Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
Research highlights the importance of cultural competence in occupational therapy (OT) education and practice, as emphasized by both student and practitioner perspectives. Previous studies in nursing and occupational therapy posit that short-term study abroad programs, supported by adequate faculty guidance, can significantly improve cultural competency. Within the OT context, this study aims to describe the development of an online faculty-led study abroad course and examine its effects on intercultural communication, intercultural sensitivity, and professional identity among OT students. The paper also provides a detailed course description, outcome assessments aligned with the course learning objectives, a discussion of challenges and opportunities, and the implications for OT education. This study employed a pretest-posttest study design, utilizing three standardized surveys: the Intercultural Communication Competence Scale, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, and the Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale. These surveys were administered to 98 students before and after the faculty-led study abroad course; 43 students completed the pre-test, and 26 completed the post-test. The results showed significant improvement in intercultural sensitivity (p = 0.01) and a significant correlation between intercultural communication and professional identity (r = 0.389, p = 0.049). These findings suggested that online abroad programs may support intercultural and professional development for OT students who are unable to travel abroad due to various reasons, such as undocumented status or pandemic-related restrictions.
Biography
Professor Lynne Andonian, PhD, OTR/L earned a PhD in Organizational Systems from Saybrook University, an M.A. in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, and B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Committed to global education, she developed the Faculty led program, the exchange program, and worked as a Fulbright Specialist in Finland.
Professor Megan C. Chang, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA holds a Ph.D. in Occupational Science, an M.S. in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology from the University of Southern California, and a B.S. from National Cheng Kung University. Passionate about global learning, she developed the Faculty-Led Program in Taiwan, enriching OT students’ cross-cultural experiences since 2014.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Andonian, L., & Chang, M. (2025). Designing an Effective Online Study Abroad Program: Effects on Intercultural Communication, Sensitivity, and Professional Identity Development. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (4). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol9/iss4/5
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