Testimonials from the students (Virtual)
I am very appreciative of the efforts both my preceptors made to facilitate a great learning experience for me. As much as the situation allowed, I was provided with opportunities to practice like OT and with resources to support my learning. I enjoyed being able to practice self-directed learning and managing my own time, as I would as an OT. I also feel much more confident in my OT intervention search skills, treatment planning, and pediatric OT knowledge compared to when I started this placement.
I thoroughly enjoyed my virtual placement experience with ASSA. I was able to apply my clinical skills while working with patients with spinal cord injuries or strokes. I gained extensive experience with occupational therapy preparation and implementation, clinical documentation, and interprofessional communication. I also gained a lot of knowledge about the culture and was given the opportunity to reflect on the differences and similarities between our cultures.
This placement was an extremely enriching learning experience, even when offered as a virtual placement option during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team at ASSA was accommodating to the time difference and provided us with countless learning opportunities and face-to-face time with real patients. We were able to utilize self-directed learning and apply skills we learned in school in a welcoming practice setting. I enjoyed my time at ASSA very much, and I am so grateful for the learning experience.
ASSA has given me the opportunity to learn about spinal cord and stroke populations in general, but it has also taught me how to adapt to different clientele as a professional. I have learned to keep in mind cultures, values, and beliefs, which is something I think is very valuable and important to do as a healthcare professional in a country with very diverse populations.
This placement has been a great learning experience for me even though it was all virtual and had to adjust to a time difference. During this placement, I have been exposed to invaluable aspects such as different ways of living, different realities, and different cultures. I have also grown comfortable working with translators and being able to establish a therapeutic relationship with the client through a screen and a language barrier. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to have a placement at Amar Seva Sangam.
Completing a virtual international placement at ASSA provided me with ample learning opportunities, both through clinical sessions and project work. My clinical work was village-based rehab and entailed consulting with pediatric clients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to develop intervention recommendations. My project work consisted of developing a manual for clinicians at ASSA to assist them with the provision of various assistive technologies to pediatric clients. Through this placement, I learned to be adaptable, and flexible and developed cultural competency amongst other important OT competencies. Although I wasn’t able to be there in person because of COVID, I feel extremely grateful for this learning experience; Through the support of my wonderful supervisors, I still feel that I was able to make an impact at ASSA. I hope that I will be able to continue supporting ASSA and visit in person in the near future.
