Global Insights Opens with Peru!
Taken at Machu Picchu, from left: Nicole McDonnell ’20, Lexi Andrews ’20, Professor Julia Guzman, Brianna Strussle ’20, Danielle Desseyn ’20.Home to Machu Picchu, named one of the world’s New Seven Wonders, Peru stretches along the western coast of South America with 1,500 miles of white sand beaches, great surf and spectacular mountainous peaks. Dr. Julia Guzman, OTD, faculty specialist in occupational therapy, and four University seniors will give the first spring Global Insights presentation on their learning adventure in Peru. Join us Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020, in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall, room 509. Registration is required for this event.
Dr. Guzman explained that the trip was a part of the occupational therapy program’s level 1 practical which included physical and psychosocial fieldwork. Students worked with indigenous people in Cusco, Peru. Danielle Desseyn, senior OT and Spanish major, shared “It was a great opportunity to combine practicing skills in OT with the culture and people in Peru.” Brianna Strassle, senior OT, said: “The most interesting part was learning about the different perspectives regarding medical care compared to the U.S. Theirs is based on natural and holistic remedies, and not as medically based and biomechanical.”
The students were able to interact with individuals in a treatment capacity. Nicole McDonnell, senior OT and Spanish major, “It’s good to have an immersion experience in the culture and the language and to give back to the community through our practicum, and to introduce our practice to the people there.” Lexi Andrews expressed how much she loved the non-traditional fieldwork experience. “It was very hands-on. We are able to do everything from the treatment planning to implementing the treatments, which was challenging at times due to the culture and language barriers.” Dr. Guzman explained that they had to follow the community rehabilitation model. “They first learned the needs of the community then developed and implemented a treatment plan based on those needs.”
Learn much more about the country, culture and student experience in Peru by clicking here to register.
This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration for this event is required. For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575.
