Research Article  |   October 2017
Internationalization in an Occupational Therapy Curriculum: A Philippine–American Pilot Collaboration
Maria Concepcion C. Cabatan; Lenin C. Grajo
Author Affiliations
  • Maria Concepcion C. Cabatan, MHPEd, OTR, OTRP, FPAOT, is Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila; mdcabatan@up.edu.ph
  • Lenin C. Grajo, PhD, EdM, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; lg2890@cumc.columbia.edu
Article Information
Education of OTs and OTAs / Centennial Topics
Research Article   |   October 2017
Internationalization in an Occupational Therapy Curriculum: A Philippine–American Pilot Collaboration
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2017, Vol. 71, 7106165010p1-7106165010p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.024653
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2017, Vol. 71, 7106165010p1-7106165010p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.024653
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study is a pilot implementation of an Internationalization at Home (IaH) teaching and learning collaboration to enhance intercultural learning and understanding of concepts of occupation in two cohorts of occupational science and occupational therapy students from the Philippines and the United States.

METHOD. In this collective case study, 149 students (Cohort 1, n = 65; Cohort 2, n = 84) participated. The collaboration included virtual conversations among students, faculty presentations, reflective assignments, and completion of an anonymous online survey.

RESULTS. Analysis yielded three essential themes: (1) perception of increased knowledge about human occupation and the influence of culture, (2) identification of teaching–learning aspects that facilitated intercultural learning outcomes, and (3) identification of factors that were enablers of and barriers to learning.

CONCLUSION. This study provides insights on how intercultural learning experiences can be integrated into occupational science and occupational therapy curricula and can increase understanding of concepts related to human occupation.