International Occupational Therapy: Strategies for Working and Learning Abroad

by Kate Barrett, Susan Coppola, Liliana Alvarez Jaramillo

International occupational therapy experiences provide immeasurable opportunities for students, practitioners, and faculty to better understand how culture affects occupation, collaborate in mutually beneficial endeavors, promote the profession, and grow personally as occupational therapy practitioners. Such experiences can drastically broaden students and practitioners understanding of occupation and client-centered care and strengthen cultural effectiveness skills needed now more than ever. International Occupational Therapy covers all aspects of learning or working abroad, from situating occupation in cultural contexts to developing partnerships to practical travel considerations. Focused on best practices in population or public health models, this text guides readers to ensure their work abroad addresses community concerns, contributing to sustainable health and well-being. Throughout the text, vignettes and case examples illustrate the sociopolitical structures that reinforce health disparities, common pitfalls of working abroad, and diverse ways occupational therapy can contribute to communities. Activities and questions guide readers in exploring ways to continually develop cultural knowledge and self-awareness. The first comprehensive work on international occupational therapy practice, this new text prepares students and practitioners to make the most of their experiences abroad.

216 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2020