WMU: Global Perspective on Pediatric Rehabilitation in Dominican Republic (Faculty-led)

This program is designed for students who have been admitted to either the occupational therapy or speech-language pathology master’s programs at Western Michigan University. This inter-professional course will provide students with training and experience in international service work  with the pediatric population at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) in the Dominican Republic. Faculty leaders will meet a few times during the previous term and once after the program to discuss and learn about the culture, the language, and the organization of NPH as well as to prepare for projects that will be initiated during the trip to the NPH-DR home at the end of the semester during a university break and through spring semester.

The primary focus of this program is to provide students with an appreciation for Latin American culture and ways to contribute to the health and well-being of the underserved and underrepresented in this region. Fall semester coursework will include online training course facilitated by “Serve Smart”, a company that specializes in training specialists pursuing short- and long- term service work.

Notes from faculty leaders:
1. This program is designed for undergraduates Senior level and graduate students; Due to the nature of the program, only students admitted in WMU Occupational Therapy or SLP Master programs can be considered.
2. Dietary restrictions are extremely difficult to accommodate. Flexibility is required for vegetarian and vegan diets. Students with allergies to soy, peanuts, wheat, or seafood must discuss options with the faculty directors.

Students applying for this program may be eligible for the Haenicke Institute for the Global Education Study Abroad Scholarship.