Home

Now taking applications for the 2018 Session:

July 9 – August 3, 2018!

The NAPA-OT Field School in Guatemala nurtures leaders in medical and applied anthropology and occupational therapy to promote social justice. Students work intensively in clinical and community settings gaining skill in research, observation, communication, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Within small groups integrating students from occupational therapy and anthropology backgrounds, participants have the opportunity to spend focused research time with faculty in

Water Sustainability | Pediatric Practice | Short-term Medical Missions

Seminars emphasize critical theories in applied medical anthropology, approaches to social and occupational justice, and human rights. Students also study Spanish one-on-one with individual instructors at their own level and pace. Living in a home stay increases language fluency and understanding of Guatemalan culture.

Occupational therapy students may fulfill a portion of their Level II professional degree requirements with approval from their graduate program.

“I truly cannot express how incredible this experience has been between the group of students and professors, the experience of living in Antigua,  and the satisfaction of the research projects. I have been empowered with the ability to understand and critically think in a new way and I think this has really helped me grow personally and professionally.”

—Student 2014

“This school is both challenging and rewarding. It challenges students to think outside typical paradigms and focus on bigger picture structural aspects affecting occupational justice. It rewards them with the meaningful experience of listening and gaining a valuable understanding of a larger society, while teaching an effective approach toward approaching occupational injustices.”

—Student 2013

“This trip was a powerful experience for me. I’ve been on other study abroad trips but this one was really special. I felt so inspired by and close to the other students and our mentors. Everyone was so passionate about what we were learning. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of it.”

—Student 2012

“The field school is an invaluable experience where you will be stretched and challenged, consider and discuss current human rights issues with a historical perspective, receive insightful and nurturing mentorship, and get hands-on experience. The integration of anthropology and occupational therapy provides a unique and comprehensive perspective.”

—Student 2012

“You can read all you want on global health, but until you study it firsthand in an applied context, you can’t say that you truly understand the issues, challenges and potential solutions to health disparities in developing countries. This field school gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in that context and challenges them not only to do in-depth, qualitative research but also to embed their findings in the wider social context, developing recommendations for heath interventions that are practical, culturally-sensitive, and effective.

—Student 2011

“The field school provided me with an all-encompassing fieldwork experience that any placement in the United States would not have been able to provide. Particularly interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural and language exposure.”

—Student 2010

“The NAPA-OT Field School provided a rich and rewarding experience… Prepare to be forever changed!”

—Student 2009