OT International Exchange Program

ShannanKirchner

Hello International OTs,

I am a pediatric occupational therapist located in the US. My background is in International Relations and French and I can’t help but want to incorporate international input into practice.

I have an idea to create an international OT exchange program where OTs are able to go to other countries for 2-4 weeks to experience OT from an international perspective. I want to explore government grants, private pay, or including private practices who may want to support this endeavor. Does anybody have any experience with this or feel like they would want to collaborate on bringing this dream into reality?

Looking forward to connecting!

Shannan

Lala

I would want to do this also .i just read about projects abroad .they do these things .I haven’t really explored it though

RamshaK

Hello,
I am a Canadian-trained occupational therapist, currently working in Pakistan at an established rehabilitation institute. We always welcome OTs from different parts of the world to volunteer for a few weeks and experience occupational therapy, and rehabilitation as a whole, in Pakistan. Feel free to contact me if you'd be interested in something like that.

LinaBhler

RamshaK

Hello,
I am a Swiss Occupational Therapist (BSC) looking for a working stage in the middle east, because I am culturally interestet and would like to help patients in regions where are maybe lack of OT's in rehabilitation... I have 4 years experience in working with patients with neurological diseases (strokes, Parkinson disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Encephalopatia etc.). Do you know a place in Pakistan, where my work could be needed?
Looking forward to hear from you!

KarenBayley

RamshaK Hi, Are you still looking for OTs to volunteer? I graduated 6 months ago and am looking for diverse OT opportunities.

MaryStoykov

RamshaK I would love to do this

KirstiShields

I was thrilled to discover this posting! I too have been really pondering ways to connect more meaningfully with fellow OTs globally. I've worked/volunteered in quite a few different countries now and love the idea of creating a community of OTs interested in exploring different practice contexts globally - very exciting! I would love to connect and chat more. Kirstishields@gmail.com

moona

LinaBhler
Hi Lina,
I would be really interested to know more about your working in Middle east, do you have any contact for me please.
Thanks a lot!
Mouna

Nicole

Hi Shannan,
Just came across your post and wondering if you’ve made any progress or able to connect with any other OTs globally? I am currently practicing in Seattle, Washington and have experience doing international volunteer work. I’m very interested in establishing or participating in some sort of exchange program where we can truly learn about practice in a particular country and collaborate on the progression of the impact of OT practice on a global level.

Thanks,
Nicole

AnaswaraRameshan

Hi Shannon,
As an OT student at the moment, I'm very interested in this! I wish there was more opportunities to work or study abroad! Please feel free to contact me with any info or updates at aramesha@nyit.edu. Looking forward to updates regarding this!

Chiara

Hi! I am an Argentine Occupational Therapist, with 5 years experience in working with patients with neurological diseases. Recently, I had the possibility to visit a rehabilitation centre in Spain and it was a very enriching experience! I am really interested in colaborate with this dream!

AnnaLong-Slade

Hi!

I am curious if you were able to start a group, as a result of this thread? I'd love to be included (otanna@gmail.com). I have been an OT since 2006 and have practiced in multiple states in the US and volunteered in Kenya and Malawi. I am now based in California and starting the process of applying for PPOTD programs. I'm in the beginning stages of developing a capstone project research question and plan. I'd love to include a global perspective on the research I end up doing. I am leaning towards researching how OTs around the world are currently using telehealth as a delivery model for school-based OT services. I'd love to connect with OTs interested in collaborating with me as I develop a research question that will hopefully have broad applicability and impact within our field, globally.

I look forward to collaborating!
otanna@gmail.com
Anna Long-Slade MS OTR/L

gccampelo

Hi, my name is Gabriela, I’m OT in Brazil. I’m also a professor at University. I have a doctor degree in pediatrics. I’m really welcome To recive anyone who would like to come to Brazil for a week or 2, and really interested in visit another service (already been in South africa and England)

MaryStoykov

gccampelo I am a PhD in Movement Science, an OT, and a researcher at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Would love to come some time.

Kenneth OT

Dear Shannan,
I came across your posting and I would love to know about any progress so far. Am an Occupational Therapist from Uganda with 4 years of experience and I would really be available to support you at any time such a program plans to come to Uganda.
kulumbakenneth1@gmail.com

LenaWocadlo

Hey, I would love to get to know the work in a foreign country! I am from Germany currently studying and will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Februray 2024. After that, I am looking forward to make work experiences abroad! If you have temporary projects or nternships I would love to get connected!

RachelCrane

Hi Everyone,
I am an OT in Melbourne, Australia with 4 year Acute Care (hospital) experience and several years community experience.
I would love to be involved and happy to provide an Australian point of contact. Maybe we can work with all the different countries responding to this post with WFOT.

Alisha

I am super interested in participating in this!! Does anyone have any updates or opportunities? I am a Canadian OT, please contact me alishakhurana5@gmail.com

ninadunleavy

Good day, I am so glad I cam across this post and would be interested in this idea. Please contact me on ninadunleavy@gmail.com