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA, USA