Benefits and Challenges of Learn.On / Student Exchange

Figure 9
Brown and beige weighing scale

brown and beige weighing scale_edited.png

Note. From Brown and beige weighing scale, by P Ilver, 2021, Unsplash
(https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-beige-weighing-scale-98MbUldcDJY). Unsplash License.

Benefits

Challenges

Improved cultural competence

As previous discussed, this relates to the concept of 'Cultural Encounters' discussed in the Campinha-Bacote (1998) model. Several research articles discuss the benefits of exchange experiences, study-abroad programs or cultural encounters on improving cultural competence (Choi & Kim, 2018; Clarke et al., 2009; Hovland & Johannessen, 2018).

Clarke et al. (2009), suggested that students completing study-abroad programs demonstrated greater intercultural proficiency, increased openness to cultural diversity, and were more globally-minded than students who did not participate. The participating students were also likely to perceive themselves as being more proficient, approachable, and open to intercultural communication (Clarke et al., 2009).

Culture shock

"a sudden, unexpected, and surprising set of mainly negative emotions and cognitions associated with encountering a new environment" (Furnham, 2019).

In a seminal article by Oberg (1966), the author takes this definition further by exploring some of the familiar social signs and cues that one has to adjust to when embracing a new culture:

when to shake hands.
what to say when we meet people.
how to make purchases.
when to accept or refuse invitations.
when to take statements seriously or not.

Oberg explains that these signs/cues can take the form of words, gestures, facial expressions, customs, or norms. While growing up in our own culture, these cues are subconsciously acquired. However, in moving into a new culture, we often take for granted the ease and efficiency with which we perform these task in typical daily life. Thus, anxiety may be heightened during this adjustment period.

Improved cultural competence (cont.)

Nursing students who participated in cultural encounters, reflected on their experiences, maintained an open attitude and were willing to step outside their comfort zone (Hovland & Johannessen, 2018). These improvements were reliant on being provided with explanations of aspects they did not understand and having their attitudes challenged (Hovland & Johannessen, 2018).

Homesickness

The Cambridge Dictionary defines home sickness as "the feeling of being unhappy because of being away from home for a long period" (Cambridge Dictionary, 2023).

Personally, I found that these feelings arose when there were events happening at home that I was missing out on. Maintaining contact with friends and family at home via video/audio call helped me to combat these feelings.

Experience working in an allied health team

For both speech pathologists and physiotherapists, the ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines is a requirement set out by their respective codes of conduct (AHPRA, 2022; Speech Pathology Australia, 2020).

Furthermore, working with other allied health team members, broadened my understanding of their roles within the healthcare setting. For example, whilst in Mainz, I attended the Johannes Gutenberg University Hospital and Research Center. Here, I was fortunate enough to view a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Furthermore, through my completion of the project I learnt about programs such as 'LSVT Loud', a speech language therapy for people with Parkinson's. Through these experiences I gained a better understand of the role speech pathologists may play in the areas of both swallowing and voice.

Time (during asynchronous component)

It shouldn't be underestimated the amount of time participating in this project entails. In 2023, as a physiotherapy student, I was required to undertake a core clinical placement during the day and complete Learn.On activities in the evenings. Whilst some allowances were made with reduced placement hours, this was still a busy and somewhat stressful period.

For the speech pathology students, the expectations were similar. However, whilst they were required to complete a 10-day placement alongside the project, days with Learn.On classes were placement-free.

Increased knowledge on design thinking and telehealth application design

Through the lens of the Design Thinking model proposed by Uebernickel et al. (2020), you will begin to unpack the steps involved in creating digital/technological solutions to a problem you have posed. You will begin by identifying a problem, which in the context of Learn.On is related to geriatric healthcare. This process will be followed all the way through to create a solution, which in 2023, was a telehealth application prototype.

Time (during exchange)

The expectations of other work to be completed during the exchange period differed between students based on discipline.

Speech pathology students were required to complete a university assignment during this time, however, received an extension on this task given the circumstances.

As a physiotherapy student, the exchange coincidentally took place during my "block-off", however, adjustments to blocks can be made to facilitate this once selected. Thus, I did not have other work to complete during this time. In 2023, either a theory or placement block was allocated proceeding the project. Considerations on returning flights and the effects of jetlag was required.

Increased knowledge on issues affecting older adults

The primary aim of Learn.On is to create a technological solution to a challenge affecting older adults. Thus, learning about the issues affecting this population is a foundational step in the project.

As previously discussed, this learning took place primarily during the 'Challenge' component of the Design Thinking process, as proposed by Uebernickel et al. (2020). At this stage, we researched the physiological and pathological changes and challenges that impact an older adult population and are amenable to both speech language and physical therapy.

