Level I Fieldwork in Kaua'i

In January 2025, eight students from the senior class traveled to Kaua’i, Hawaii to complete their Level I fieldwork. Throughout the experience, students immersed themselves in the island’s culture while gaining practice and knowledge of occupational therapy and giving back to the community. Students were placed in various settings to complete fieldwork, including outpatient hand therapy clinics, hospital-based rehabilitation, and orthopedic hand surgery.

Students were also able to complete community service volunteering at Healing Horses Kaua’i, which provides equine therapy for adults and children, and the Missionary Church Food Pantry to help prepare food for those in need. Throughout the various experiences, students were transformed by the people they interacted with, who embraced them with open arms and graciously allowed them into their culture.

Students learned about how occupational therapy services can help improve quality of life and health in a multicultural setting with a unique healthcare system. Students further learned about and applied the Kawa model to their experiences, which is particularly applicable in a setting like Kaua’i, where life is heavily influenced by the physical environment. Students feel that the knowledge and perspective gained on this trip will carry into their future as culturally competent occupational therapists.