Elevate your Occupational Therapy career in Dominica! This 12-week fieldwork placement provides the perfect blend of professional growth and cultural immersion. Develop your expertise in culturally sensitive assessment and intervention, working with varied populations in Dominica. You'll gain hands-on experience, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and refine essential OT skills such as activity analysis, environmental modification, and client-centered care. This program is designed to equip you to become a globally-minded and highly competent OT practitioner, ready to excel in any clinical context.

You'll gain practical experience in various settings, including schools and community centers, working with individuals facing a range of occupational performance deficits. This fieldwork placement emphasizes the development of culturally appropriate assessment and intervention techniques, and you'll learn to adapt your OT practice to a low-resource environment. Supervision is provided by a US licensed Occupational Therapist who also offers cultural resources and insights.

Are you an OT graduate student ready to elevate your clinical expertise and broaden your global perspective? This 12-week clinical placement is your gateway to an extraordinary professional and personal journey. Immerse yourself in the culture of Dominica while gaining essential clinical skills and making a meaningful impact. If you're adaptable, resourceful, and passionate about culturally competent care, this is your chance to gain invaluable experience and set yourself apart. Get ready to gain a competitive edge and embark on a journey that will shape your career! 

These 12-week Level II(B) fieldwork placements are full-time clinician experiences designed to meet the participating university's clinical fieldwork guidelines and provide students with a valuable experience to transition between university and professional employment. Students must receive prior approval from their departments to participate in this experience.

While in Dominica, you'll provide occupational therapy services in a variety of locations, including long term residential care facilities, in clients homes alongside a home health agency, and other partner organizations. This is a unique opportunity to work in a country with a significant need for rehabilitation care and limited historical access to OT services. You'll have access to our full range of treatment materials and resources.

This fieldwork placement is designed to propel you from the classroom to the professional world, providing a dynamic bridge between university studies and your future career. Over 12 weeks, you'll gain the confidence and expertise to:

• Master Diverse Clinical Skills: Immerse yourself in varied approaches and philosophies within Occupational Therapy, encompassing everything from diagnostic techniques to transformative rehabilitation practices.

• Gain Real-World Experience: Step beyond observation and engage directly in evaluation and treatment, building practical skills that are culturally relevant. 

• Collaborate and Connect: Work alongside OTs and other professionals, forging valuable relationships and expanding your interdisciplinary network.

• Become a Global Practitioner: Study abroad and experience the rewards of providing care in a culturally rich and immersive environment, developing a global perspective that's essential in today's world.

• Build a Foundation for Success: Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in your chosen field, setting yourself up for a fulfilling and impactful career.

This fieldwork placement isn't just about clinical hours; it's about building a robust skillset that will make you a confident and effective practitioner. You'll learn to:

• Collaborate Effectively: Become a valuable member of an interdisciplinary team, working seamlessly with local professionals to achieve shared patient goals.

• Master Documentation: Gain proficiency in essential documentation procedures, including SOAP notes, evaluation reports, and patient education resources.

• Adapt and Thrive: Develop the resourcefulness and adaptability needed to navigate low-resource environments and unfamiliar circumstances.

• Embrace Cultural Competence: Cultivate a deep understanding of Dominica’s diverse norms and cultures, and learn to integrate this awareness into your clinical practice.

• Deliver Culturally Sensitive Care: Learn to identify, assess, and treat individuals from diverse backgrounds, tailoring your approach to respect their unique cultural and linguistic identities.

• Refine Your Therapeutic Approach: Acquire and hone new therapeutic skills, benefiting from personalized feedback that fosters professional and personal growth.

• Design and Implement Interventions: Develop the ability to create and adapt culturally appropriate intervention plans, utilizing a variety of strategies, approaches, materials, and instrumentation to meet the unique needs of each client and their family.

Dominica, the 'Nature Isle' of the Caribbean, offers a unique setting for personal and professional growth. Imagine yourself surrounded by lush rainforests, soaring volcanic peaks, rejuvenating hot springs, and breathtaking waterfalls. It's an inspiring backdrop for students seeking meaningful engagement within a vibrant community. Spending three months in Dominica allows you to truly immerse yourself in the island's way of life. Here, the pace is slower, more intentional, and deeply rooted in strong relationships—qualities that naturally foster reflection, resilience, and a healthier work-life balance. Beyond the clinic, your weekends can be filled with adventures like hiking to hidden waterfalls, exploring pristine marine reserves while snorkeling, or savoring fresh island cuisine with newfound friends. The rhythms of nature and the warmth of the community offer a grounding force—a welcome change from the often-frenetic pace of professional life elsewhere.

Students will stay in a shared home or apartments with modern amenities including a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, Wi-Fi, a western style toilet, showers, and communal space to relax and hang out. Students will be within walking distance to downtown areas & a plethora of restaurants, shops & local markets. Plus the warmth and hospitality of the people and culture will make everyone feel at home in no time! 

The total program cost includes round-trip international airfare to Dominica. Therapy Abroad staff will assist you with booking your flight from your preferred departure airport. We will contact you to arrange this as your departure date approaches. Transportation from the airport to your accommodations in Dominica will be provided.

Everything is covered, with the exception of your meals. There are no surprise costs or "optional activities" trying to upsell you. Your tuition covers airfare, three excursions, therapy materials, and housing—everything you need for an incredible experience. We want you to focus on learning, exploring, and making the most of your time without ever worrying about extra expenses.

The total tuition is $7,500:

• Non-refundable deposit: $1,000 (due at booking)

• Remaining balance: $6,500 (split into 2 payments of $3,250)

And if you’re worried about payments, we’ve got options to help:

• Explore our Fundraising Guide with strategies and resources.

• Use our new built-in Contribution Page feature—just like GoFundMe, but directly linked to your program's tuition balance! So each time someone donates, you automatically owe less on your next payment.

• Bring a friend! We offer a refer-a-friend discount of $100 each. So help us spread the word while you lower your tuition.

• To save on extra processing fees, we recommend making your payment by ACH (direct bank transfer).

• Need more flexibility? We can help customize a payment plan that works for you—just ask!

If you choose to cancel, we will hold onto your initial deposit for you to use on a future Therapy Abroad trip. This deposit is not transferable to another person. Refund percentages include the non-refundable deposit:

• 100% refund for cancellations made 90+ days before departure.

• 75% refund for cancellations made 90–60 days before departure.

• 50% refund for cancellations made 59-30 days before departure.

• 0% refund for cancellations made within 30 days of departure.

Safety is our top priority, and we take a hands-on approach to ensure every aspect of your experience is secure. Every location, accommodation, and activity is personally vetted by Therapy Abroad directors. Dominica is a safe destination with strong infrastructure, and we work closely with the Ministries of Education and Health to organize every detail of your trip. From departure to return, we provide a seamless, worry-free experience. You’ll always be part of a group led by experienced facilitators—never outsourced staff. Our team ensures access to medical care, clean food and water, and reliable communication at all times.

Here are some links to our website that are worth exploring:

• Explore TherapyAbroad.org

• Our mission at Therapy Abroad

• Meet our team

• Why travel with us

• Read student and staff reviews

• FAQ