Students from Thomas Jefferson University and Kitasato University's School of Health Professions in Sagamihara-shi, Japan visit each other’s university programs for one week (usually during spring break) and exchange ideas, knowledge and fun as they learn about occupational therapy practice in a different culture.

Student Role: Depends on whether students are traveling to Japan or hosting Japanese students at Thomas Jefferson University:

• Students who wish to travel to Japan may apply to participate in the exchange program. Application is competitive.
• All students are invited to participate in hosting the Kitasato students when they visit. Students serve as hosts for group activities and visits to various clinical and cultural sites when Kitasato students visit Thomas Jefferson University.

For more Information: Please e-mail Susan Toth-Cohen, PhD, OTR/L

Students from Jefferson’s Center City and East Falls campuses travel together to Morocco for 9-10 days (during the summer semester) to promote occupational therapy in a country where the profession is currently emerging. While there, students explore the influence of culture on the meaning of occupation and participation. Students visit various clinical settings where, for example, they deliver therapeutic play for children with disabilities, provide parent and staff education, and advocate for the profession. They also participate in a range of cultural activities in multiple cities across the country.

Student Role:

• Students can participate in the experience as either a Level I Fieldwork or cultural immersion opportunity. Fieldwork eligibility is dependent on placement availability and the student’s academic experiences to date.
• Students demonstrate the unique value of occupational therapy through active engagement and interactions with people across the lifespan who require services.
• Students participate in a series of pre-departure meetings and assignments to help to prepare them to gain the greatest benefit from the experiences.

For more information: contact Courtney Gohean, MS, OTR/L, BCG, CLT