My name is Elina and I am an occupational therapy student from Sweden. I did my fieldwork in Jordan for one month as part of the student exchange program between the University of Lund in Sweden and the University of Jordan. I get the chance to be on different places in Jordan. I was at Al Masar center (pediatric), Jordan University Hospital (neuro/hand), Addiction Center (psychiatric), Al Basheer (neuro/hand) and Royal Medical center (neuro). Dr. Somaya Malkawi, who was my mentor during my time in Jordan, let me be with on a splinting lab lesson. The standard of the splinting lab that Dr. Somaya teaches is similar as we got in Sweden.
At Jordan University Hospital there is many hand cases. There is also some neuro case. The students have their own patients that they treat. There are two occupational therapists at the clinic that they can ask and ask for advice. I liked how one student has a patient who makes a salad for training the hand.
Al Basheer has more neuro cases than Jordan university hospital. The training for these patients is the same as I Sweden but with different conditions.
I get a lot of good experience from Jordan, the students, Dr. Somaya and all the occupational therapists who have worked at the different places. I will bring this to Sweden. I will tell my classmate the differences and similarities, have it in my mind for my future job as an occupational therapist.
I will say thanks to every person I have met for your friendly reception. Thanks to all the students who have shown me Jordan from the best side, taking care of me and translate Arabic to English so I can be a part in the discussions. I will also give a big thanks to Dr. Somaya who gave me the chance to come to Jordan and see what occupational therapy is here.
If you are a student and read this, get inspired and want to see what occupational therapy is in another country I just want to say; Don’t think, do it! You will have this experience with you all your life. You will know a new culture, meet wonderful persons and develop your experience in what occupational therapy is. This is a good chance to do something outside the box. You will also develop as a person who is very valuable for your life.
Thank you
Best regards
Elina!