Supporting student placements in developing countries—A Ugandan example

Abstract

This article is written from the perspective of one U.K. based occupational therapy school in supporting final year students in their fieldwork placements in Uganda and explores the case for occupational therapy students carrying out international fieldwork in developing countries. Such placements can provide excellent opportunities for students to develop a clear understanding of the relationship between occupation, environment and culture. Working in less highly technological environments will also encourage students' problem solving and practical skills as well as offering many opportunities to further develop personal creativity in designing sustainable and realistic intervention programmes.

Key words:

• Student placement
• Developing countries
• Professional skills