The benefits of virtual learning abroad programs for higher education students: A phenomenological research study.

BACKGROUND: Higher education institutions offer in-country learning abroad programs to provide healthcare students with the opportunity to gain the intercultural and global competencies they need to work in a globally interconnected world. During the Covid-19 pandemic, institutions offered virtual learning abroad programs as an alternative to the in-country programs, however, little is known about whether they provide comparable benefits to students. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate, and identify, the benefits gained by higher education healthcare students through their participation in a virtual learning abroad program. DESIGN/METHODS: This research implemented a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with four higher education students enrolled in the final year of their healthcare studies. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: The results revealed that virtual programs provide a range of benefits students can use in their future careers. They also provide students with a positive learning experience and an opportunity for personal growth. However, although the benefits students gain from virtual learning abroad programs are similar to those they gain from in-country programs, they are not identical. While virtual learning abroad programs are a viable alternative for in-country programs and offer many benefits, they fail to replicate the intercultural and global competencies that in-country programs offer to students. CONCLUSION: This study focusses on virtual learning abroad programs and whether the benefits healthcare students gain from them are comparable to the traditional in-country programs. Students gain personal and professional benefits from these programs without the risks and costs associated with international travel. However, the identified lack of increased global awareness has implications for how the benefits of virtual learning abroad programs should be promoted to students.

A pilot study of an intergenerational program for people in residential aged care with cognitive impairment and children from a co-located early learning centre during COVID-19.

Intergenerational programs in residential aged care may improve well-being and combat loneliness and social isolation in older people with cognitive impairment. This pilot study investigated the effects of a semi-structured intergenerational group, including children from a co-located early learning centre and people living in residential aged care with cognitive impairment. This 9-week study used a mixed methods pre- and post-program design. Sessions were designed and delivered once per week by Occupational Therapists and took into account residents' interests and children's developmental needs and interests, identified in pre-program interviews. Nine older people with cognitive impairment and 13 children participated. The program was well attended despite disruptions and complications caused by COVID-19 and weather conditions. Older people valued the opportunity to engage with the children. Children were observed to gain confidence in communicating and forming friendships with older people with different levels of ability. There did not appear to be any change in loneliness or neuropsychiatric symptoms. The intergenerational program benefited participants and received strong support from family members and staff of the early learning centre and aged care home.

El modelo río (Kawa): cuatro estudios de caso aplicados en Chile / The river model (Kawa): four case studies developed in Chile

Se presentan los conceptos generales del Modelo Río (Kawa) generado desde una Cosmovisión Oriental/Japonesa, proponiendo una mirada y una herramienta de evaluación e intervención cualitativa plenamente centrada en la narrativa del cliente, representada por la metáfora de un río, a través del cual, se evidencian los elementos centrales de la existencia (propuestos por la teoría) y aquellos símbolos significativos incorporados por la propia persona, otorgando una visión histórica y de momentos claves al mismo tiempo. Se presentan cuatro estudios de caso aplicados en el país, desarrollados por estudiantes de Terapia Ocupacional de la Universidad Mayor, con usuarios de distinta edad y condición de salud, en el marco de un proyecto de traducción y adaptación del Modelo al idioma castellano y al contexto hispanoamericano, así como la discusión inicial acerca de las potencialidades e implicancias culturales y para la disciplina del uso del Modelo en un contexto chileno y latinoamericano.

The following article explain the general concepts of the Model of the River (Kawa) generated from an Eastern/ Japanese Cosmology, offering a view and a qualitative assessment and intervention tool fully focused on the narrative of the client, represented by the metaphor of a river, through which, it show the central elements of existence (proposed by the theory) and those meaningful symbols incorporated by the individual, providing a historical overview and key moments at the same time. At this research are included four case studies developed by Chilean Occupational Therapy students at Universidad Mayor, with clients at different life stages, educational level and health condition, inside of a wider project, orientated to translate and to adapt the Model to the Spanish language and the Hispanic and latin context, introducing an initial discussion about the cultural potentialities and implications for the discipline using this model in Chile and Latin America.