Finances

From a financial perspective, Learn.On 2023 was not out-of-pocket for the La Trobe students travelling to Mainz. However, any additional travel you wish to do comes at your own expense.

It should also be noted, that whilst participating in the project you will have an increased workload (as discussed in 'Time'). Resultantly, you may not be able to complete as much paid work during this time, reducing your earning capacity for the duration of the project.

New friends

When consulting my Learn.On 2023 peers, the majority reported that making new friends was the most enjoyable aspect. Whilst, this process started with the asynchronous sessions, shared experiences and activities during the physical exchange helped to amplify and solidify these friendships.

Jetlag?

This is your item description. Use this space to add a description of the services, products, team members or any other items you want to highlight on your site. Have a lot to say? Easily turn any item into a full page by clicking ‘Create a page from this item’ in the edit panel.

Expanding professional networks

Through the Learn.On experience, professional networks are expanded in numerous ways.

Interdisciplinary networks: by having the opportunity to work with both staff and students in physiotherapy and speech pathology disciplines.

The staff you will work with are leaders in research and education in their respective fields. From the workshops and exchange you will gain valuable insight into up-to-date literature in each discipline.
The students, like yourself, are the future of allied health. Establishing these connections will provide you with a platform from which to start interdisciplinary discussions as you move into your profession.

International networks: by having the opportunity to work with people in both Australia and Germany.

How does this equate to me being a better clinician?

1. Learning skills directly related to clinical expectations of a registered practitioner in both speech pathology and physiotherapy, as set out by their respective Codes of Conduct.

teamwork, collaboration, communication, and cultural encounters.

AHPRA & National Boards Code of Conduct (Physiotherapy) (2022)

Principle 1. Put patients first – Safe, effective and collaborative practice

"practise ... in partnership with patients and colleagues ... to achieve the best possible patient outcomes."

Principle 3: Respectful and culturally safe practice for all

requires "knowledge of how [clinicians'] own culture, values, attitudes, assumptions and beliefs influence their interactions ..."
"communicate courteously, respectfully, compassionately and honestly with patients ..."
"take all practical steps to meet the specific language, cultural, and communication needs of patients and their families, including by using translating and interpreting services where necessary, and being aware of how these needs affect understanding"
"clearly and accurately communicate relevant and timely information about the patient to colleagues ..."

Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics (2020)

Model of Speech Pathology Ethical Practice

"collaborate, engage, advocate and partner with ... colleagues, other professionals, ... to respond to [patient] needs."

1.1 Professional competence

"develop and maintain the skills, knowledge, and partnerships needed to work in culturally responsive ways"
"recognise the characteristics and context, inclusive of cultural and linguistic diversity, which makes each person and community unique"

1.2 Professional Conduct

"clients receive appropriate, timely referrals to enable them to receive comprehensive services"
"provide clear explanations ... to our clients and other stakeholders"

2. Improvement in soft skills that are highly desired by employers

creativity, organisation and time management, autonomy, networking, technology usage, problem-solving, commitment to learning (Andrews & Higson, 2008; Foster et al., 2019; Girish & Amaravadi, 2022; Guerra-Báez, 2019; Laari et al., 2022; Metgud & D'Silva, 2021; Office of Disability Employment Policy, n.d.)
These are skills you won't necessarily have the opportunity to improve or master through standard clinical placements or university work. This may provide a "point of difference" when it comes to job interviews.

3. With an ageing population, more of us are going to need to work with older adults and the issues that affect them.

According to the United Nations (2017), the global population of people aged over 60 years is increasing. This number has more than doubled between 1980 and 2017, when it equated to 962 million. This number is expected to double again by 2050, to reach approximately 2.1 billion.
With this number steadily increasing, practitioners working in healthcare will be more likely to encounter older adults in our practice. This requires two things:

Government policy changes in healthcare to cater for an ageing population; these changes should promote healthy ageing, aim to prevent and treat non-communicable/chronic diseases, and expand access to quality long-term and palliative care (United Nations, 2017).
Clinicians who are passionate about caring for geriatric populations and are willing to show leadership and motivation when in comes to implementing strategies aimed at improving the health of older adults (Mudge et al., 2021).

The best part of the Learn.On Project was working alongside students from a different culture and getting to know them all on a personal level. I feel that we were stronger as a team and came up with a broad range of ideas during the process which allowed us to create a final product that represented the best ideas from all of us. I loved getting to experience another culture firsthand and being shown around by locals. Tasting the local food was definitively a highlight! I look forward to continuing the friendships forged during this project and hope to see many of the German students again when they visit Australia!
If I had to pick one thing that could be improved it would be to include students with expertise in IT and app development to enable us to produce a working app at the end of the project.
But overall, I gained so much from this experience and wouldn’t change it for the world. I am so grateful and have so many memories I will cherish for a lifetime.