| Faculty image | Faculty Name | Department | University/college |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Brigitte Belanger Associate Professor |
Rehabilitation Sciences |
Marieb College FGCU |
 |
Tomomi McAuliffe Lecturer |
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences |
University of Queensland Australia |
TITLE: Australia Collaborative Online Learning Assignment
This collaborative assignment introduces FGCU Occupational Therapy students to the Australian healthcare system and the role of OTs in mental health. Students will first attend a lecture on healthcare delivery in Australia. Following this, FGCU and Australian OT students will be paired in small groups (two from each country) for a virtual exchange. The initial meeting focuses on cultural connection and professional communication, with an emphasis on practicing OARS (Open questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summarizing). Students will explore each other's backgrounds, motivations for pursuing OT, and their understanding of cross-national mental health services. Australian students will then deliver a 15-minute presentation on their mental health placement experiences. FGCU students are expected to engage by asking clarifying questions and sharing U.S. perspectives on OT in mental health, drawing on class content and personal experiences. This assignment promotes intercultural dialogue, reflective thinking, and professional skill development within the context of global mental health practice.
Resulting Scholarship: I am collaborating with my Australian counterpart to produce an article to present the process and outcome of the project.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Compare international healthcare systems; Describe the role of OT in mental health in both the U.S. and Australian contexts, including variations in settings, populations served, and models of care. Demonstrate intercultural communication skills by engaging respectfully and effectively with peers. Develop professional identities through reflections on similarities and differences in OT roles across countries and enhancing understanding of global OT practices. Apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts by discussing and analyzing theoretical frameworks (MOHO, recovery Model, Cognitive-Behavioral as they relate to mental health practice in different healthcare systems. Critically reflect on personal and professional growth in areas such as communication, cultural humility and understanding of occupational therapy’s global impact.
Participating Countries: U.S. Australia
Number of FGCU and Partner Institution Student Participants:
31 FGCU students
22 Australian students
Discipline: Occupational Therapy
FGCU Course Code & Name: Behavioral Health 6325C
Project Duration: Spring Semester 2025
