International Occupational Therapy Practicum Conducted in Thailand
From February 14 to February 22, 2026, Seirei Christopher University conducted an International Occupational Therapy Practicum in the Kingdom of Thailand. The program was hosted at Chiang Mai University - one of the university’s partner institutions - as well as at its affiliated medical facilities and various local healthcare and welfare organizations. Under the expert guidance of local faculty members and clinical occupational therapists, participating students engaged in an intensive study of occupational therapy practice, academic systems, and community-based support frameworks in Thailand from multiple professional perspectives.
Through a series of clinical visits to elderly care facilities and community rehabilitation centers, students gained a deeper understanding of community support systems spearheaded by local government initiatives. These experiences allowed for a thorough exploration of occupational therapy practices that are intimately connected to the daily lives of residents. The itinerary also included observations of pediatric rehabilitation services and specialized support facilities for children with visual impairments, providing students the opportunity to examine how diverse developmental needs are addressed through integrated practical education and specialized therapeutic support systems.
In addition to clinical observations, the program fostered significant opportunities for academic discussion and cultural exchange with local students. Participants also explored elements of Thai history and religious culture, a process that helped them recognize how healthcare and welfare services are fundamentally linked to their specific social and cultural contexts. By immersing themselves in these environments, students were able to analyze the intersection of traditional values and modern medical practice.
Through this practicum, students did more than study the structural differences in international healthcare systems; they revisited the foundational philosophy of occupational therapy—the support of meaningful activities rooted in the reality of everyday life. By engaging with these diverse perspectives, the participants have further developed the professional competencies and global outlook necessary to contribute as skilled occupational therapists in both domestic and international settings.
▼For additional photos and updates regarding the practicum’s activities, please visit the Department of Occupational Therapy’s official Instagram page.
Through a series of clinical visits to elderly care facilities and community rehabilitation centers, students gained a deeper understanding of community support systems spearheaded by local government initiatives. These experiences allowed for a thorough exploration of occupational therapy practices that are intimately connected to the daily lives of residents. The itinerary also included observations of pediatric rehabilitation services and specialized support facilities for children with visual impairments, providing students the opportunity to examine how diverse developmental needs are addressed through integrated practical education and specialized therapeutic support systems.
In addition to clinical observations, the program fostered significant opportunities for academic discussion and cultural exchange with local students. Participants also explored elements of Thai history and religious culture, a process that helped them recognize how healthcare and welfare services are fundamentally linked to their specific social and cultural contexts. By immersing themselves in these environments, students were able to analyze the intersection of traditional values and modern medical practice.
Through this practicum, students did more than study the structural differences in international healthcare systems; they revisited the foundational philosophy of occupational therapy—the support of meaningful activities rooted in the reality of everyday life. By engaging with these diverse perspectives, the participants have further developed the professional competencies and global outlook necessary to contribute as skilled occupational therapists in both domestic and international settings.
▼For additional photos and updates regarding the practicum’s activities, please visit the Department of Occupational Therapy’s official Instagram page.
■Official Instagram for International Healthcare & Welfare Program of SCU
