5 tips for a successful cross-cultural capstone experience

My journey to Curaçao began in March 2024, when I first visited the island during a global health initiative with my program. That experience opened the door to an incredible opportunity to complete my doctoral capstone there. The island of Curaçao is located in the Dutch Caribbean, just east of Aruba. Curaçao is a small island bursting with vibrant traditions, beautiful landscapes and beaches, and the most welcoming residents. I experienced firsthand the love, kindness, and acceptance of a new culture while growing as a practitioner in the occupational therapy (OT) field.

I conducted my capstone at a school for children with mental and physical disabilities, serving students between the ages of 6 and 21. Overall, there are minimal opportunities for pediatric OT services on the island, and few students qualify for school-based treatment. Additionally, these interventions typically target physical dysfunctions of the upper body with a strong focus on habilitating fine motor 4. skills and handwriting. There is currently limited awareness and opportunities for mental health interventions in the classroom which I recognized as a gap that I could address. My capstone project focused on developing a self-regulation program for students and providing education to faculty and staff to improve student engagement in academic activities.

Throughout my capstone, I learned many things about cross-cultural program development and implementation. Below are my top five tips to navigate this process for future capstone students.

1. Jump out of your comfort zone.

The capstone experience fosters independence as a student practitioner, which can feel awkward as we shift from being a student in the classroom or on fieldwork, especially when living in a different country. Open your mind to new opportunities, experiment with interventions, and focus on developing your future self. Be flexible and understand some things might not work the first time, and that’s ok! Keep trying. Expect the unexpected.

2. Break down the language barrier.

When providing international OT services, you might encounter a language barrier. This creates an additional obstacle; however, OTs are trained in the art of observing and analyzing occupational performance. Therefore, we must capitalize on observation skills such as utilizing activity analyses, reading body language, and interpreting tone of voice. To gather narrative information, seek out and communicate with personnel who speak your language and use translator apps when necessary.

3. Utilize site resources.

When developing interventions, consider the resources your site already has or explore other low-cost, easily accessible items. Additionally, including familiar items may lead to more meaningful and creative treatments. This will promote the continued application of the interventions and ensure sustainability without placing a financial burden on the site or client.

4. Maintain cultural humility.

Learn about the history and culture of your site prior to your arrival and continue to expand your knowledge while living there. Push yourself to attend cultural events, engage in valued traditions, visit museums or historic sites, and have discussions with the locals. Consider incorporating your newfound knowledge into treatment sessions to provide culturally appropriate care. Overall, carry yourself with utmost respect and willingness to understand the core beliefs of your clients.

5. Provide educational opportunities.

Support your faculty and staff! While you are knowledgeable with the concepts you are implementing, they may be new to the site. Be sure to provide site personnel with written and verbal education and information. Some examples include handouts, meetings, workshops, or hosting “office hours” for one-on-one discussions. Remember that the staff will be implementing the program afteryou leave the site. The project’s sustainability depends on the staff’s level of understanding and access to information!

While packing up and moving overseas for 14 weeks seemed daunting at the beginning of this year, I’ve gained invaluable personal and professional growth from my time on the island. I became confident in my ability to utilize the OT process to independently construct and provide client-centered, evidence-based treatment for my target population. I’ve crafted beautiful and lasting relationships with the students and teachers in Curaçao. Lastly, this experience has expanded my worldview, leaving me with a rejuvenated love and understanding for supporting OT in different cultures. I truly believe this cross-cultural capstone experience has played a substantial role in shaping me into the OT practitioner I aspire to be!

Meghan Thies graduated with her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Indiana Wesleyan University in April of 2025. She’s excited to follow in her sister’s footsteps and pursue a career as a pediatric occupational therapist, with an interest in working in acute care. Meghan loves traveling the world, crafting with friends, and spending time with her family and dogs.